Established by distinguished professor Dr. Abraham Clearfield, the Professor Abraham Clearfield Materials Science Scholarship has provided a pathway for students in the College of Engineering to pursue their dreams in the field of materials science and engineering.
Joining Texas A&M in 1976, Dr. Clearfield has been committed to enhancing engineering education and innovation and serving as a cornerstone in the personal and professional development of students. Recognizing the pivotal role that materials science plays in engineering., Dr. Clearfield planted the seed for a materials science and engineering graduate program at Texas A&M that would be established in 2013.
Carlos Llamido ’23, a senior materials science and engineering major from Richmond, Texas, embodies the transformative power of Dr. Clearfield’s scholarship. Reflecting on the scholarship, Llamido expresses profound gratitude for the opportunities it has afforded him. With less financial burdens, Llamido has instead focused on his studies and engaged in extracurricular activities, such as the Texas A&M Fencing Club, enriching his college experience and shaping his journey as an engineer.
“This scholarship has helped me cover many of the expenses made last school year which has greatly alleviated further financial stress this year,” Llamido said. “To be able to lift some of the financial burden off of my dad, I’m beyond grateful on what a positive impact this scholarship has on me.”
Junior Juan Daniel Trujillo '25 from McAllen, Texas, has also benefited from Dr. Clearfield’s scholarship. The scholarship provided financial relief for Trujillo, allowing him to focus on diverse academic pursuits with less constraints and paving the way for a promising future.
“This scholarship has impacted my time in college by aiding me in stressing less about my finances and focusing more on my academics,” said Trujillo. “It also relieves some stress from my parents as they do their best to ensure that my financial needs are met while I am away.”
Jenna Pirazzi ’25, an undergraduate researcher and member of Gamma Phi Beta from Castle Rock, Colorado, shares a similar sentiment regarding the positive impact of this scholarship in shaping her academic journey and unlocking new opportunities.
“Receiving this scholarship allowed me to receive in-state tuition and have the financial freedom to study abroad,” Pirazzi said. “I am currently in my exchange semester, and the tremendous personal and academic growth that I have experienced would not have been possible without this scholarship.”
From on-campus research positions to transformative study abroad experiences, Pirazzi's journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of financial assistance.
“It has been such an amazing adventure at A&M from day one,” Pirazzi said.
For senior Lisa Biscamp ’24 from Jasper, Texas, the scholarship has not only provided financial support but also fostered a sense of community and belonging within the College of Engineering.
“Even after graduation it felt like there would still be a community thanks to the Aggie Network,” Biscamp said. “The Aggie Network seemed to be like no other alumni network.”
Through the generosity of donors like Dr. Clearfield, Biscamp has been able to cultivate lasting friendships and forge meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom. More specifically, Biscamp is grateful for the friendships she made within the department.
“Just minutes before the orientation began, a girl, who would become one of my closest friends, sat beside me. We only exchanged greetings that day but on the first day of class we sat next to each other,” Biscamp said. “Three years later and we are now in the same senior design group looking forward to graduation.”
The achievements of these students and Dr. Abraham Clearfield's leadership speak to the transformative power of scholarships in shaping the future of engineering education. Each story serves as a testament to the profound impact of philanthropy within academia, inspiring hope and opportunity for future generations of engineers.
“Professor Abraham Clearfield helped set the groundwork to establish the department and is an inspiration for dedication and hard work,” Pirazzi said.
Dr. Clearfield and generous donors like him continue to pave the way for students to pursue their passions and fulfill their academic aspirations. Through continued support and scholarships, the spirit of Aggieland thrives, empowering students to make lasting contributions to society and leaving an indelible mark on the world of engineering.
“Knowing that the faculty and staff care deeply about the students and this department makes me excited for the future of this department and proud to be a student in MSEN,” said Biscamp.