What distinguishes Ava the most is her character. She reflects the Aggie core values of integrity, loyalty and selfless service. She represents the very best of Texas A&M University and I believe she will excel in the industry, both as an engineer and leader.
Senior Ava Blackburn in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering received the Craig C. Brown Outstanding Senior Engineer Award, the most prestigious recognition given to an undergraduate student by the College of Engineering.
The award is presented to students who exemplify exceptional character and the highest standards of leadership and scholastic achievement. Aggies who receive this honor demonstrate engineering excellence, exhibit selfless service and seamlessly embody the core values of Texas A&M University.
“I was raised to be an Aggie,” said Blackburn. “Both of my parents went to A&M and always encouraged my curiosity and exploration of science. Because my dad is an aerospace engineer, the engineering field was something I always wanted to pursue. I was introduced to petroleum engineering in high school, and thought it sounded interesting. Texas A&M is the best at it, so it made the decision easy.”
During her summers, Blackburn interned with Chevron as a reservoir engineer as well as Hilcorp as a field intern. These internships turned her curiosity and classroom knowledge into practical, hands-on problem-solving.
"What distinguishes Ava the most is her character," said Cathy Sliva, an associate professor of engineering practice in the petroleum engineering department. "She reflects the Aggie core values of integrity, loyalty and selfless service. She represents the very best of Texas A&M University and I believe she will excel in the industry, both as an engineer and leader."
Blackburn also served in student government as speaker of the Student Senate, director of member conduct for Pi Beta Phi and as a delegate for the MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference. She also served on several university committees and is a Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coat.
"My favorite thing about Texas A&M is the community and the people," said Blackburn. “Being involved on campus meant that I got to meet people from all corners of campus with different backgrounds and stories. Seeing how students interact and live our core values is really encouraging; everyone is called to be better here. It's unlike any other university."
Blackburn is currently pursuing the Petroleum Ventures Certificate and will graduate in December. She has accepted an offer upon graduation to join ExxonMobil as a production engineer.
“I got involved because I enjoy serving, but I also wanted to say thank you to Texas A&M,” said Blackburn. “I’ve loved my time here and am so thankful to the department, the professors, the advisors and the undergrad office. They really are our biggest supporters from day one.”