Two UTSI graduate students—E. Lara Lash and David Surmick—have been awarded the Chancellor’s 2015 citation for 2015 “Extraordinary Professional Promise” honor awards. This honor is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promise in teaching, research or other contributions.

E. Lara Lash

Lash, of Northern Virginia, received her Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College and will graduate with her Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering this spring. Lara plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering from the UT Space Institute. Lara plans to get a job in industry, preferably with the government, to contribute to the exploration of space in propulsion and diagnostic research. Lara is a member of the Student Government Association and leading the effort of continued physical health for the students at UTSI as the Recreation Club and Running Club President.

David Surmick

Surmick, of Reading, Pennsylvania, graduated with his masters in physics from the Space Institute last summer. David is a physics doctoral candidate specializing in atomic, molecular, optical and low temperature physics. He was recently admitted to the PhD candidacy. David would like to continue is work with Sandia National Laboratories, where he has been an intern during the previous two summers. David is serving as the President of the Student Government Association at the Space Institute. This is the second time David has received this award.