Two Pitt Materials Science Students Receive Ellwood Scholarships
University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering students Margo Levenson and Koh Bauman have received Ellwood Metallurgy Scholarships, which include a paid summer internship. Ellwood, a family-owned metals manufacturer, offers the scholarship to high-caliber, third-year college students studying metallurgy.
Levenson, a Pittsburgh native who continued a family tradition of attending Pitt, became interested in materials science during her first year in the Swanson School after she was introduced to the different engineering fields. “When I learned more about materials science, there was no question. There’s so much you can do with it,” she said.
Last year, she completed an internship with Ellwood and loved it. She had the opportunity to calculate grain sizes for a copper-nickel alloy and to verify if aluminum met forging standards. “Ellwood was a great place to intern,” she said. “I’ve never seen a company provide so much for their interns and give them such opportunities to problem-solve and learn.”
Levenson, who will receive a $25,000 scholarship, is excited to return to Ellwood this summer, where she’ll work with a new team and learn more about metallurgy and the company. “I’m honored to receive this scholarship,” Leveson said. “It’s a great opportunity, and the financial support truly helps.”
Like Levenson, Bauman found his passion in materials science. Bauman grew up outside of Philadelphia, and, as he said, “Living in the Steel City, there’s such a focus on metallurgy, and I got interested in that.”
This summer, Bauman, who will receive a $10,000 scholarship, will intern at Ellwood Aluminum, in Hubbard, Ohio, where he will gain firsthand experience working with aluminum. “My classes have focused more on steel and steel alloys, so I’ll get to expand what I know, seeing up close what’s similar and different. We get the opportunity to work on real projects that we take on ourselves.”
“We’re grateful for Ellwood’s ongoing, generous support of our students,” said Buddy Clark, professor and interim department chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. “They provide valuable financial assistance and hands-on experience that can’t be taught in the classroom. Margo and Koh are incredibly deserving students, and I’m excited for the summer opportunities that await them.”