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Michigan State University
215 Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-355-4720
Fax: 517-432-2892
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Tracy L. Kerchkof 2006 RECIPIENT
John L. & Sarah G. Merriam Scholarship
Tracy L. Kerchkof, senior in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department at Michigan State University, was selected to receive the 2006 John L. & Sarah G. Merriam Scholarship by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), the Society for engineering in agricultural, food and biological systems.
Tracy Kerchkof is the recipient of the scholarship grant presented annually to an ASABE student member enrolled in an ABET or CEAB accredited agricultural/ biosystems engineering program. It is intended for students who have demonstrated a special interest in soil and water engineering. To qualify, students must maintain a grade point average of a least 2.5 (4.0 basis) or equivalent.
As the scholarship recipient for 2006, Kerchkof will receive the $1,000 scholarship grant from Dr. Ajit K. Srivastava, Professor and Chairman of the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, on behalf of ASABE, during the Biosystems Engineering Industry Advisory Board meeting to be held on October 19, 2006
The scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Merriam of San Luis Obispo, California , through the ASABE Foundation.
Kerchkof plans on graduating in May, 2007 with a bachelor's degree in biosystems engineering. According to Kerchkof, "I chose to focus on water conservation because of a personal experience throughout my life with the consequences of ignoring the importance of conservation. To me, the word conservation is often met with hesitation and criticism. For many people, conservation conjures fear of new regulations and unnecessary work. I however would disagree with this negative view. We lose so much when we ignore soil and water conservation in the name of progress and prosperity. Conservation is a gift that we give to future generations so that they can safely enjoy and use the same, and possibly more, of the resources that are available to us now."
During the summers of 2005 and 2006, Kerchkof worked as an engineering intern for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Northeastern Indiana , restoring wetlands and designing grassed waterways. Recent Michigan State University research projects have included researching the infiltration of pathogens from manure into soil and determining the effect direct contact with liquid manure has on forage seeds. Upon receiving her bachelor's degree, Kerchkof said that she would like to go to graduate school to perform applied research in water resources engineering or work for the NRCS or a private consulting firm.
A student member of ASABE, Kerchkof is also a member of the ASABE student chapter at Michigan State . She has received a MSU College of Engineering Service award, Clarence and Thelma Hansen scholarship, and Michigan Stormwater-Floodplain Association scholarship. Other volunteer and enrichment activities include service as a student ambassador for the College of Engineering , vice president of the Michigan State Swing Society, volunteer for the MSU Alternative Spring Break and Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council, and unit assistant for Girl Scouts of Macomb County. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Michigan Alpha Chapter.
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in St Joseph , Michigan , ASABE comprises 9,000 members representing more than 100 countries. ASABE members serve in industry, academia, and public service and are uniquely qualified to determine and develop more efficient and environmentally sensitive methods of cultivating food, fiber, and timber for an ever-increasing world population. For further information, contact ASABE, 2950 Niles Rd , St Joseph , Michigan , 49085 ; 269-429-0300; hq@ASABE.org; www.asabe.org .
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