Merko’s 2022 scholarship winners announced

Merko’s scholarships awarded in cooperation with the TalTech development fund went to Tuule Mall Parts, Melanie Juhkam, Tõnu Saarelaan and Arle-Martin Kuura.

Young teacher/researcher scholarship recipient Tuule Mall Parts is an active member of the nearly zero-energy buildings research group and an enthusiastic all-around researcher and teacher. Tuule lectures and supervises practicum work and master’s degree students. In recent years she has organized workshops for basic school and upper secondary school students to introduce them to engineering, including in the Young Engineer Programme, which has been recognized by the state for its role popularizing science. Tuule says she hopes that her students at all levels will come away with knowledge and also good feelings and general interest in engineering, construction, energy performance, energy and automation.

This year, we recognized three TalTech building design and building management students by awarding them engineering scholarships, Melanie Juhkam, Tõnu Saarelaan and Arle-Martin Kuura.

Melanie is a fourth-year student. After completing her internship at Merko, she stayed on to work on Uus-Veerenni. She values acquisition of knowledge and experiences and development. She seeks out answers to new tasks and challenges, considering it the best way to learn. Melanie is conscientious, focused on her goals, meticulous and deadline-compliant. Possessing good organizational abilities and good social skills, she relishes taking on new, ever more challenging tasks. Her belief is that dedication and resolve ensure success as a civil engineer.

Tõnu is also a fourth-year student. He interned at Merko in the structural engineering and general construction division. He currently serves as technician on the Nõmme 328 apartment building construction site. He has succeeded in reconciling his work and studies, posting high academic performance. He considers STEM subjects and technical acumen to be his strengths. A team player, he puts value on cooperation and is motivated by trust. He thrives on team members entrusting ever more complex and challenging tasks to him.

Arle-Martin is a fifth-year student. After completing a summer internship at Merko, he took up a position in the structural engineering department. An active student, he belongs to the Faculty of Engineering student government, did an exchange semester at the Brno University of Technology in Czechia, is active on the folk dance scene, and is studying Finnish to broaden his knowledge in the field. He, too, boasts excellent academic performance. Diligent and with a head for numbers, he understands well the tasks set to him and identifies the “right” questions to ask. He does his work rapidly and with dedication.

The Merko-titled engineering scholarship awarded in cooperation with TalTech Development Fund is meant for third-, fourth- and fifth-year students at TalTech. To be eligible for the young researcher and teacher scholarships, candidates must be 40 or under and be engaged in research or teaching at TalTech.