Elmdale student Scott Hazelton, a graduate student at Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning, and Design, was given the prestigious Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Graduate Fellowship award by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Hazelton is working toward a master’s degree in regional and community planning. The fellowship supports studies in disciples related to transportation. Hazelton received a $5,000 fellowship award and will continue his transportation research related to the beef industry.

“I am looking at ways to make beef production more efficient through the production stage transportation,” Hazelton said. “This fellowship will allow me to network with professionals interested in agricultural transportation at the Transportation Research Board annual conference. This is a great honor and I am humbled to represent Kansas State University.”

The award includes a stipend, tuition, and the opportunity to attend the 2020 Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Fellowships are awarded annually to 150 to 200 exceptional students around the country. The program advances the transportation workforce by attracting the brightest minds to the field through education, research and workforce development.

Greg Newmark, assistant professor of landscape architecture and regional and community planning, said Hazelton is seeking to improve the efficiency of ranching by reducing transportation costs.

“These awards also highlight the strength of the K-State Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional and Community Planning in preparing students for careers in transportation,” Newmark said. “I should mention that it is nice that these activities take place just down the road from President Eisenhower’s childhood home in Abilene. His inspiration continues.”