Through a recent endowment, Melinda Grace ’87 committed to supporting the establishment of EH EDGE (Engineering Honors Enhancing the Development of Global Engineers), a cohort-based program within the Craig and Galen Brown Engineering Honors Program.
Honors scholars in the College of Engineering are offered opportunities to elevate their education through rigorous coursework, regular engagement with honors faculty and professional development events. The EH EDGE cohort is designed to further empower engineers to be successful, particularly as leaders in a global work environment.
Directed by associate professor Dr. Kristi Shryock, this four-year program aims to cultivate global engineering leaders from Texas A&M University. Through immersive field trips, interactions with industry professionals, study abroad opportunities and exclusive networking events, EDGE seeks to bolster scholars’ confidence in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
“When Dr. Shryock first proposed the idea of a four-year cohort-based program for engineering honors students, her enthusiasm and vision were contagious,” Grace said. “It was an easy decision, and we feel blessed to be a small part of it.”
In just one semester, students in the inaugural cohort have begun framing lessons learned in the classroom around key competencies such as communication, teamwork, self-awareness and critical thinking.
EH EDGE has already given me the unique opportunity to reflect on what kind of engineer, leader and person I want to become.
"EH EDGE has already given me the unique opportunity to reflect on what kind of engineer, leader and person I want to become,” explained Shruti Oruganti, a sophomore computer engineering student and member of the program’s first cohort. “This self-reflection and discourse on the values and skills successful engineers possess has given me a much clearer view of my professional goals.”
Prioritizing leadership development, students in their fourth year will be encouraged to apply their knowledge as EDGE members by serving as facilitators, hosting student development workshops for the entire program, mentoring the next generation of budding engineers.
“Dr. Shyrock is really trying to develop leaders within EDGE,” Grace said. “When individuals know what they're doing, are passionate and have a vision, we just want to add fuel to their fire.”
Scholars in the cohort emphasize the value of being provided with opportunities they may not have had access to otherwise, such as one-on-one mentorship from engineering professionals and a fully funded study abroad trip.
“[The endowment] allows for this wonderful program to be fully merit-based and accessible to students regardless of socioeconomic background,” remarked Janice Thomas, a sophomore computer science major and member of EDGE.
“I am extremely grateful to our generous sponsor for funding four-years’ worth of our global competency and leadership education, and I am certain that the lessons we learn in this program will remain with us throughout our professional careers.”