The Student Competition Advisor Award is for an individual outstanding faculty or staff member, or a group (not to exceed 3) of faculty/staff members in the A. James Clark School of Engineering who have served as exemplary leaders of a student competition team. The awardee(s) will be recognized at commencement for their commitment to leading and mentoring an engineering student design competition team as part of a national or international engineering design competition. The individual(s) receiving the student competition advisor award will be presented with a plaque and a cash award.

Nominations from students, faculty, and staff are hereby solicited. The evaluation factors, as appropriate to the nominee, for determining the award are as follows.

  • Effective leadership, management, and mentoring of diverse and inclusive student competition team.
  • Mentoring effective execution of the engineering design process.
  • Service to the Department, College, and Campus community.
  • Fostering a positive attitude.

Attach the nomination package with these components:

  1. A nomination letter explaining how the candidate meets some or all of the above criteria, or similar attributes.
  2. A maximum of four letters of support from any combination of the following:
  • Nominee’s supervisor
  • Person supervised by the nominee
  • Nominee’s peer
  • Faculty, staff, or student who has had personal experience with the nominee’s service activities

Note that previous nominations will be considered again for up to two additional years, and nominators have the option to withdraw or update the package. Prior recipients are not eligible to be nominated again.

Submit a Nomination

Meet Our 2025 Recipient: Michael Kio

Michael Kio is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Dr. Kio is highly regarded for his leadership and contributions to the 2025 Spaceport America Cup 30k-SRAD Solids team. He helped develop preliminary rocket designs, leading to their success at the 2024 competition. Additionally, he promotes a positive team atmosphere in the Maryland Student Research Program and actively participates in the University Senate as a senator and committee member.

Read More

Michael Kio, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Past Recipients


Top