Civil Engineering Doctoral Student Received P.E.O. Scholarship

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Julia Loshelder, civil engineering doctoral student

Julia Loshelder, a civil engineering Ph.D. student, has been selected as one of 110 female doctoral students from a pool of 825 nominees in the United States and Canada to receive a $20,000 Scholar Award from the Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood, a U.S. based organization that provides educational opportunities for women.

Established in 1991, the P.E.O. Scholar Award was established to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing doctoral-level degrees at an accredited college or university. Recipients are a select group of women chosen for their high level of academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to service and potential for having a positive impact on society.

Loshelder's research focuses on the development and use of remote sensing to determine soil properties, primarily soil water content and soil solution. She is specifically using light reflectance and cobalt chloride paper to determine soil water content and relative humidity to determine soil solution.

In addition to her research on soil properties, Loshelder is also investigating the implications of and mitigation methods for quick clay landslides in Norway. This is being conducted as part of a one-year study abroad experience at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.

Loshelder's research is highly innovative and has the potential to make a significant impact on the field of civil engineering.

She thanked the P.E.O. Sisterhood and its Blytheville chapter, her sponsor, for the support and encouragement.

"This award speaks to both past accomplishments and potential future impacts of my work within geotechnical engineering, a career with relatively few women. I am grateful for the support provided by the women in this organization who are investing in my future career. I am also appreciative of my advisors and mentors who have supported me in my research career from day one," she said.

Civil engineering professor Rick Coffman and associate professors Michelle Barry and Clint Wood all wrote letters of recommendation on Loshelder's behalf.

About the Department of Civil Engineering: The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas was established in 1897 when the College of Engineering made clear the separation of civil and mechanical engineering degrees. The department maintains an accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and ranks in the top 10 percent of civil engineering schools nationwide according to Best Engineering News. The department earned more than $7 million in research awards for fiscal year 2022, while our graduates earn a starting salary averaging $68,000. To learn more about the Department of Civil Engineering, please visit our website.