Civil engineering graduate gets full scholarship at Stanford
New graduate Steve Cranford sounds excited.
Although he’s has enjoyed his experience at Memorial, when
asked, he also has no problem listing off the many things
he’s looking forward to at his new university. Mr.
Cranford has received a full scholarship to do a master’s
in engineering at Stanford University.
In March he made a trip to Stanford and describes the campus as “a dichotomy of old and new with grounds and buildings that are architecturally beautiful, with mosaics and art pieces throughout campus.” But Mr. Cranford was also amazed that the campus has a very modern vibe, which includes a library with no books; only computer resources where students can check out the latest PlayStation or X-Box games. Stanford is, after all, located in the famous Silicon Valley, birthplace of the computer and high-technology industry. “I suspect I will have to get a pedal bike as soon as I arrive, as at any one time, there are approximately 12,000 bikes on campus and there are only about 13,000 students."
Mr. Cranford has received the maximum scholarship available for students in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stanford. It’s a combined School of Engineering/Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Fellowship for a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering - more specifically in computational mechanics and innovative materials. To qualify for the scholarship, students have to be admitted to Stanford’s Department of Civil Engineering, have an excellent undergraduate record as well as graduate record examination test scores, a statement of purpose outlining research objectives and professional goals, and letters of reference. Qualifications are then ranked among all applications and fellowships were offered to the most qualified students. Not an easy task.
Mr. Cranford says he was extremely surprised and excited. “My goal was to pursue a master’s program at one of the top ranked universities in North America, but the finances required are exigent, to say the least. I was accepted at a few other schools, but without any funding offers.” He says it was tough to decide if the expense was worth it, and he was considering other options, including universities in Canada. “Upon receiving the offer from Stanford, I was elated. This fellowship is allowing me to pursue one of my dreams, and I am looking forward to the challenges and experiences that lie ahead.”
“I had many discussions with professors, and academically, Stanford seems very open and challenging. The program I am entering is set up in such a way that I can curb my academics towards any area of my choice. Research under a supervisor is not required, but allowed and encouraged if the student is interested,” said Mr. Cranford. “The professors do not have to drive their students, as the student body is largely self-motivated and extremely competitive. Constraints are removed and creativity is encouraged.” Although there are about 3,000 engineering graduate students at Stanford, there are only about 60 students in the Structural Engineering program with their own building, complete with labs, classrooms, and offices.
The award is for a nine-month 2006-2007 academic year, and can be renewed depending on his success there. It is valued at $55,700, covering three-quarters of tuition, as well as a monthly stipend of $2,275. Mr. Cranford has received 12 scholarships during his undergraduate degree here at Memorial from the Faculty of Engineering, Memorial University, and the Provincial Government, totaling approximately $25,000 over six years.
