Abigail Dodson, undergraduate student in Engineering Science and Mechanics, was honored as being named as first runner up to receive the 2012 Joelle Award at a reception and dinner celebration Monday, March 26 at the Nittany Lion Inn.

The Joelle Award for Women in Engineering Leadership recognizes outstanding leadership contributions by a woman student to the College of Engineering. The award is endowed by Jane and Edward Liszka in honor of Jane Liszka’s parents, Joseph and Eleanor Munafo. (Joelle is a combination of their first names). Heather Liszka, daughter of Jane and Edward Liszka, is a 1994 Engineering Science graduate, former SWE president, and founder of SCROUNGE, a computer reclamation program. Heather is currently a family practice physician. The Joelle recipient is an upper-level woman engineer who has an outstanding record of leadership, service, and citizenship that positively affect the climate for women in the College of Engineering and/or in the University.