Leila Aboharb, a junior Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics student at Drexel University, received the 2013 Charles T. Main Student Section Gold Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for her outstanding contributions to the society.
The Charles T. Main Gold Award is the American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s highest recognition given to students. Established in 1919 in honor of the 37th President of the society, the Charles T. Main Award recognizes, at the society-wide level, student members who are active in public service and whose leadership and service qualities have contributed to the operation of a student section of the society.
Aboharb will receive a $3000 honorarium, a gold medal, certificate and travel expenses to attend the awards presentation at the society’s national congress and exposition in San Diego in November.
In addition to serving as chair of the Drexel University chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the society’s Student District Operating Board for District A, she is one of the founding volunteers for the Women in Aerospace and Technology Program, a program to promote science, technology, engineering and math education to young students. She also serves in leadership roles in several other student organizations.
Aboharb will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics in June 2014 and plans to continue her involvement with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers throughout her career. She intends to continue emphasizing the need for volunteering and contributing to the community.
She is the fourth student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics to win the Charles T. Main Gold Award. Previous winners have included past chairs of the society’s student chapter.