Every year, the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) awards competition recognizes the accomplishments of students and faculty in the field of transportation research and education. The nominated individuals are brought to the Annual CUTC Awards Reception and Banquet in Washington D.C from across the country, where they are recognized for their outstanding work.
John Holt is a student in the Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Kansas, and received the Outstanding Student Award at this year's banquet hosted by the Mid-America Transportation Center. Holt is a second-year graduate student at the University of Kansas pursuing a master's degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering. His research is focused on in-situ fracture toughness evaluation for bridge safety, as well as fatigue testing of galvanized and ungalvanized component size specimens. Since starting his graduate program, he has built a fundamental understanding of fracture and fatigue mechanics through continued laboratory testing and review of literature. He also played a key role in reinstating the KU Steel Bridge team after its disbanding in 2020.
