The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at FIU is proud to celebrate Cary Wingard and Michael Odelola, two of its outstanding students, on receiving national scholarships from the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Educational Trust. They are among only 43 students across the country recognized this year by DFI for their academic excellence and commitment to advancing the field of deep foundations. This prestigious honor highlights the caliber of FIU’s engineering program and the dedication of its students to driving innovation in critical infrastructure. Cary and Michael’s achievements not only showcase their own exceptional talent and leadership but also underscore FIU’s role as a leading institution in preparing the next generation of engineers.
Cary Wingard – Undergraduate Student
Cary is a standout undergraduate civil engineering student at Florida International University (FIU), recognized nationally for her academic excellence, leadership, and groundbreaking research in sustainable and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) within the FIU’s NDT-Lab supported by FIU’s OURS Research Initiative. Her innovative work bridges classroom theory with real-world applications, advancing infrastructure solutions championed by federal and state agencies. She has leadership positions in FIU’s student chapters such as ASCE, AISC, and ASCE-SEI having great impact on their success. Honored with the Minority State College Transfer Scholarship, named a 2024 HSF Scholar, and recognized as one of ASCE’s “10 New Faces of Civil Engineering: College Edition” for 2025, Cary exemplifies the next generation of civil engineering leaders. She is not only an exceptional scholar but also a passionate advocate for ASCE and FIU, ready to represent her peers and elevate the university’s position nationwide.
Michael Odelola – Ph.D. Candidate
Michael, a Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service. He leads pioneering research on Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) for pile foundations within the FIU’s NDT-Lab, introducing innovative splicing methods that have already resulted in two patent disclosures. His academic excellence has been recognized with both the prestigious Dissertation Acquisition Fellowship and Dissertation Fellowship from FIU’s University Graduate School. As President of the FIU ASCE-SEI Chapter, Michael has secured critical funding, expanded professional development opportunities, and mentored peers. Beyond campus, he actively volunteers with initiatives like the Bright Mind program, supporting local high school students in overcoming barriers to success. Recently inducted into the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, Michael embodies the values and leadership that define FIU’s commitment to shaping the future of civil engineering.