N.C. A&T Chemical Engineering Senior Recognized as Namaskar Winner

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 19, 2020) – Rashmi Kumari, a chemical engineering major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been recognized as the 2020 Namaskar Award winner during the annual Engineers Week reception and banquet on Feb. 18.

“Of all of the student awards our college gives annually, the Namaskar Award competition is one of my favorites because the well-rounded seniors selected as nominees are excellent scholars, leaders and future professionals,” said Robin Coger, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering.

The award recognizes a graduating senior in either engineering or computer science. During the banquet, each nominee delivered a five-minute speech reflecting on their experiences to more than 200 banquet attendees representing the study body, government and corporate entities.

During her undergraduate career at N.C. A&T, Kumari served as the president of the university’s chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, as well as an ambassador for the University Honors Program. Additionally, she was a dean of pledges for Tau Beta Pi, awarded the Dr. Dorothy J. Harris Exemplary Leadership Award for N.C. A&T, and recognized as a Forbes Under 30 Scholar. 

Through these opportunities, she now confidently and boldly expresses her own ideas and has learned to take constructive criticism. She advises future classes of Aggie engineers and computer scientists to immerse themselves in what A&T has to offer.

Upon graduation, Kumari will be the first woman in her family to become an engineer.

“I can be an example in the community for young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM and to let them know that if they are determined enough, they can be set for greatness,” said Kumari.

The goal of the Namaskar Award presentation and the many professional development opportunities scheduled throughout Engineers Week is to inspire the next generation and prepare it for excellence.

“All of this year’s nominees were excellent, and I am very proud of them,” said Coger. “Congratulations to Rashmi for being a role model for so many and for earning the honor of this year’s Namaskar awardee.”

The other nominees are:

• Joelle Banks, computer science
• Michael Bell, civil, architectural and environmental engineering
• Jeremy R. Crocker, electrical and computer engineering
• Rebecca Hood, industrial and systems engineering
• Daniel Tilley, mechanical engineering