Meet the PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship's first two recipients who both share a commitment to creating stronger communities through engineering.

2026 Recipient: Brooklynn Roth

Brooklynn Roth is a Civil Engineering student at George Fox University with a passion for creating more connected, sustainable, and equitable communities.

Through her studies, Brooklynn is exploring how public transit, rail systems, and safer bicycle networks can improve mobility, reduce environmental impacts, and expand opportunities for underserved populations. She believes transportation infrastructure has the power to shape opportunity and hopes to design systems that reduce dependence on cars while increasing access for all.

“Access to public transit has been repeatedly shown to be the single biggest factor in an individual escaping a state of poverty. I dream of a future not where the poor drive, but where the rich take the train.”

As an aspiring civil engineer, Brooklynn is committed to building transportation systems that reduce inequality, increase efficiency, and support environmental stewardship. Her vision reflects the growing role engineers play in addressing both climate and social challenges through thoughtful infrastructure design.

2025 Recipient: Morgan Dawkins

Morgan Dawkins, the inaugural recipient of the PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship, is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering with a specialization in construction at Penn State University.

Inspired by her experiences growing up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Morgan became interested in the ways engineering can help communities prepare for and recover from the impacts of climate change. Her work focuses on resilient and sustainable building structures that help protect vulnerable populations from natural disasters and environmental risks.

“Growing up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, I saw the vulnerability of communities like mine to natural disasters. The state's vulnerability, particularly in flood-prone areas like Rocky Mount, really kickstarted my desire to specialize in resilient and sustainable building structures.”

Morgan believes engineers have a responsibility to create solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. Through inclusive design and resilient infrastructure, she hopes to help communities build a safer and more sustainable future.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Brooklynn and Morgan share a common belief that engineering can be a force for positive change. Whether designing equitable transportation systems or resilient building infrastructure, both are focused on creating solutions that help communities thrive in a changing climate. Their work demonstrates the creativity, leadership, and purpose needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our built environment.

PAE is proud to support emerging engineers like Brooklynn and Morgan through the Diversity in Engineering Scholarship and our partnership with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon. Learn more about the PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship and opportunities to support future recipients.