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TCF scholarship awarded to U of I student

The Chicago Farmers recently awarded a scholarship to Patrick Dziura, a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Currently studying Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Patrick has devoted his undergraduate career to conducting extensive research within the fields of bioenvironmental engineering, bioprocessing engineering, and nanoscale biological engineering. Within these fields Patrick said hopes to create a global impact by addressing issues such as water and air pollution through the use of algal wastewater treatment, biofuel production, and genetically modified crops. Minoring in French, Patrick hopes to bring his knowledge and research to an international level to help impact as many people as possible.

Patrick currently serves as the Philanthropy Chair of the Alpha Zeta Morrow Chapter at the university and is also a member of Engineering Outreach Society where he volunteers at the local elementary school in an effort to pique students’ interest in science through hands-on experiments. He also serves as a member of the American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). 

Patrick grew up in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago where he attended Glenbrook South High School. He discovered his interest and passion for agriculture through the high school's horticulture program. Competing in local, state, and national FFA Horticulture Competitions, Patrick's high school team won the 2014 FFA Illinois State Horticulture Competition and went on to do well in the national competition that same year. Patrick noted that his interest in horticulture, agriculture, and science in general has become a forefront in his life as he pursues his future career. 

Patrick wrote in a letter to TCF, “I would like to thank the Scholarship Committee and The Chicago Farmers for providing me with this scholarship that will help me to continue and pursue my academic studies and goals. Without scholarships such as this, I would not have the opportunity to study at the University of Illinois and be able to make my professional dreams come true. It gives me great confidence and encouragement to continue to do my best academically knowing that there are organizations and people who support me and all my endeavors. I promise to keep working hard at school and make sure that the work that I am doing will one day have a positive local, national, and global impact.”