Engineering students and faculty win elite recognition from honor society

The FIU chapter of Chi Epsilon—one of the world’s most prestigious honors society for civil engineering students and professionals—earned recognition last month as one of the top chapters in the United States at the society’s annual conference.

The Panthers were named one of the three top chapters among the organization’s more than 100 chapters (the three winners were not ranked in any order).

This year’s national conference was held virtually.

 "I'm very proud of where we are,” says Ph.D. candidate Francisca Kasubi, the FIU chapter’s president. “Seeing our chapter named one of the best in the nation shows that all our hard work paid off, and it means a lot to know that FIU can compete with and stand out among the best civil engineering students across the country."

The chapter earned the award by demonstrating exceptional commitment to Chi Epsilon’s four pillars: scholarship, character, practicality and sociability.

Their success stems from a variety of initiatives and events organized throughout the year. They hosted professional development sessions, collaborated with other student organizations at FIU and participated in community service projects like beach cleanups.

The chapter also played a leadership role in Chi Epsilon itself when it hosted the Southern District Presidents Meeting, where chapter presidents from across the region gathered to discuss plans and challenges.

"While we all care about academics, we are incredibly committed to community. I've been able to meet new people that I would have never met probably, and this includes both students and people in the professional industry,” says Ph.D. candidate Hellen Shita, who won a scholarship at the convention.

In addition to the overall chapter award, the group’s faculty advisor, Professor Ali Ebrahimian, also earned recognition for being one of the best mentors in the nation.

“At FIU Chi Epsilon, we're trying to develop not just civil engineering graduates, but leaders of the future who can work well with others and solve real-world problems," says Ebrahimian, who is also a member of the honors society.

Chi Epsilon is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious organizations for civil engineers and civil engineering students. The organization has more than 130,000 members nationwide. All undergraduate students seeking membership must be near the top of their class in order to be admitted.

"What really made our FIU chapter stand out in my opinion is our commitment to community engagement and teamwork,” Ebrahimian said. “Our students were truly dedicated to the pillars of Chi Epsilon. They worked hard together and, as a group, they made this happen.”