CEAT announces 2025 W.W. Allen Scholars
Monday, July 21, 2025
Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu
The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University has named Camden McDonald of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, as the 2025 recipient of the W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Club Scholarship, one of CEAT’s most prestigious student awards.
McDonald, who plans to study aerospace engineering, was selected for the scholarship based on his academic achievements, leadership qualities, commitment to community service and active involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville. The scholarship awards $15,000 annually for up to four years and includes additional funding for enrichment activities and domestic and international travel experiences.
McDonald began volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club STEM Lab in fall 2023, tutoring students of all ages in math and problem-solving. His innovative teaching techniques and consistent mentorship have helped students gain confidence and succeed in challenging academic areas.
“Volunteering in the STEM Lab has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” McDonald said. “I didn’t expect how much the Boys & Girls Club would impact my own growth, not just as a tutor but as a leader and mentor.”
What started with tutoring a few struggling students has grown into a deep commitment to serve and inspire others through education. “When I first arrived, they just called me, ‘Volunteer,’” McDonald recalled. “But by showing up consistently and investing in each student’s learning journey, I earned their trust, and now they all know my name.”
McDonald’s passion for aerospace engineering was sparked by a WWII documentary on the engineering breakthroughs behind the V-1 and V-2 rocket systems.
“Seeing how engineers solved complex problems to achieve flight helped me realize I wanted to be part of something that pushes the limits of technology,” he said.
While at OSU, McDonald plans to take full advantage of hands-on learning opportunities like the university’s ENDEAVOR Lab and national engineering competitions such as the Spaceport America Cup. “My goal is to graduate as a well-rounded engineer equipped to tackle real-world problems, both in the lab and in life,” he said.
Looking ahead, McDonald aspires to work for Lockheed Martin and contribute to projects that expand the boundaries of aerospace technology and national defense. He also hopes to give back to the community by founding a tutoring program that supports students in STEM subjects and fosters a love for learning.
“Camden represents the spirit and purpose of the W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Club Scholarship-a student who uses their talents not only to achieve but to serve,” said Carisa Ramming, associate dean of academic programs and student engagement. “We’re proud to support his journey and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make in the world of engineering and beyond.”
The W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Club Scholarship is part of the larger W.W. Allen Scholars Program, created to support high-achieving engineering students with a passion for leadership and community impact.
Learn more about the W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Club Scholars Program
Piper Swain and Austin Wallick named the 2025 W.W. Allen Scholars
CEAT announced Piper Swain of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Austin Wallick of Burleson, Texas, as recipients of the highly prestigious 2025 W.W. Allen Scholarship, one of the most competitive and transformational scholarships available to engineering students nationwide.
The W.W. Allen Scholarship includes a cash scholarship of $10,000 annually, access to industry networking, mentorship, international travel, plus full tuition and housing to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
From her earliest days spent helping her father with home improvement projects to
her hands-on experiences in Tulsa Technology Center’s Advanced Pre-Engineering Program,
Piper Swain has always had an engineer’s curiosity and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact.
Swain fell in love with electrical engineering during a high school project that involved wiring a tiny LED. That single glowing light sparked a fascination with electricity’s power and potential, a passion that has only grown stronger through internships, advanced coursework and personal exploration.
“I’m someone who constantly needs to know how the world works,” Swain said. “Electricity is all around us, yet so many people don’t understand how critical it is. I want to change that.”
At OSU, Swain plans to immerse herself in undergraduate research, especially in areas like embedded systems, computer architecture and very large scale integration. She’s eager to expand her global outlook by studying abroad, learning how engineering challenges and innovations differ around the world. And she’s equally excited to join student organizations that nurture her creativity, including ceramics and 3D printing, blending her technical interests with artistic expression.
Swain’s leadership extends beyond engineering. In her ceramics class, she took the initiative to help a struggling classmate troubleshoot a pottery wheel, ultimately turning frustration into success. That moment underscored her belief in creating supportive environments, a value she hopes to carry into her professional career.
“I’ve learned that even small acts of leadership can transform people’s experiences,” she said. “I want to be the kind of engineer who inspires confidence, builds community, and works across disciplines to solve real problems.”
In the future, Swain hopes to combine her interests in electrical and computer engineering to improve access to clean, efficient energy and smart systems, particularly in underserved communities. She also aspires to mentor young engineers, especially women, to help broaden representation in STEM fields.
Austin Wallick’s interest in engineering was ignited by a dynamic high school physics course, but
it took flight during a transformative summer at Camp SOAR, where he discovered the
real-world possibilities of aerospace engineering. Inspired by hands-on projects and
conversations with researchers working on atmospheric lasers and aerospace defense,
Wallick set his sights on revolutionizing the aircraft industry.
“My long-term vision is to design cleaner, faster aircraft that reduce our carbon footprint and make travel more efficient,” Wallick said. “We only have so much time on this planet, I want to make sure we’re using it wisely, both environmentally and personally.”
Wallick is committed to advancing environmental sustainability in aviation, with career goals that include becoming a leader in aircraft design and publishing breakthrough research in aerospace technology. He’s especially drawn to the intersection of innovation and ethics, hoping to work with companies that prioritize people and the planet over profits.
At OSU, Wallick will pursue a dual degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering, an ambitious path that will give him a broad and deep understanding of vehicle design and systems integration. He also plans to participate in undergraduate research, student government and technical organizations such as CEAT Student Council and the Concrete Canoe team.
Wallick has already shown strong leadership skills in group projects, including spearheading the design and coding of a complex student-built video game when no official leader had been assigned. His initiative helped elevate the entire team’s engagement and output.
“I believe in stepping up when others won’t,” Wallick said. “The future of aerospace depends on people willing to lead with integrity and purpose. I plan to be one of them.”
“These students represent the next generation of engineering leaders, not only in technical ability but in vision, purpose and heart,” said Ramming. “We are proud to support them as they prepare to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The W.W. Allen Scholars Program was created by OSU alumnus and philanthropist Wayne Allen and seeks to empower top engineering students to become global leaders and problem-solvers.
Learn more about the W.W. Allen Scholars Program.