Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences

Mikowicz Wins Two Prestigious Scholarships

Lexi Mikowicz was selected by the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) as the recipient of this year’s Jimmy Wigglesworth Scholarship Endowment. Jimmy Wigglesworth was a leader in the South Carolina water industry. He was an active member of the WEASC for over 30 years and served as president, on the nominating and conference planning committees, Chairman of the Capital District, and in many other capacities. The goal of this scholarship is for recipients to continue his legacy through education and research, especially related to the provision of clean water and a healthier environment for all citizens.

Lexi at work for ReWa at the Lower Reedy facility.
Lexi at work for ReWa at the Lower Reedy facility, helping out with a project involving the anaerobic digester system used for sludge treatment.

Lexi is also this year’s winner of the Legacy of Learning Scholarship awarded by the South Carolina Section of the American Water Works Association (SCAWWA). Awardees must be interested in working on an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree in a field related to water and/or the environment, including engineering, maintenance, or management. This scholarship is further recognition of Lexi’s potential to positively impact water quality in the state, region, and country.

Lexi is a junior majoring in Environmental Engineering, so she readily aligns with the goal of the scholarship. She is currently on her third of four co-op rotations with Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) in Greenville, SC. Lexi stands out among her peers because she is participating in a “2 + 2” dual education program between Lander University and Clemson University. This program allows students to begin their academic career by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at a partner institution while preparing for an Engineering degree from Clemson University. After two years, successful students transfer to Clemson to finish the degree requirements for one of Clemson’s 11 Engineering Bachelor’s degrees. Upon completion, Lexi will receive her Environmental Engineering degree from Clemson University.

Lexi will receive both awards at the opening session of the 2024 South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC) at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center, held from March 10-13, 2024. Congratulations to Lexi!