Gravelle ’24 wins national physics scholarship for second consecutive year

For the second consecutive year junior Amanda Gravelle has been awarded a $5,000 Rossing Physics Scholarship. 

Gravelle, an environmental studies, engineering physics double major from Bloomington, lll., is one of 11 exemplary physics students nationwide to receive this award.

She was nominated for the honor by Dr. Joshua Dyer, associate professor of physics who serves as Gravelle’s engineering advisor, and physics professor Dr. Cecilia Vogel.

Gravelle, who plans to use the award toward tuition, said she is incredibly honored to have been nominated and selected again for this award.  

“The continuing support of my amazing professors means the world to me, and I can honestly say that the opportunities I've had at Augie wouldn't have been possible without them,” she said. 

Prior to attending Augustana, Gravelle said she never even considered engineering as a career path. Today she is vice president of the Augustana Physics and Engineering Society (APES) and helps lead the organization’s mentoring program that connects junior and senior engineering and physics majors with younger classmates from underrepresented groups and connects upperclassmen with those working in the field. 

Gravelle said Augustana has allowed her to pursue all her varied interests — from art history and conservation to environmental studies and everything in between — in a way that didn’t leave her feeling “hemmed in.” 

“It’s the idea of the liberal arts education – I wouldn’t have found all the things I’m passionate about if I hadn’t come to Augustana,” she said. 

Her love of designing things and working to creatively solve a problem led to her engineering major. She said she loves learning and the different facets of engineering,  including urban planning, community building and sustainability. 

Gravelle is excited to stay in the Quad Cities this summer, exploring more of the region, and she is now considering one of three engineering-related summer internships. 

Gravelle said she is so grateful to have the support of her professors at Augustana, particularly Dr. Vogel. Gravelle credited her for baking pies for Pi Day (March 14), serving as APES faculty advisor and being a “brilliant” quantum researcher. 

“Our entire engineering physics department is incredible, but it’s nice to have a really strong, passionate female voice making sure we have the support we need,” she said. “She’s a really solid resource for that.”

Dr. Vogel described Gravelle as a well-rounded learner who is adept at juggling her multiple majors and extracurricular activities.

“She is passionate about both the artistic and scientific sides of her education,” Dr. Vogel said. “Intellectually, I would place Amanda in the top 5% of about 300 physics and engineering-physics majors I have taught.”

As for her days after Augustana, Gravelle said she plans to pursue graduate school after spending some time working in the field. 

About the award
Dr. Thomas D. Rossing, a Luther College alumnus and professor emeritus of physics at Northern Illinois University, established the Rossing Physics Scholarship in 2005. Awards go to exemplary physics students attending one of the 26 colleges and universities related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.