Scholarships

For many years, the Air and Waste Management Association Great Basin Chapter has helped students with their education. Awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in the fields of air quality, waste management, environmental management/law, or sustainability is a focus of the Chapter.  Each year we commemorate the scholarship recipients at our annual dinner. 

Scholarship Recipients

2026 Scholarship Winners

Aaron Hanson, University of Utah

Aaron Hanson is a senior at the University of Utah studying Chemical Engineering. He recently completed his role as an Energy and Environmental Intern at Novva Data Center. Previously, he worked with KairLab, where he helped raise public awareness of local air quality by developing a low-cost sensor network and sharing important findings with local high schools. Aaron is passionate about developing sustainable energy solutions and plans to pursue graduate studies focused on energy and environmental challenges.

Alexis Harper, Brigham Young University

Alexis Harper is a PhD candidate in Analytical and Atmospheric Chemistry at Brigham Young University. Her research focuses on studying atmospheric processes that affect ecosystem and human health. Her work includes investigating mercury oxidation and atmospheric reaction mechanisms through controlled environmental chamber experiments and advanced analytical measurements, as well as identifying sources of dust in the Salt Lake Valley using elemental and isotopic measurements to better understand the composition and transport of particulate matter. Through her research, she seeks to improve our understanding of atmospheric processes and their environmental impacts. Her long-term goals include continuing to study atmospheric chemical processes to help advance our ability to understand, address, and mitigate environmental challenges.

Nina Tasic, Utah State University

Nina Tasic is a master's student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University and a Graduate Research Assistant at the Utah Water Research Laboratory. Her research examines the spatial and temporal variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Utah communities using passive and dynamic air-sampling methods. She has also contributed to the Utah Dust Observation and Research Network through a temporary position with the Utah Division of Air Quality, where she supported the development of an interactive dust map. Nina is dedicated to helping communities better understand their environmental risks and, after completing her degree, plans to pursue a career in environmental consulting focused on air quality and public health.

Sishir Dahal, University of Utah

Sishir Dahal is a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, where he works with the Holmes Lab exploring extreme air pollution episodes and atmospheric processes. His research projects focus on estimating wildfire smoke PM2.5 concentration for the Contiguous United States and examining how meteorological conditions, emission sources, and regional transport interact to influence severe air pollution in South Asia. Before his doctoral studies, Sishir worked with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), contributing to regional air quality research using satellite and ground-based observations. His long-term aspirations include advancing the scientific understanding of air pollution and fostering sustainable communities by translating environmental data into knowledge that supports more effective air quality management.

2025 Scholarship Winners

  • Michael Davies, Utah State University

  • Tanner Rima, University of Utah

  • Junjie Tang, Utah State University

2024 Scholarship Winners

  • Tristalee Mangin, University of Utah

  • Callum Flowerday, Brigham Young University

  • Laura Lundahl, University of Utah

  • Alli Brown, Weber State University

2023 Scholarship Winners

  • Amber Allen, Brigham Young University

  • Yunzhi Chen, University of Utah

  • Anjan Goswami, University of Utah

  • Himalaya Sapkota, Utah State University

2022 Scholarship Winners

  • Jingting Huang, University of Utah, PhD Chemical Engineering

  • Victoria Krull, Utah State University, MS Environmental Engineering

  • Mason Robinson, Brigham Young University, BS Chemical Engineering

  • Ellie Safaei, University of Utah, PhD Chemical Engineering

2020 Scholarship Winners

  • Motasem Abualqumboz, Utah State University, MSc Civil and Environmental Engineering

  • Christopher Rapp, University of Utah, BS Atmospheric Sciences and BS Mathematics

  • Catherine Myer, Weber State University, BS Applied Environmental Geoscience

2019 Scholarship Winners

  • Claudia Wiese, University of Utah, B.S. Biology; Environmental and Sustainability Studies; Latin American Studies

  • Danielle Beatty, University of Utah, B.S. Materials Science and Engineering

  • Kamaljeet Kaur, University of Utah, B.S. Chemical Engineering

  • Katrina Le, University of Utah, B.S. Chemical Engineering

  • Sydney Boogaard, University of Utah, B.S. Environmental and Sustainability Studies; Health, Society and Policy

  • Zachary Wilhelm, University of Utah, B.S. Chemical Engineering and Business Minor