Daniel Jimenez Gil is the 2024 recipient of the Belle K. Ribicoff Prize, awarded annually to an exemplary graduating senior who has demonstrated academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, originality of thought, and a commitment to extracurricular activities and community service.
Gil had a fairly clear view of his professional aspiration when he began his studies in the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. But through his work on a number of projects, he realized that his interests extended beyond civil engineering to include programming and other aspects of computer science.
Gil's trajectory through the semesters has included work as a research assistant; internships at top engineering firms; several teaching and mentoring experiences on campus; and a number of student awards, including one from the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers and another from the Association of General Contractors of Connecticut.
“I have found Daniel to be an outstanding student who is intelligent, hardworking, highly motivated, and with a pleasant personality,” says Clara Fang, professor and chair of the civil, environmental, and biomedical engineering department. “He has displayed a remarkable ability to dive into intricate subjects independently, using a wide array of resources, including academic literature and online references. His ability to grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively was evident throughout all his projects.”
Fang, who worked with Gil on many of those projects, co-authored a research paper with him on AI bridge technology, which Gil had the chance to present in front of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C.
While working with a club called Engineers Without Borders, Gil discovered his love of—and talent for—programming. He began to teach himself computer science and has ventured into areas such as microcontroller programming and training statistical models.
Gil has been accepted into a program in the civil engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he will research the application of AI and robotics into structural engineering.