Civil engineering senior selected for Semester at Sea

Jose Ramos, a senior in civil engineering, has received a Semester at Sea Presidential Scholarship. The award covers full tuition, room and board for the shipboard program. Ramos is one of only three students selected from a pool of 120 applicants. The scholarship was developed to identify and support extremely high-achieving students who wish to enhance their perspective and better understand their vital role as a global citizen. Ramos will study what strategies and technological innovations ports around the world are using to address such environmental issues as air, noise and water pollution. He will interview port authorities in various countries and focus on measures taken by regional governments to promote green operations. Ramos plans to present his research at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting next January in  Washington, D.C. He embarks on his journey in September and will sail to Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Morocco, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Florida. Ramos will blog about his research and travels at www.joseatsea.com. He’s working with research adviser Jean-Daniel Saphores, professor of civil & environmental engineering. UC Irvine’s Study Abroad Center helps students participate in Semester at Sea, the UC Education Abroad Program and other such opportunities.