Essay Contest/Luncheon

Organized by the Geotechnical Student Organization of Virginia Tech (VT-GSO) and sponsored by the Center for Geotechnical Practice and Research (CGPR)

Essay Deadline:  5:00PM, Wednesday, 9/30/09

Luncheon: 11:30AM, Wednesday, 10/07/09, Location TBA

Essay Contest Instructions:

Select one of the two topics provided below and write an insightful essay limited to two pages.  Please format the text of the essay using size 12 Times New Roman font, 1.5 spacing, and 1 inch margins.  The top of the first page should indicate which topic was selected, your name, and contact information.  Any cited references should be included on a separate works cited page (not counted towards essay length) attached at the end of the essay.  Submit the essay electronically in Word or PDF format by the deadline to: gsoessaycontest@gmail.com 

Topics:

1.      Select an aspect of America’s aging civil infrastructure and describe the various challenges geotechnical engineers will face and the solutions they may use when the time comes for rehabilitation or replacement. 

2.      Discuss the impacts of suburban sprawl on geotechnical engineering design and construction.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate engineering students at Virginia Tech.

Awards:

Essays will be evaluated by the GSO and the top five will be awarded at the levels listed below.  Winners will be announced at the GSO luncheon; attendance is recommended but not required. 

1^st prize, $300 scholarship

2^nd prize, $100 scholarship

3^rd prize, $100 scholarship

4^th prize, $100 scholarship

5^th prize, $100 scholarship

*Scholarships can be considered income, check with the financial aid office to ensure your financial aid will not be adversely affected by scholarship acceptance.