Author: Myra

In a recent conversation with Executive Director Lynda Colucci, Sabah Naji shared a journey defined by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to education and community leadership. Sabah and her family immigrated to the United States from Nairobi, Kenya in 2006 when she was just four years old, fleeing civil unrest in their home country. Through that experience, she learned early that education was more than an opportunity – it was a pathway to stability, growth, and creating a better future.

Sabah’s academic journey has evolved in inspiring ways. Initially guided toward Human Services through what she described as a “system of luck” during high school, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services while also studying Mechatronics. When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted both educational and career landscapes, Sabah redirected her focus fully toward technology, mechanical systems, and engineering. She recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and will begin her Master’s program this fall at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in New York.

What makes Sabah’s story especially compelling is how she combines technical excellence with a passion for people and service. She credits her Human Services background with strengthening her communication skills, volunteer work, and ability to lead initiatives within her community and on campus. During her undergraduate studies, Sabah served as President of SUNY Poly’s Women in Engineering Club, where she led technical programming, outreach workshops, and mentorship opportunities for fellow students. Her leadership, perseverance, and commitment to empowering others embody the values of the a/e ProNet Engineering Scholarship and the future of the engineering profession.

Each year, a/e ProNet proudly supports the next generation of architects and engineers through its scholarship programs, recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and a passion for shaping the built environment. As a network of specialist insurance brokers serving the architecture and engineering industry, a/e ProNet remains deeply committed to advancing professionalism, risk management education, and the future of design practice through mentorship and scholarship opportunities.

Congratulations to both of our Scholarship Recipients. Follow us while we follow them for the 2026–27 school term. In a conversation with Executive Director Lynda Colucci, both students shared the unique journeys that led them toward architecture, their professional aspirations, and the experiences already shaping their futures in the profession.

Ingram Lucier

Tulane University

Ingram Lucier’s path toward architecture began in a much different discipline: mathematics. Originally pursuing a degree with the intention of becoming an actuary, Ingram realized that while he loved analytical thinking and problem solving, he was missing the creative component that would fully challenge and inspire him. Seeking to broaden his education, he enrolled in a course exploring “What Architecture Means To Society,” and quickly discovered a passion for architecture’s ability to solve complex problems while shaping communities and preserving history.

After earning his undergraduate degree in Risk Management from the University of Wisconsin, Ingram is now pursuing his Master of Architecture at Tulane University in New Orleans. His professional passion centers on the restoration and preservation of historic buildings. He is particularly drawn to the puzzle-like nature of adaptive reuse projects—working through historical unknowns, structural complexities, and the evolving realities of climate change while honoring the original integrity of older structures. This summer, Ingram will continue building hands-on experience through an internship with a Chicago architectural firm specializing in restoration and preservation projects involving historic buildings throughout the city.

Lily Wang

Washington University in St. Louis / University of Texas at Austin

Growing up in both Las Vegas and Lubbock, Texas, Lily Wang developed an early passion for art and creativity. Over time, that passion evolved into a fascination with architecture and its ability to transform communities. While living in Lubbock, Lily witnessed former industrial buildings, factories, and warehouses being reimagined into vibrant cultural and arts centers—spaces that revitalized neighborhoods and improved quality of life for residents. Seeing architecture create meaningful change inspired her desire to pursue a career focused on improving the environments where people live, work, and connect.

Lily is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree at Washington University in St. Louis and will begin her Master of Architecture studies next fall at the University of Texas at Austin. This summer, she will be interning with an international architectural firm in Kansas City, where she looks forward to gaining professional experience while continuing to explore the relationship between thoughtful design, urban revitalization, and community impact.

At a/e ProNet, we believe the future of architecture and engineering depends on supporting talented students like Ingram and Lily—individuals who combine technical skill with vision, curiosity, and a commitment to improving the world around them. We are honored to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to following their journeys throughout the 2026–2027 academic year and beyond.

Each year, the a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp Architect Scholarship honors architecture students who demonstrate not only exceptional academic and design capabilities, but also the foresight and leadership qualities that will shape the future of the profession. For the 2025–2026 academic year, we are proud to recognize two remarkable individuals  —Anna Turco and Rosalyn Becicka —whose work and character exemplify the spirit of this prestigious award. From Clemson to Iowa State, these students are already leaving their mark on the architectural world through a blend of community-minded vision, innovative thinking, and a shared belief in the power of people-first design.

Anna Turco

Clemson University

Anna  Turco, one of the two recipients of the 2025–2026 David W. Lakamp Architect Scholarship, Anna Turco brings a grounded yet visionary perspective to architecture rooted in community and sustainability. Now pursuing her Master of Architecture at Clemson University, Anna graduated with top honors from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also earned certificates in Design Strategy and Environmental Studies. Her academic path is matched by rich hands-on experience at firms like Liollio Architects and Eppstein Uhen Architects, where she has contributed to everything from schematic design to construction documentation. At Clemson, she also supports the graduate co-chair as a research and administrative assistant, further demonstrating her professionalism and dedication.

Anna’s winning case study emphasized a holistic, mission-driven approach to risk management in architectural practice. She argued that the foundation of any resilient firm is its people—those who share a unified vision, stay curious, and collaborate with integrity. Her reflection on the evolving construction landscape, cybersecurity threats, and alternative delivery methods revealed a strategic thinker who values adaptability and lifelong learning. Anna’s passion lies in community-centered architecture—parks, civic buildings, and educational spaces that provide lasting social value. Her professors praise her as a leader with creativity, empathy, and initiative, and the scholarship committee recognized her not just as a talented designer, but as a future steward of the built environment.

Rosalyn Becicka

Iowa State University

Joining Anna Turco as a 2025–2026 David W. Lakamp Architect Scholarship recipient, Rosalyn Becicka is a standout fourth-year architecture student at Iowa State University. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA and ranking in the top 2% of her class, Rosalyn’s dedication to both craft and community is evident in everything she does. From winning national design competitions like ASC Design Build and PCI Project Precast to leading client meetings during her internship at BCDM Architects, she blends academic excellence with practical, real-world engagement. As a teaching assistant and peer mentor, she uplifts others even while managing multiple jobs to fund her education.

In her scholarship case study, Rosalyn addressed modern architectural risk management with clarity and insight, naming “hiring talented individuals” as the most critical concern in today’s evolving professional landscape. Her essay revealed a nuanced understanding of how firm culture, staff alignment, and ongoing education are vital to success in areas ranging from cybersecurity to client relations. This human-centered approach deeply resonated with the scholarship jury. Rosalyn’s long-term vision includes designing public-facing institutions like museums and libraries—spaces that inform, uplift, and serve their communities. Her blend of humility, leadership, and purpose-driven design positions her as a future leader in the field.

Avery Michaels

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) · Engineering Scholarship Recipient

Avery Michaels, a rising senior in architectural engineering at MSOE, is the 2025–2026 recipient of the a/e ProNet ACEC Engineering Scholarship. Raised on a dairy farm in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, Avery credits her work ethic and ambition to her family’s agricultural roots. Now carrying a 3.89 GPA, she serves as Vice President of MSOE’s Architectural Engineering Institute chapter, and has held internships at Riley Construction, Gremmer and Associates, and now Burns & McDonnell in Colorado. She is known for her leadership, her drive to learn, and her passion for sustainable, impactful structural design.

In her case study, Avery emphasized that hiring the right people is the most critical risk for an engineering firm. She argued that strong teams are essential to navigating all other challenges—from cyber threats to project delivery models—because no process or technology can replace the power of a qualified, ethical, and collaborative team. Her long-term vision includes advancing the field of structural engineering through sustainability, materials innovation, and team-based problem-solving. Avery’s story is one of self-made success, fueled by curiosity and determination, and this scholarship helps ensure she continues to thrive.

This summer, Avery Michaels is interning where she’s gaining hands-on experience in structural engineering with a focus on power distribution systems—designing the structures that support electrical poles and foundations. Eager to learn across disciplines, she’s also exploring civil engineering tasks and applying knowledge from a previous internship. Avery is particularly excited about the firm’s sustainability initiatives, including converting methane from factory farms into renewable energy, which aligns with her passion for sustainable design and energy-efficient building systems.