WTS Central Florida has awarded Associate Professor Hatem Abou-Senna with the 2023 Honorable Ray LaHood Award, which recognizes male leaders in the field of transportation who have contributed to the advancement of women and minorities in the profession.
Abou-Senna received the award at the 26th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet at the SeaWorld Ports of Call this past month. He was honored for his work at UCF, where he’s assisted a number of women students with finding internships and jobs in both the public and private sectors. He also created the WTS-UCF Knights, the student chapter of the Central Florida organization.
“I was deeply honored and grateful to the WTS Central Florida Chapter for bestowing upon me the Honorable Ray LaHood Award. This award, named after a true pioneer in transportation, recognizes male leaders who not only push the boundaries in the transportation sector but also actively champion the advancement of women and minorities,” Abou-Senna says. “Encouraging and nurturing the talents of women and minorities ensures a richer and more holistic approach to our shared transportation challenges.”
Doctoral student Tasnuba Jamal was also recognized at the ceremony. She received the Frankee Hellinger Graduate Scholarship, worth $3,500. This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, dedication to the transportation industry and leadership in student organizations. Jamal is currently working toward her Ph.D. in civil engineering under the mentorship of Associate Professor Samiul Hasan and also serves as the treasurer for the WTS student chapter.
- Written by Marisa Ramiccio
- Nov. 2, 2023