Students win BASF Engineering scholarships

Two mechanical engineering at Southern University and A&M College have each received scholarships worth $2,500 from BASF, the university announced this week.

This is the sixth year BASF has provided annual scholarships to Southern University in Baton Rouge students as part of the company’s outreach and workforce development efforts in Louisiana.

Alasiah Floyd and Darrell Moses, Jr. were recognized for excellent grade-point averages and active participation in campus and community organizations.

"This gift from BASF is further proof of their commitment to our community and is an investment in the workforce of Louisiana,” said Ray L. Belton, Southern University president-chancellor in a statement. "This funding will be beneficial to the success of our students as they pursue careers in engineering and industry, which are essential in the progression of this global society."

BASF’s manufacturing sites near Southern University employ nearly 2,000 people and invest approximately $300 million in Louisiana through annual payroll, purchases, taxes and charitable contributions, the company said.

Floyd, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, completed a summer Research Internship with the National Science Foundation’s Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology program. She also volunteers in local robotics and art camps and tutors classmates in engineering, mathematics, and physics. Floyd is a member of the Southern University Honors Program, NSBE, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Moses, a junior mechanical engineering major, recently completed an internship with BASF in Freeport, Texas. He has also gained experience by studying abroad on a Water Purification Research Project sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Southern University’s International Research Experience for Students Program. Moses is a mentor and tutor to several groups including student-athletes at his former high school and students at the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition. He is an active member of NSBE and ASME, a Dean’s List Scholar and is in the Honor's College.