Reed Awarded Thomas J. Votta Scholarship

2017 Feb 21

Jack Reed, a M.S. student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, is the 2017 recipient of the University of Vermont Graduate College's Thomas J. Votta Scholarship, given to a student who wishes to make a difference in solving environmental problems

Born and raised in the Adirondacks, Reed, from Rainbow Lake, New York, developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a desire to preserve it.

Over time, this evolved into a general appreciation for science, and in 2015 Reed received his B.A. in physics with minors in chemistry and mathematics. He also took many electives related to civil engineering, and knew he wanted to pursue some type of engineering-related career. This prompted him to apply to graduate schools, with his first choice being the University of Vermont due to its reputation and constant stride towards a cleaner environment.

Reed joined the University of Vermont Transportation Research Center in August of 2015, where he began working under Dr. Britt A. Holmen. With her guidance, he has been investigating the effects of oxidized biodiesel fuel on particulate emissions, in hopes to understand any adverse changes that it may have in regards to human health. With a thesis defense in the near future, Reed is working hard experimenting to collect data. Upon completing his studies here at the University of Vermont, he wants to take his passion for improving air quality and alternative transportation fuel and continue to investigate alternatives to fossil fuels combustion.

The funds Reed received from the Thomas J. Votta scholarship will be partially applied to completing his degree at UVM, with the rest going towards a personal research computer with helpful analysis software that can be applied to his research for many years to come.

Reed's hobbies include skateboarding, kayaking, hiking, and other various outdoor activities, as well as listening to music and trying new cuisine.