2025 Engineering & Applied Sciences Student Award Winners

Andrew Toussaint
Fruit of the Loom Outstanding Computer Science Graduate Student

As a graduate student Andrew has demonstrated proficiency in developing his own computer science knowledge as well as that of other students. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and served as a teaching assistant for CS 180 and a graduate assistant instructor for CS 170. His thesis and research work focus on understanding how emerging technologies such as neural networks can be leveraged in an educational context to provide insights into student learning through knowledge tracing and cognitive diagnosis. After graduating, Andrew plans to continue pursuing this research by earning a Ph.D. in Computer Science in order to develop applications that improve education quality and access.

Abigail Abrams
Outstanding Senior in Architectural Science

Abby is completing a dual degree in Architectural Science and Visual Studies and is a member of the Mahurin Honors College. During her time at WKU, she has served as the President of the Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter and the Recruitment and Events Chair for the PCAL Dean’s Council of Students. Abby has also studied Sustainable Architecture in Italy and received a FUSE Grant to attend a Sustainable Urban Development Conference in Berlin, Germany. She completed an Honors CE/T on Sustainable Lighting Design and is graduating Summa Cum Laude. After graduation, she will be pursuing her master’s in Architecture.

Caitlyn Blandford
Outstanding Senior in Architectural Science

Caitlyn is a senior from Owensboro majoring in Architectural Science. She has been highly involved in WKU Spirit Masters, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Ambassadors. She currently works on campus as the CAD Lab Assistant, as well as off-campus at The Spot fitness studio. As a WKU Cherry Presidential Scholar, she has managed to do it all: Studied abroad in Florence, Italy, presented research along with Dr. Mansour at the EPA conference, and interned full-time in Spring 2023 in Tennessee, all while remaining involved on the Hill. Caitlyn has accepted a full-time position as an Architectural Designer at Morley following graduation.

Joshua Oliver
Outstanding Senior in Civil Engineering

Joshua is from Knox County where he graduated with highest honors from Corbin High School in 2021. He is the child of Brian and Jennifer Oliver and is married to Rayna Oliver. While at WKU, he has been a member of Tau Beta Pi and ASCE. He enjoys watching old movies, playing video games, and reading.

Jackson White
Outstanding Senior in Computer Information Technology

Jackson is a Bowling Green native and a senior at WKU. It was not until starting college that he realized he had a passion for computers and technology. Jackson currently works for Houchens Insurance Group as an intern and has gained a ton of experience and knowledge about the IT world. He is excited to experience the development and growth of technology and be able to work and incorporate his knowledge to influence other people’s lives in a positive way. WKU has been a huge help in enabling Jackson to accomplish his goals, and he would recommend WKU to anyone.

Ben Uhls
Outstanding Senior in Construction Management

Ben is from Louisville and graduated from St. Xavier High School with no idea what he wanted to do for a career. It wasn’t until some family friends told him about project management that he decided Construction Management was the route to follow. After graduating, Ben will be working at Calhoun Construction full-time as a field engineer. He is excited to start in May.

Eric Comp
Outstanding Senior in Engineering Technology Management

Eric works as a Lead Machinist for a metallurgical testing lab in Louisville. He is currently working through his second career and the Engineering Technology Management program is a part of that. His first career, and still a current side-hustle, is as a Blacksmith/Farrier, which he did full-time for 30 plus years. This took Eric all over the country where he met many interesting people. Eric has an associate’s degree in Computerized Manufacturing and Machining and Welding Technology. Eric is hoping that the ETM degree will lead him into a management position.

William (Kaden) McNear
Outstanding Senior in Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Kaden is a senior from Campbellsville majoring in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. He would like to personally thank those who have invested their time and effort into his education the last four years and thank the faculty and staff for nominating him for such an honor. He is forever grateful for this award, knowing there are others just as deserving of it as himself. Western Kentucky University has empowered him to be successful and strive to achieve greatness, no matter the endeavor he may choose.

Matthew Polak
Fruit of the Loom Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Computer Science

Matthew is a Computer Science major graduating Summa Cum Laude in May. He works with WKU’s IT department developing features for the iWKU app and volunteers as a technology assistant at his church. This semester, he has focused on personal coding projects and preparing for a career in software development. He is also considering pursuing a graduate degree in Computer Science. With a strong academic record, professional experience, and a passion for technology, Matthew is excited to take the next steps toward a successful future in the tech industry.

Ghanem Taher
John Russell Award in Electrical Engineering

Ghanem is an international student from Kuwait and a senior pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. Because of his initiative and technical leadership, he introduced open-source circuit simulation software to EE faculty and students. He has taught many students Qucs-S software in class and assisted with group projects and individual students. Additionally, he independently designed and built complex circuitry from scratch for a challenging senior project. Ghanem plans to pursue a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering after graduation.

Mason Owens
John Russell Award in Mechanical Engineering

Mason is set to graduate from Western Kentucky University’s Mechanical Engineering program in May. Originally from Bowling Green, he chose to attend WKU because he heard many great things about WKU’s Mechanical Engineering program. Throughout his time at WKU, he became involved on campus as a member of Tau Beta Pi, and he has also recently passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. After graduation, he plans to continue living in Bowling Green and working for a nearby company while gaining valuable experience as he pursues his goal of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.

Lonnie Shirah
Cody Mahan Award for Academic Excellence in Electrical Engineering

Lonnie earned an associate’s degree in Applied Science from South Central Kentucky Community College in 2014, specializing in Robotics and Automation. He has 17 years of experience at Logan Aluminum and spent a decade in electrical maintenance and automation before deciding to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Lonnie plans to continue growing within Logan Aluminum, taking on larger projects and making a lasting impact. Lonnie is an outstanding student and will graduate with his B.S. in December 2025.

Taylor Richardson
Evan McCasland Award in Mechanical Engineering

Through her college career Taylor has found herself growing her resume and getting involved largely across campus. Her involvement includes Greek Life, — Kappa Delta Sorority, Order of Omega, Rho Lambda —American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Women in Engineering, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors, Homecoming Queen nominee, and more. While keeping strong campus involvement and being a devoted student, she has also continuously had an internship with General Motors-Corvette Assembly and now Sherwin Williams-Coil Coating Manufacturing Plant. In the future, she plans to continue her work at Sherwin Williams as a Process I Engineer.