George and Dixie Shirley Award Grad Fellowship to Derek Swartzendruber

Derek Swartzendruber, a master's degree student in environmental engineering, was named the 2017 recipient of the George and Dixie Shirley Graduate Fellowship.

"It was a real pleasure to meet George and Dixie in person," said Swartzendruber, who is conducting research into biological wastewater treatment. "They were very gracious and offered a lot of wisdom in our conversations. I feel honored to have been selected for this award."

The award recognizes an outstanding first-year graduate student pursuing a degree in sanitary or environmental engineering.

"With the education I am receiving at the University of Arizona, I hope to work in the development of water sustainability in Arizona and other water-scarce areas," Swartzendruber said.