Webb Institute, proudly announces Thomas J. Brackin, Jr. (T.J.) as the fourth recipient of the annual American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) scholarship.
The ABS Scholarship Program provides financial support to deserving engineering and naval architecture students based on GPA, class rank, leadership ability, and faculty recommendations. The scholarships are part of a broad program at ABS that supports students in the offshore oil and gas and maritime industries.
“ABS is proud of its partnership with Webb Institute, and we are pleased to support graduates as they prepare for maritime careers,” stated ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, a member of Webb Institute’s Board of Trustees. “An important part of our mission at ABS is supporting the next generation of maritime professionals,” he said. “We wish the scholarship winners success in their studies and in their future careers supporting the maritime industry.”
“I am particularly pleased that T.J. has been selected for this honor,” said Dean Richard Neilson, pointing to the recipient’s excellent academic record and active role in the Webb community, where he serves as the Webb Student Organization Treasurer, member of the Honor Council, and the student Information Technology Chairman. He also is a member of Webb’s choral group, a member of the yearbook committee, and plays a key role in communications at Webb as the lead student photographer.
“In addition to his stellar academic record, T.J. is highly motivated to learn all he can about our industry. In particular, T.J. worked in the ABS Philadelphia survey office this past summer where he was able to take part in the classification process for the construction of a tanker in the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. This experience has greatly enhanced his knowledge of shipbuilding and ABS.”
In addition to his work at ABS, T.J has excelled during his winter internships, a Webb Institute requirement for students to gain hands-on experience working in shipyards, aboard ships, and design offices throughout the world. As a freshman T.J. spent two months in south Louisiana at Metal Shark Aluminum Boats, learning about aluminum boat construction. In his sophomore year, he gained knowledge about ship operations and ship systems during the trip of a lifetime aboard the Maersk Peary where he traveled from Athens, Greece, to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and finally to Ulsan, South Korea.
“I don’t think many other college students have gotten to travel to Antarctica as part of their curriculum, or spend so much time around ships for that matter.” T.J. said. “I am proud to be a part of this incredible institution, and I am honored that I have been chosen as an ABS scholar.”
“ABS is widely recognized as a worldwide leader in fostering maritime education,” said Webb President Keith Michel. “Webb is proud of its partnership with ABS, as we jointly strive to prepare the next generation of naval architects and marine engineers to tackle the increasingly complex technical challenges facing the marine industries.”