MACON, Ga. — Mercer University rising senior Marina Serra was awarded two prestigious honors: the $5,000 NCEES Professional Licensure Scholarship from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute and the $2,000 Tau Beta Pi Scholarship.
A biomedical engineering major with a minor in chemistry from Peachtree City, Serra said she is honored to be selected for the awards. “They reflect the incredible support I’ve received from my professors and mentors at Mercer. These scholarships inspire me to keep pursuing work that can meaningfully impact others.”
“We are incredibly proud of Marina and the recognition she has earned from two of the most respected engineering organizations,” said Dr. Laura W. Lackey, dean of the School of Engineering. “She exemplifies the values of academic excellence, service and innovation that define Mercer engineers.”
Recently, Serra co-authored a paper titled “Public Transportation Challenges for People with Mobility Impairments,” which was published as a conference proceeding at the 2025 International Conference on Transportation and Development. Supervised by Dr. Eazaz Sadeghvaziri, assistant professor of civil engineering, the study analyzes barriers faced by individuals who use prosthetics and wheelchairs in transit systems and offers data-driven recommendations to improve accessibility and equity.
“Marina is one of the most driven, intelligent and service-minded students I’ve worked with,” said Dr. Sadeghvaziri. “She brings an extraordinary level of professionalism and initiative to every project she undertakes. Whether conducting systematic literature reviews, presenting at national conferences or mentoring younger students, Marina consistently delivers work of the highest caliber. Her combination of academic excellence, research aptitude and dedication to inclusive engineering solutions sets her apart as a future leader in biomedical engineering.”
Serra’s research focus on enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities aligns closely with the ACEC Research Institute’s mission to improve public safety and infrastructure. By applying biomedical engineering principles to real-world transportation challenges, she aims to develop assistive technologies and inclusive infrastructure policies that improve equitable access and quality of life for all transit users.
At Mercer, Serra is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and has consistently earned recognition on the President’s List. She is also vice president of the Biomedical Engineering Society, media specialist for the Women in Math and Science Club, and a member of the Engineering Honors Program, the Society of Women Engineers and the Prosthetics and Orthotics Club.
Her hands-on experience includes volunteering in Mercer’s prosthetics lab and conducting research on an off-load knee brace, which she presented at the BMES Annual Conference. In summer 2024, she participated in Mercer On Mission in Vietnam, fitting prosthetic limbs and providing physical therapy. During spring break 2025, she studied biomodeling software in South Korea to advance her interest in medical device customization.
About the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute and
Tau Beta Pi
The ACEC Research Institute’s NCEES Professional Licensure Scholarship is awarded annually to top engineering students pursuing licensure as professional engineers. The Institute is the research and education arm of the American Council of Engineering Companies, supporting future leaders committed to public safety, innovation, and infrastructure development. Tau Beta Pi, founded in 1885, is the nation’s oldest engineering honor society. It recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, character, and commitment to service. The organization provides scholarships, fellowships, and leadership development opportunities to support engineering students across the United States.
