Construction Management grad student earns NSF fellowship
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EmailAnthony Sparkling was awarded a grant from the 2014 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP).
By: SPDC Communications
Anthony Sparkling, a graduate student in the Construction Management Program in the MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC), was awarded a grant from the 2014 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). The NSF GRFP recognizes outstanding graduate students who are studying NSF-supported disciplines, and are pursuing research-based graduate degrees. As a bestowed fellow, Sparkling will receive a stipend towards independent research or education, which funds three years of his work within a five-year time frame.
Sparkling has a very unique background, as it was seven years ago the family man began his undergraduate education at Eastern Michigan University. He is currently earning his Master’s degree at SPDC, and will be able to continue his education dreams and earn his PhD now that he received this NSF fellowship. Showing his dedication to his education, Sparkling has proven that he can successfully be father, community member and student all at once.
As an African American, he’s also paving the way for the entrance of other minorities into the Construction Management field. The National Science Foundation has made it a point to encourage under-represented populations to apply for the fellowship, including women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
In order to be considered for the fellowship, Sparkling was required to craft a series of proposal writings explaining his research ideas, and his personal story and aspirations. The research aspect was required to show intellectual merit, the potential to advance knowledge, and the ability to benefit society. Sparkling’s research is centered on knowledge exchanges occurring within interdisciplinary project teams. Specifically, he is focusing on how they communicate, collaborate and perform, as well as how they work together to improve the overall productivity, sustainability and success of construction projects.
Sparkling considers himself to be a non-traditional student researcher with his return to the realm of higher education after having taken time off to focus on family life, as a husband and father of two girls. But he didn’t let this fact stop him, as he considers himself a great example of commitment and dedication to the world of construction management.
Dr. Sinem Mollaoglu (Korkmaz), a SPDC Construction Management Program Assistant Professor and Sparkling’s graduate advisor, had this to say about his nomination and winning the fellowship: "Anthony's NSF graduate fellowship award is a result of many different factors but mostly his professionalism, hard work, dedication and ability to receive and effectively channel guidance in his works. It has been a privilege to mentor him. As he moves into PhD education, it will be exciting to see his studies unfold around 'team integration' phenomenon in architecture, engineering and the construction industry. What he has already accomplished, while being an involved community member and the head of his family with a 10- and 13-year-old at home, is truly inspiring. As a faculty member, I feel blessed for being a part of such a life-changing accomplishment."
Sparkling himself offers some advice to aspiring achievers, “Believe in yourself and do not be afraid to speak your realities into existence. . . What you profess will eventually come to fruition.”
Sparkling mentioned the apparent monotony that comes with working towards achievement. “Often times it feels like you are just going through the motions, but your hard work will definitely pay off in the end.”
He is an adamant believer in this, and that a person can achieve their goals, even if they take the non-traditional route to achievement.
Please join SPDC in congratulating Anthony Sparkling!
