WMA AWARDS 2020
Russ Beamer Scholarship
Each year, the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) travels to the Wyoming State Science Fair on the campus of the University of Wyoming to observe and evaluate dozens of entries from around the state. Traditionally, WMA pays close closely to projects dealing with natural sciences and the environment, with an emphasis on those relating to mining, natural resource development and reclamation. However, in today’s environment we are also looking at those projects addressing the challenges of carbon capture and storage. Those students with the best entry are awarded the WMA Russ Beamer Scholarship for their work.
The winner of the 2019 WMA Russ Beamer Scholarship is Shelby Davis of Newcastle, Wyoming. Currently a Senior at Newcastle High School, Shelby won the scholarship for her continued work on carbon sequestration in concrete. This is the second year she has won the scholarship.
Shelby’s project recognized the critical need for carbon capture and sequestration to control carbon dioxide emission while also removing plastic material from the environment. Specifically, her project looked at how the addition of plastic aggregates to concrete affected CO2 absorption and the durability of the concrete. Her research found that The Russ Beamer Scholarship Fund was established in the by adding plastics to concrete, the material became more early 1980’s and is named after WMA’s first executive direc- flexible and absorbed more carbon dioxide. tor. The $500 prize is awarded to a Wyoming student each year at the State Science Fair for use at the University of The Wyoming mining industry can be proud of this year’s scholarship winner. Shelby’s project demonstrates a Wyoming or an institution of their choice. unique commitment to developing practical solutions to In some years, multiple scholarships have been awarded. real problems that may someday provide real benefits to The scholarship fund is strong and will be able to provide carbon capture efforts in Wyoming. She intends to continfinancial support for worthy students for many years to ue to pursue her research in college, and we wish her luck in her future endeavors! come.
Congratulations to Shelby Davis, this year’s WMA Russ Beamer Scholarship Winner!
18 | The 2020 Mining Claim
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