Krenkel, Majaica, Moh Win Departmental Awards

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering congratulates Vendela Krenkel, winner of the Chi Epsilon Outstanding Senior Award, Mario Majaica, winner of the 2025 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Chair's Award, and Yi Moh, winner of the American Society of Civil Engineers' Outstanding Senior award.

Vendela Krenkel
Chi Epsilon Outstanding Senior Award

Passionate about sustainable development, counteracting climate change, and environmental restoration, Vendela is pursuing a career path aligned with her experience in hydrology and water engineering. During her time at UMD, she was active both in the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honors Society, serving as president during her senior year, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. For her senior Capstone project, she designed an affordable, easy-to-install nitrogen sensor system to be implemented in small-scale bioreactor gardens that treat septic water.

Mario Majalca
CEE Chair’s Award

Mario is a first generation Mexican-American from Frederick, MD. An aspiring structural engineer, he enjoys learning about how infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained. He will be working with the Wilson T. Ballard Company post-graduation as a structural designer.
Outside of the classroom, Mario has been a member of the Student Steel Bridge Club on campus for all four years of his college career. During 2024-25, he served as lead project manager and lead designer, handling sponsorships, recruiting new members, and passing his knowledge onto the next generation of engineers in the club. His favorite class has been Steel Design (ENCE455).

“This award means a lot to me,” Mario said. “I was unaware of its existence until I learned that I would be receiving it. This made me realise that even though my intention was not to collect awards or accolades, the department was still watching and willing to recognize my commitment and involvement in the CEE community.”

Yi Moh
ASCE Outstanding Senior

Yi Moh chose the geotechnical and structural track and has also complered a minor in project management. After taking several CEE structural courses, she developed a strong interest in bridge design and rehabilitation. Beyond academics, Yi is also an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) UMD student chapter, where she previously served as event coordinator and later led the organization as president.

“I have been involved with the ASCE UMD student chapter since my freshman year,” Moh said. “I love the ASCE environment, which brings students together to grow as a community through social and professional opportunities. I am incredibly honored to receive this award, as it motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and continue making a meaningful impact in the civil engineering field.”

Published May 1, 2025