Student recognized with automotive leadership scholarship

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Carmen Bracho in the Experiential Playground and Innovation Classroom


Carmen Bracho, a McMaster fourth-year Mechanical Engineering and Management student, has been awarded a $10,000 Alan Mulally Leadership in Engineering Scholarship from Ford Motor Company.

The awards, which honour the company’s former CEO, are given annually to 10 outstanding students from partnering post-secondary institutions from around the world with an interest in the automotive sector.

The scholarships are designed to support future leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“It was truly an honour to be selected as the recipient of the Alan Mulally Scholarship,” said Bracho.

“For me, it has been a true testament that hard work pays off and has encouraged me to continue to put my best efforts forward. This funding allows me to focus on my studies and my involvement on campus and I am thrilled to be acknowledged by such a recognized and continuously growing company.”

An accomplished student, Bracho has been awarded in the past for her academic achievement and her contributions to the McMaster community. She has earned the Stanley Robertson Scholarship for her contribution to the McMaster Varsity fencing team during her first year of university, the Shimco Scholarship for exemplifying exceptional leadership qualities, and the Dr. Chris Bart Scholarship for obtaining the top sessional average entering Level 2 in any Engineering and Management Program.

Bracho is also a member of McMaster’s extracurricular SAE Baja Racing team, which designs, builds and tests off-road vehicles and competes in racing competitions. Bracho has helped design parts for the vehicle and acted as leader during the team’s ‘shop nights,’ where members gather to assemble parts of the vehicles and machine components.

“Within this past year, I have been able to use my leadership skills to share my knowledge and passion for design with new recruits,” Bracho said of her commitment to the Baja team.

“Throughout the past semester, I have been able to have a larger impact on the team by taking the initiative in the design of the 2017 vehicle.”

Bracho said she plans on continuing her involvement with the team and recruiting more members.

“The goal is to improve on our performances from previous years and land an overall top ten spot for the first time in McMaster history.”

Bracho is leaving for a student exchange in Sydney, Australia from February to July 2017.

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