Page 44 - Penn State Civil and Environmental Engineering Magazine

STUDENT NEWS
Wang named civil engineering student marshal
Yanran Wang was named the civil engineering student marshal for Penn State’s virtual spring commencement on May 9, 2020. She received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with a minor in engineering mechanics.
College of Engineering student marshals are selected for their outstanding academic achievement and contributions to engineering student life.
Jeffrey A. Laman, professor of civil and environmental engineering, was her faculty marshal, an honor chosen by Wang because of Laman’s mentorship and guidance.
“Yanran Wang is among the strongest, most dedicated and driven students I have worked with in my 25 years at Penn State,” Laman said. “Ms. Wang is a model student who brings out the best in her peers, challenging them to reach their full potential.”
Outstanding Students by Technical Area
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering recognized a high honors student in each of the department’s
five research areas. These students
were chosen based on a combination
of their GPA, enthusiasm for a career in the research area, leadership in projects, clubs and other student activities, and experience in research.
Environmental Engineering
MICHAEL VITAL
Geotechnical and Materials Engineering
ABIGAIL COWSER
Structural Engineering and Mechanics
YANRAN WANG
Transportation Engineering
CARTER LELLOCK
Water Resources Engineering
JULIE BATES
Wang worked as a lab assistant with Bernhard R. Tittmann, Schell Professor Emeritus in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, to produce the spray on sol-gel piezoelectric ceramic transducers. She also participated as a research assistant with Michael Hillman,
L. Robert and Mary L. Kimball Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, to develop large deformation simulations using meshfree numerical methods.
While attending Penn State, Wang received the Robert M. Hontz Jr. and Judith C. Hontz Award and was on the Dean’s List every semester.
Wang is the daughter of Junsheng Wang and Xiaoquin Liu. She is a 2011 graduate from Yangzhou High School of Jiangsu Province in Yangzhou, China.
44 CEE NEWSLETTER • VOLUME 36, 2020