Garrett Brunell, former McNair Scholar, recently had his manuscript published in the prestigious international journal, “Composite Structures.” Brunell worked with his faculty mentor, Jimmy Kim, assistant professor of civil engineering, for a research project concerning infrastructure rehabilitation with advanced composite materials. Specifically, Brunell has examined behavior of damaged steel beams repaired with carbon fiber reinforced polymer sheets. “The McNair Scholars Program truly inspires promising undergraduate students and fosters competitive professionals. Garrett’s contribution to my research was significant and I am very happy to see his successful achievement,” Kim said. Kay Modin, project director of the McNair Scholars Program, recalls Brunell’s performance, “Following the legacy of Astronaut Ronald McNair of the Space Shuttle Challenger, Garrett, as a McNair Scholar, has been determined to follow his dream. Through core classes in civil engineering, two successful steel bridge national competitions and research work under the mentorship of Dr. Kim, Garrett is one of many McNair achievers continuing a successful journey in graduate education.” Brunell also was a co-captain of the legendary ASCE Steel Bridge Team at NDSU that won the national competition in 2010.
The Ronald E. McNair Scholarship program is intended to help upper-division undergraduate students achieve academic success and increase the number of professors from traditionally under-represented populations. NDSU is one of 14 original universities chosen in 1989 to host the McNair Program established by the United States Department of Education. NDSU students who have earned more than 60 credits with the greatest potential for pursuing graduate studies are encouraged to be part of the scholarship program. Brunell is pursuing his master’s in structural engineering under the direction of Kim.