Erica Hennings, a recent graduate of the environmental engineering program at Cal State Fullerton, has been selected for a fully funded doctoral program at the University of British Columbia, beginning fall 2025. Her academic journey is further distinguished by prestigious accolades, including the Civil Engineering Excellence Award, President’s Academic Excellence Initiative Ph.D. Award and a competitive Graduate Research Assistantship.
Known for her interdisciplinary approach and academic excellence, Hennings has established herself as a standout scholar in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. At CSUF, she was named an ECS Dean’s Scholar and received multiple honors, including the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship and the Civil Engineering Excellence Award. These achievements reflect both her scholarly ability and her commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering.
Hennings worked closely with Sudarshan Kurwadkar, professor of civil and environmental engineering at CSUF, who played a vital role in guiding her academic and research pursuits. With his mentorship, Hennings secured the prestigious American Indian Science and Engineering Society Indigenous Voices Project Scholarship. This award enabled her participation in the 2025 Botanical Society of America Conference in Palm Springs.
The BSA conference, themed “Botany Without Barriers,” brought together diverse voices in science, with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship. Reflecting on her experience, Hennings said, “Participating in this wonderful conference was eye-opening. I met many people from Indigenous communities, researchers and field scientists dedicated towards preserving Indigenous culture through environmental policy, science and advocacy.”
Her involvement at the conference highlighted her unique blend of ecology, education and engineering.
“Attending this conference aligns closely with my pursuit of higher education,” said Hennings. “My background in biological sciences and education has inspired me to integrate ecological awareness into engineering systems to tackle the environmental challenges our society faces.”
In recognition of her innovative research and holistic approach, Kurwadkar said, “With her passion for environmental engineering and interdisciplinary studies, Erica is sure to make a significant impact in the field. I am confident that she will succeed in her doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia.”
Hennings’ selection for this competitive doctoral program marks an important milestone in her academic career and signals her continued contribution to sustainable environmental solutions through research, collaboration and advocacy.