The ERDC Alumni Association awards scholarships to eleven 2026 high school graduates

Photo By Khary Ratliff | Dr. Jay Shannon discusses advanced concrete and materials research with the 2026 U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Alumni Association scholarship recipients at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory.  

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES

06.01.2026

Story by Annette Kirklin 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center   

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Alumni Association recently announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarships. Eleven high-school graduates were recognized for their leadership, academic excellence, and promising futures in their respective fields of study.

Supported by donations and successful fundraising events, the ERDC Alumni Association awarded a total of $11,000 to the following scholarship recipients:

· Abigail Mandarino, a graduate of River City Early College, received the Kimmy Melton Memorial Scholarship for her embodiment of generosity and servant leadership. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi to pursue Anthropology. She is the daughter of Aimee Poda and Susan Mandarino.

· Alice Astarlioglu, a graduate of St. Andrews Episcopal High School, plans on attending the University of Virginia, Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, or Case Western Reserve University with a major interest in Biomedical Engineering. Alice is the daughter of Serdar and Mine Ucak-Astarlioglu.

· Elizabeth Bednar, a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, will attend Mississippi State University with a major interest in Physics. She is the daughter of Anthony and Amy Bednar.

· Hayden Bell, a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, will attend Mississippi State University with a major interest in Microbiology. She is the daughter of Matthew and Haley Bell.

· Laura Ertle, a graduate of Warren Central High School, received the Sills Engineering Scholarship. The Sills Engineering scholarship is given by George and Huel Sills and awarded to an outstanding student who is majoring in a STEM field. She plans to attend Mississippi State University with a major interest in Mechanical Engineering. She is the daughter of Charles Ertle II.

· Sadler Lambiotte, a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, will attend the University of Mississippi with a major interest in Finance. He is the son of Brian and Chesley Lambiotte.

· Olivia Rose Larsen, a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, will attend the University of Mississippi with a major interest in Allied Health. She is the daughter of Rusty and Stephanie Larsen.

· Kinley Lott, a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, will attend Mississippi State University with a major interest in Biochemistry. She is the daughter of Brooke Lott and the late Brian Lott

· Josiah Riggs, a graduate of Clinton High School, plans to attend the University of Alabama with a major interest in Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of Scotty and LeeAnn Riggs.

· Kara Rowe, a graduate of Warren Central High School, will attend the University of Kentucky with a major interest in Biology. She is the daughter of Philip Rowe and Elizabeth Ferguson.

· Austin Watson, a graduate of Lake High School, plans to attend East Central Community College and Mississippi State University with a major interest in Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of Kyle and Huellen Watson.

The ERDC Alumni Association, composed of former ERDC employees and retirees remains dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and fostering future scientists and engineers. Since the association was formed in 2018, approximately $57,500 have been awarded in scholarships. The association underscores its commitment to advancing education and supporting promising individuals in their academic pursuits.

• Date Taken: 06.01.2026
• Date Posted: 06.08.2026 09:42
• Story ID: 566651
• Location: VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, US