The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded 20 $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power related fields of study. One of the winners, Rithwick Lakshmanan, is attending NFPA Power Partner Iowa State University. We asked Rithwick a few questions about winning the scholarship.
What does winning a Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the NFPA Fluid Power Scholarship means a lot to me, not just financially, but as validation of the work I’ve poured into robotics and engineering over the years. Coming from a lower-middle-class background, this support helps ease the burden of pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It gives me the freedom to focus on research, internships, and innovation, without constantly worrying about the cost. Most importantly, it tells me that some people and organizations believe in what I want to build and contribute to this field!
Why did you choose to learn about fluid power?
I first learned about fluid power through my years in FIRST Robotics, where I built mechanisms with pneumatic pistons and actuators. And I was just blown away by the fact that such force and such precision was coming from such a small device. That’s when I realized how crucial fluid systems are, not just in robotics, but in so many real-world applications, from automobiles to prosthetics. I chose to learn more about fluid power because it enables more efficient and more capable machines!
What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
My goal is to become a SpaceX engineer and work on the next generation of robots and mechanical systems for space exploration. I want to design fluid-powered mechanisms that can handle extreme environments—whether that's on a rocket, a lunar base, or a Mars rover! Later on, I hope to start my own robotics company focused on building adaptable robots for space, using many fluid-compatible designs!
A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, 500-word essay, and letter of recommendation were required from each applicant. The NFPA Foundation’s goal is to help graduating high school students, and individuals enrolled in community colleges, technical schools and universities pursue their academic interests in fluid power.
One way NFPA members can get involved with scholarship programs is to volunteer as a judge to serve on the application review committee. This year 34 judges from 26 NFPA member companies reviewed 241 eligible student applications to the Fluid Power Scholarship program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.