Trine student wins SWE scholarship

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) recently announced Trine University student Allison Korpi, a chemical engineering major from Gladstone, Michigan, is one of two recipients of its Wolfs Family Scholarship.

The $1,250 renewable scholarship is awarded to SWE collegiate members with home addresses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas or Wisconsin.

It honors four engineers: Karl Wolfs, his daughter, Denise Wolfs, Karl’s brother John Wolfs, and John’s daughter Lorraine Wolfs Minderman.

“When I received notification that I had been selected for the scholarship, I was overcome with gratitude,” Korpi said. “I felt very thankful to be chosen and soon after expressed my appreciation in writing to the donor.”

Korpi has been a member of SWE for three years and learned about the scholarship through Trine’s chapter.

She applied in the spring, filling out an application and submitting two letters of reference and an essay about an innovation in an engineering field.

“I wrote my essay on three-dimensional bioprinters,” she said. “Bioprinters can be used to create living tissues, implants and organs. I have always had a passion to help others, and with the continuous improvement of bioprinters, I think they will become increasingly beneficial to those awaiting organ donors.”

Korpi plans to do research in the biofuels industry once she graduates.

“I would like to encourage students to apply for scholarships, even if it seems like a longshot,” she said. “You never know if you don't try!”

The SWE exists to give women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. The organization seeks to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion.