Madison Villarba, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University in the Whiting School of Engineering’s Department of Civil and Systems Engineering, has been awarded the prestigious William R. Kahl Scholarship by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Maryland (ACEC/MD). ACEC/MD’s scholarship program is aimed at supporting students in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering or surveying, with the Kahl Scholarship recognizing the top ranked civil engineering student based on their academic achievements, commitment to the profession, and extracurricular involvement.
Founded in 1957, ACEC/MD represents approximately 90 consulting engineering firms across the state, supporting both public and private sector projects. The organization aims to foster the next generation of engineering professionals through initiatives like their scholarship program.
As part of being honored with the Kahl Scholarship, Villarba was invited to attend the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet on February 20 at the historic Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, home of the Baltimore Engineers Club. The annual event celebrates scholarship recipients and offers the opportunity to network with other students and industry professionals.
Villarba is currently working to become a structural engineer. She credits her father, a mechanical engineer, for inspiring her to pursue a career in civil engineering. “He would often point out buildings that he had worked on, sparking my desire to do the same,” said Villarba. “The idea that my work could make a tangible impact on communities is what drives me. I wanted to be able to look at a structure and say ‘I helped build that.’”
“At Hopkins, I’ve really enjoyed the hands-on learning experiences, especially from classes like Statics and Mechanics. I also had the opportunity to join Carroll Engineering, Inc., as a structural intern, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom and gain real-world experience, strengthening my desire to pursue a career in structural engineering,” Villarba said.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Villarba is actively involved in the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where she serves as treasurer and is a member of the Steel Bridge Competition team. She is also Co-Performance Chair for the Filipino Students Association and Brass Section Leader for the JHU Pep Band.
Villarba says that the award will allow her more time to dedicate to research and extracurricular opportunities. “I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been awarded this scholarship, not only for the financial support it provides, but also for the recognition of my commitment to my academic journey and the field of civil engineering,” she said.