Lacey Tucker has dreams of serving her country as an engineering officer and finding solutions to the problem of increasing global demand for energy.  Here, she tells us how receiving the Stephen F. Ginn Memorial Scholarship is helping to make her dreams a reality.

What led you to UGA?

“I was going to my community college in my hometown, Ellaville, and I decided I wanted to do more.  I chose UGA because it is the best college in the state.

When and how did you decide to pursue engineering?

“I changed majors from business to engineering because I wanted to be on the frontlines of designing solutions for society’s issues and demands.  And engineering, to me, is the best way to do that – in how it combines science, design, and practical thinking.

Who or what has inspired you in your educational journey?

“My professors and faculty members here at UGA have played a big role in mentoring me and supporting me through school and my career.  Doing research outside of my courses has connected me to some inspiring people and given me direction in where I want to take my work.”

“…engineering is possibly one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.  At the end of a design or project, you step back and see the creation in all its moving parts.”

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of being an engineering student?  What do you enjoy most about engineering?

“Every day is a learning curve.  There are so many areas of focus that the study of engineering can be a lot.  It is something you have to be dedicated to.  That being said, engineering is possibly one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.  At the end of a design or project, you step back and see the creation in all its moving parts.”

What have been your greatest challenges personally as a college student?

“As someone who putting myself through college, my biggest struggle is finding the time to do everything I need and want to do.  I work a decent amount, in addition to my research hours, in addition to my classwork, in addition to just being me.”

“I have had to take semesters off in the past to build up my finances for a comfortable semester, and the Ginn Scholarship makes it possible for me to not have to do that.”

Tell us about how being the recipient of the Stephen F. Ginn Memorial Scholarship has impacted you, educationally and otherwise.

“Scholarships like the Ginn Scholarship are how I am able to go through school.  They cover time, not just fees.  The more funding I have for my school year, the more focused I can be on classes.  I have had to take semesters off in the past to build up my finances for a comfortable semester, and the Ginn Scholarship makes it possible for me to not have to do that.”

What are your plans after graduation?  How do you plan to use your engineering education to solve the world’s grand challenges?

“My calling has always been in service and helping people.  I want to serve my country as an engineering officer in the military, but I also want to continue my education in energy, to find solutions for the increasing demand globally.  Outreach to developing economies in regards to growth and their sustainability is the ideal.”