March 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO - Hannah Kessler, a PhD student at Georgia Tech, has an exciting year ahead of her.

Kessler is the 2025 recipient of the AISC Education Foundation’s Reidar Bjorhovde Outstanding Young Professional Award. She intends to become a structural engineering faculty member after completing her PhD this spring. Kessler holds a bachelor’s and master of science in civil engineering from Clemson University.

"In addition to Hannah's impressive record of academics, leadership, teaching, and research, Hannah has already taken on an active and impactful role as a mentor to others," said Director of Foundation Programs Maria Mnookin. "Through this award, we are excited to connect Hannah to opportunities, resources, and mentors to further propel her forward in her career as an academic in the steel industry."

"She possesses the qualities, skills, and determination to advance the structural steel industry," said Ryan J. Sherman, PE, PhD, her advisor at Georgia Tech. "Ultimately, I am confident that Hannah will significantly contribute to the field of civil engineering and inspire future generations of engineers."

First, Kessler will attend NASCC: The Steel Conference in Louisville next month, where she’ll learn about the latest innovations in designing and building with structural steel.

Later this year, she’ll get a first-hand look at what goes on between the drawing table and the jobsite through visits to a structural steel mill and a fabrication shop. She'll also attend the November meetings of the AISC task committees responsible for the standards that govern structural steel design and construction.

Kessler described receiving the Bjorhovde Award as "a transformative milestone in my career, offering invaluable opportunities for professional growth and development."

"The connections I will make through this award will be instrumental in shaping my future research and teaching endeavors," she said.

About the Reidar Bjorhovde Outstanding Young Professional Award

Reidar Bjorhovde was a consummate professional, researcher, leader, and enormous contributor to the world's knowledge of steel structures. He had a life-long passion for mentoring bright young professionals, whether in graduate school or just starting out in an engineering career. This award continues that legacy by introducing award recipients to steel industry leaders who will act as mentors and "connectors," much as Reidar did for so many.

The AISC Education Foundation sincerely thanks Nucor, Pat Bjorhovde (Reidar’s widow), and many generous donors who helped establish this award in 2023.