EGL & Tauber Institute Scholarships

EGL Student Support Fund for Global Experience Recipients

2024-2025 EGL Student Support Fund for Global Experience

We are pleased to announce that current EGL students Ashton Jaffar and Tori Caracciolo are the recipients of the EGL Student Support Fund for Global Experience for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Hailing from Queens, New York, Ashton Jaffar came to the University of Michigan in Fall 2021 to study Aerospace Engineering. He was admitted to EGL in Winter 2023.

As a member of EGL, Ashton has been involved with a variety of experiences that have helped him grow as a leader. Due to this scholarship, Ashton was able to participate in the EGL VA trip to Costa Rica in 2024. Through this experience, Ashton worked on wildlife conservation efforts, specifically helping sea turtles, cleaning the beach, and various other jobs around the reserve. Additionally, Ashton took part in the Chicago trip where he was able to connect with industry professionals and engaged in leadership seminars that have strengthened his leadership abilities. Ashton is now entering the Tauber Institute for Global Operations, which means he is preparing to complete his Tauber Industry Project this upcoming summer, which will provide him with valuable experiences in both engineering and business.

Outside of EGL, Ashton is involved in Sigma Gamma Tau, the aerospace honor society. Through this society, Ashton has been able to build connections while also getting involved with and giving back to the aerospace community. Over the past two years, Ashton has had the chance to work with Blue Origin on two different aerospace projects. This year, he is the Chief of Operations for a team building a camera for astronauts to use. This has given Ashton the opportunity to apply his leadership skills to a team where he can apply his technical knowledge on a real impact project.

This scholarship has had a significant impact on allowing Ashton to participate in VA. Without this financial support, Ashton would not have been able to take advantage of this opportunity to travel and contribute to meaningful work. “The scholarship allowed me to fully immerse myself in the volunteer work without the financial burden. This experience helped deepen my commitment to use engineering as a tool for positive change. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity this scholarship provided, as I was able to grow both personally and professionally.”

Congratulations, Ashton!

Hailing from Long Valley, New Jersey, Tori Caracciolo came to the University of Michigan in Fall 2020 to study Mechanical Engineering. She was admitted to EGL in Winter 2022. Tori is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering.

Tori joined EGL during her sophomore year of college, and jumped right in to running for a position! Tori served as the Membership Chair for the 2023 school year. In this role, Tori established a mentorship program to foster communication and engagement between members. Tori also planned professional and social events for the organization. Outside of this role, Tori first encountered Volunteer Abroad by going to Iceland in 2023, and was able to serve as a site lead for the 2024 trip to Hawaii.

Outside of EGL, Tori serves as a member of the M-HEAL SANA (Service Abroad Needs Assessment) team. Through this role, she traveled to Quito, Ecuador to interview hospital staff at public and private hospitals. Tori also served as a research assistant in the Battery Lab throughout her junior year – through this role, she was cited as an author on her mentor’s manuscript which was just recently published! Tori served as an ENGR 110 Departmental Ambassador in 2023. Outside of these commitment, Tori enjoys IM sports, singing, and Pilates.

As a self-supporting Master’s student in Industrial and Operations Engineering, Tori cites this assistance as invaluable in enabling her to concentrate more fully on the cultural impact and educational experience of volunteer abroad, free from the strain of financial concerns. “I am deeply grateful to have been awarded the EGL Student Support Fund for Global Experience. It allowed me to get the most out of my volunteer journey and I will truly cherish the memories forever!”

Congratulations, Tori!