UNM Engineering student awarded 6 scholarships

Barsha Khanal, an international undergraduate student in the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, has received six scholarships and awards, totaling $9,500, for academic and research excellence this year.

As a student from Nepal, the scholarships reduce the financial burden of Khanal's education and allow her to focus on coursework, research, leadership and professional development.

"More importantly, receiving support from different engineering organizations motivates me to continue working hard and contributing to the engineering community. I am very grateful to the donors and organizations who believe in and support students like me," Khanal said. "Their support encourages me to make the most of my education and, in the future, give back to other students and the engineering community."

Khanal is an undergraduate student worker in the lab of Maryam Hojati, associate professor in the CCEE department, with a focus on geopolymer materials and sustainable concrete. She is also the secretary of the UNM American Society of Civil Engineers, social media manager for the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, and the former vice president of the Nepali Students Association. She previously represented UNM at the ASC Regions 6 and 7 Heavy Civil Competition in Reno, Nevada.

After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school to continue research in structural engineering. Her long-term goal is to develop more sustainable and innovative materials for civil infrastructure.

The scholarships Khanal has received this year are:

• 2026 New Mexico Solid Waste Association of North America, Roadrunner Chapter Scholarship Award
• 2026 AGC-New Mexico Building Education Foundation/Be Pro Be Proud Undergraduate Scholarship
• 2026 AGC-New Mexico Building Education Foundation/Be Pro Be Proud Empower Her: Women of Construction (Dr. Deb) Scholarship
• Structural Engineers Association of New Mexico Outstanding Junior Student Scholarship & Award
• 2026 UNM Information Technologies Ann Myers Scholarship
• Institute of Transportation Engineers New Mexico Section Jerome W. Hall, Ph.D., P.E. Memorial Scholarship

In the Spring 2026 semester, Khanal was honored with the CCEE Outstanding Junior Award at the School of Engineering's annual student awards ceremony.