Juniors Javen Bies-Dupree and Elizabeth Owens
Two University of Alabama students in the College of Engineering have been selected as 2025-2026 Shelby Scholars.
Juniors Javen Bies-Dupree, of Birmingham, and Elizabeth Owens, of Pensacola, Florida, will join 38 other UA students in the class.
The Shelby Scholars program is a credit-bearing leadership program for undergraduate students from any academic field who are passionate about public service. Shelby Scholars participate in exclusive programming, including an Institute-developed curriculum, experiential learning, and personal interactions with prominent state and national guest lecturers.
Inductees were chosen based on their participation in student organizations, off-campus jobs, research, Greek life, internships, public service, and other relevant activities that demonstrate an interest in public policy and service.
Bies-Dupree is a mechanical engineering major and an active member of Capstone Men and Women, the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program, the Student Government Association, BRIDGE and the National Society of Black Engineers. He is also currently studying abroad in Ghana.
“Being named a Shelby Scholar is bigger than just a title. It means stepping into a space where I can grow not just as an engineer, but as someone who leads with purpose, gives back and stays grounded in service,” Bies-Dupree said. “It’s a reminder that engineering isn’t just about building things. It’s about building a better world, and being a Shelby Scholar helps me do that with a bigger network and a broader perspective.”
Bies-Dupree hopes to become a ride and show engineer, constructing roller coasters and attractions for theme parks such as Disney, Universal Studios and Six Flags, after completing his degree. He is confident that being named a Shelby Scholar will help him attain his goal.
“I’m excited to be around people who think differently than I do. That kind of environment pushes me to see things in new ways and helps me bring fresh ideas into both engineering and leadership,” Bies-Dupree said. “This experience will help me sharpen the tools I need to become not just a better engineer, but a more thoughtful problem solver, a more aware citizen and someone who can lead wherever I go in life.”
Owens is double majoring in aerospace engineering and legal history. Under the supervision of Drs. Jordan Larson and Easir Papon, assistant professors in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Owens is currently conducting research on developing more reliable navigation methods for uncrewed aerial vehicles operating in GPS-denied environments. She is also exploring rapid-curing composite materials to improve the speed and efficiency of aerospace manufacturing.
“Being selected as a Shelby Scholar is a huge honor. It recognizes not just academics, but the potential to lead and serve through policy and public impact,” said Owens. “As someone majoring in both engineering and history, this program reflects the immense value I put into rigorous thinking, community leadership and the belief that research should be used to make a difference.”