AAE student named Bruce Helfert Memorial Award winner
An AAE student was named the outstanding junior in the Purdue University College of Science or College of Engineering for 2021.
Joseph Kirchhoff was selected as the recipient of the annual Bruce Helfert Memorial Award, given to a junior who demonstrates academic excellence and social concern. The Helfert family established the memorial award in memory of their son, who graduated from the College of Science in 1964. The award includes $2,750 that will be applied to the upcoming fall semester.
Recipients of the award exhibit an understanding of science and technology and the effects of science and technology on humankind, the criteria state. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.
Kirchhoff is dedicated to research and work with Professor Byron Pipes at the Composite Manufacturing & Simulation Center where Kirchhoff works with a team to investigate continuous fiber additive manufacturing and thermoplastic plate warpage behavior. He is returning to The Boeing Company this summer for a second internship with composite studies.
As a leader of Boilers in Action — part of the Civic Engagement and Leadership Department — Kirchhoff he has organized multiple service events on campus, including MLK Jr. Day of Service, and supported the Environmental Justice Symposium. He was the industrial committee chair for the Purdue chapter of Sigma Gamma Tau, the national aerospace honor society.
“Thank you to the Helfert family and scholarship committee for awarding this scholarship, enabling me to dive deeper into my research, academics and civic engagement,” Kirchhoff said.