My name is Carolina Shank, and I am a mechanical engineering and criminal justice student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with long-term goals of becoming an attorney. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—both in science and in society—and I hope to combine those interests by pursuing a career in intellectual property law. My goal is to advocate for responsible innovation, bridging the gap between technology and justice to ensure that new ideas are used to benefit people and not exploit them. One of the most significant challenges I have faced in my life has been navigating my educational journey as a homeschooled student and later, as a young college graduate entering a traditional university environment. I graduated high school at 17 with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, having taken dual enrollment courses while balancing part-time work. While I was proud of my accomplishments, transitioning from homeschooling to a four-year university was a major adjustment. Many people made assumptions about my background, freshman year my roomate even called me "homeschool freak." My peers and adults around me questioning my social skills, preparedness, and even my ability to succeed in rigorous STEM coursework has always been a part of my life. I remember, as a kid, adults who would insult my mother for choosing to homeschool us, when in reality, she was doing the very best thing for my and my siblings' education. I often felt that I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged. Instead of letting those assumptions discourage me, I used them as motivation. I focused on finding ways to demonstrate my capability through action. I joined organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Mock Trial, and the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), where I currently serve as a Supreme Court Justice. Each of these roles challenged me to grow not only as a student, but as a leader and communicator. I also took on roles that allowed me to serve others—such as tutoring, mentoring, and working as a counselor at leadership conferences. These experiences helped me build confidence, develop strong public speaking skills, and realize that leadership isn’t about proving your worth to others—it’s about empowering people to see their own. Through perseverance, I overcame my initial challenges by embracing every opportunity to learn and to lead. Over time, the transition that once felt daunting became one of my greatest strengths. I learned how to adapt quickly, how to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, and how to stay grounded in my goals even when the path ahead felt uncertain. Most importantly, I learned that growth often comes from discomfort—and that resilience is built by facing obstacles head-on. This experience has deeply shaped my career goals. It taught me that the fields of engineering and law are both about problem-solving, integrity, and impact. Whether designing solutions in the lab or drafting arguments in the courtroom, I want to use my skills to make systems more fair, efficient, and ethical. My journey has shown me that perseverance, empathy, and purpose can turn challenges into catalysts—and I hope to continue using those lessons to make a meaningful difference in both the legal and engineering worlds.

As a Christian legal leader, I want to make an impact by pursuing justice with integrity, humility, and compassion. I believe that faith and law are not opposites but complementary forces—both are rooted in the pursuit of truth, order, and the common good. The legal field is not merely about winning cases or interpreting statutes; it is about upholding the dignity of every person created in God’s image. My goal is to be a lawyer who reflects Christ’s example of servant leadership—using knowledge and authority not for self-advancement, but to uplift others and protect those whose voices are too often unheard. My Christian beliefs form the foundation of my values and ethics. Scripture reminds us in Micah 6:8 to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Those three principles—justice, mercy, and humility—guide how I want to navigate the legal world. Acting justly means being unwavering in integrity, even when shortcuts or compromises might seem easier. Loving mercy means recognizing the humanity behind every case file and understanding that legal outcomes affect real people and real lives. Walking humbly means approaching the practice of law with a teachable heart—acknowledging that while human judgment is fallible, the pursuit of truth must always remain sincere and grounded in moral conviction. I aspire to apply these principles in both my professional work and my personal conduct. Whether in intellectual property law, public policy, or advocacy, I want to promote honesty, fairness, and accountability. As an attorney, I will have influence over decisions that can shape innovation, protect ideas, and affect livelihoods. My faith calls me to steward that responsibility with care—to ensure that creativity and progress are pursued ethically, that justice is not distorted by greed, and that my actions consistently reflect integrity. Throughout my academic and leadership journey, I have seen how faith and service can coexist powerfully. In roles such as Supreme Court Justice at the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, President of the Society of Women Engineers, and Treasurer of Mock Trial, I have learned that leadership is most effective when it is grounded in purpose rather than power. My Christian values remind me that leadership is about service, and influence is about responsibility. These experiences have prepared me to lead with empathy, transparency, and conviction—qualities that I believe the legal world deeply needs. The world of law can sometimes become cynical, focused more on competition than compassion. I want to be a reminder that ethics and empathy are not weaknesses but strengths. As a Christian legal leader, I hope to bring moral clarity to complex issues, to advocate for fairness in systems that often favor the powerful, and to mentor others with honesty and grace. Ultimately, my goal is simple yet profound—to let my faith be evident not just in what I say, but in how I practice law: with excellence, integrity, and a heart dedicated to justice and service.

One major issue facing the criminal justice system today is the unequal access to effective legal representation. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds are often assigned overworked public defenders with limited resources, which can lead to plea bargains made out of necessity rather than justice. This imbalance undermines the fairness of the legal process and contributes to systemic inequities that have long-lasting consequences for individuals, families, and communities. When the quality of legal defense depends on one’s financial situation, the promise of “justice for all” becomes conditional. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel, yet in practice, that right often falls short of providing truly fair representation. Public defenders frequently manage overwhelming caseloads, leaving them with limited time to investigate cases thoroughly, meet with clients, or prepare strong defenses. Many defendants feel pressured to accept plea deals simply to avoid the risk of harsher sentences, even when they may be innocent or when mitigating circumstances exist. This cycle disproportionately impacts marginalized populations and undermines public confidence in the justice system. In my future career, I plan to address this issue by working toward reform in how public defense systems are funded, structured, and managed. My goal is to use my background in engineering and my future legal training to advocate for data-driven, evidence-based reforms that improve efficiency without sacrificing fairness. Engineering has taught me how to approach complex systems analytically—breaking problems into smaller components, identifying inefficiencies, and designing better solutions. I believe that same mindset can be applied to criminal justice reform. By studying the data behind caseload distribution, budget allocation, and case outcomes, policymakers can identify where resources are most urgently needed and how structural adjustments can lead to fairer results. While I hope to practice intellectual property law one day, I also plan to stay involved in policy advocacy that promotes access to justice and transparency across the system. I believe that lawyers have a responsibility not only to serve their clients but also to contribute to improving the legal system as a whole. Whether through pro bono work, policy research, or collaboration with nonprofits, I want to use my legal expertise to help bridge the gap between law and equity. So far, I’ve taken advantage of several opportunities to engage with the criminal justice system. I earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice before graduating high school, giving me an academic foundation in legal principles, ethics, and criminal procedure. I currently serve as a Supreme Court Justice for the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), where I review legislation and interpret constitutional issues in a simulated government setting. Additionally, my experience on the Mock Trial Team has allowed me to practice courtroom strategy, questioning, and persuasive argumentation—skills that have strengthened both my legal reasoning and my confidence as a communicator. These opportunities have deepened my understanding of the justice process, from the courtroom to the policymaking arena, and strengthened my belief in the power of law to drive meaningful change. They have also affirmed my desire to enter the legal field with purpose and integrity. Whether I am in a courtroom, a boardroom, or a legislative chamber, I intend to continue using my voice, training, and analytical skills to advocate for a system that is not only efficient, but truly just and equitable for all.

I have always believed engineering is not just about equations and efficiency, it is about people. I am a mechanical engineering student with a double major in criminal justice, and my dream is to make the world fairer, more accessible, and innovative by using engineering to solve real problems. Whether it is developing safer infrastructure, advancing clean energy, or designing assistive technologies, I want my work to serve people, especially those whose needs are often overlooked. I come from a low-income background, and like many students in my situation, I have had to be resourceful and determined. I started working at age 15 and graduated high school at 17 with an associate degree. I have juggled jobs, classes, and leadership roles to afford college and stay on track academically. It has not been easy, but I have never lost sight of my goal: to use engineering as a tool for good. My values—empathy, integrity, and drive—guide every decision I make. As a woman in engineering, I know what it feels like to be underestimated. But I also know the power of defying expectations. That is why I mentor younger students through organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and serve as a Resident Assistant, Mock Trial leader, and Student Government senator. I want others to see that they belong in STEM, and that their background does not define their potential. My long-term goal is to work at the intersection of engineering and law. After completing my engineering degree, I plan to attend law school and become an intellectual property attorney. I want to help protect the ideas and innovations that change the world, especially those that come from underrepresented communities. At the same time, I want to ensure that new technologies are safe, ethical, and accessible. I believe that combining my technical background with legal expertise will allow me to advocate for responsible innovation and help people bring their ideas to life. This scholarship would allow me to stay focused on these goals. It would mean fewer hours at work and more time in the lab, on research, and mentoring others. I have already overcome a lot to get here—but with support like this, I can go even further. What drives me is the belief that engineering is not just about solving problems, it is about choosing the right problems to solve. I want to build a world where safety, accessibility, and sustainability are not afterthoughts. I want to stand up for people with good ideas but limited means. And I want to prove that being low-income is not a limitation, it is a launchpad.

My name is Carolina Sunshine Shank, and I am a mechanical engineering student minoring in mathematics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. From a young age, I have been fascinated by how things work and how thoughtful design can solve real problems. Engineering, to me, is more than just equations and machines; it is a way to create meaningful solutions that improve people’s lives and communities. Growing up homeschooled gave me a unique perspective and the opportunity to explore my interests deeply and independently. I graduated high school early with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice, which has broadened my understanding of justice, ethics, and public service. Now, pursuing a double major in mechanical engineering and criminal justice, I am preparing to combine these fields in a way that makes a lasting impact. I have gained valuable hands-on experience in engineering labs where teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving come together. These experiences showed me how engineering can address challenges such as sustainability, safety, and accessibility. At the same time, I conduct research related to police use of deadly force, helping me understand the importance of accountability and fairness—principles I hope to bring into my engineering career. Beyond academics, I am passionate about leadership and service. As president of the Society of Women Engineers, I work to inspire young women to pursue STEM careers. I also serve as a senator in student government and a Chancellor’s Ambassador, roles that have sharpened my communication skills and commitment to community. I mentor girls in STEM and have volunteered as a counselor at Tennessee Volunteer Girls State, helping build confidence and leadership in the next generation. Financial challenges have been a reality throughout my journey. I have worked since I was 15 to support myself and pay for school. Receiving this scholarship would relieve financial stress and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and leadership roles. More importantly, it would honor the memory of Stephen LeCornu Routh, whose dedication to engineering and service inspires me. In the future, I hope to use my engineering knowledge to design innovative systems that improve public safety, enhance sustainability, and increase access to technology. I also plan to become an intellectual property attorney to protect and guide responsible innovation, ensuring that scientific advancements benefit society equitably. I believe engineering is a powerful tool for positive change, but only if paired with boldness, empathy, and a strong work ethic. My goal is to be an engineer who leads by example, g students who are committed to carrying forward Stephen’s legacy of impact and service.

My name is Carolina-Sunshine Shank, and I am a mechanical engineering and criminal justice double major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I graduated high school at seventeen with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, and I never stop pursuing opportunities to serve, lead, and learn. I believe in using education not just to improve my life, but to protect and uplift others, and public service is where those values come together. My ultimate goal is to work in a federal agency, such as the Department of Justice or Homeland Security, where I can apply both my legal and technical knowledge to protect national interests and individual rights. I plan to attend law school and specialize in intellectual property and national security law, fields that require both scientific literacy and ethical responsibility. By working to safeguard innovation and ensure public safety, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the systems that keep our communities secure. To that end, I am currently involved in undergraduate research with the Criminal Justice Department, focusing on police use of deadly force. Our work examines patterns, oversight practices, and how data can be used to inform better training and accountability nationwide. I believe studying justice means being willing to confront the most difficult questions in order to seek real solutions. Research like this is critical preparation for the kind of service I want to dedicate my life to. I am also active in a number of leadership roles that have shaped my understanding of public responsibility. I serve as a Supreme Court Justice for the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, interpreting student-drafted legislation in a mock government environment. I am involved in student government, the Society of Women Engineers, and serve as a Chancellor’s Ambassador. These roles continue to challenge and strengthen my ability to lead with integrity, humility, and discipline. While I have been blessed with many opportunities, I have also worked hard to earn them. I began working at age fifteen and have consistently balanced multiple jobs with academics, leadership, and service. Financial limitations have never kept me from pursuing my goals, but scholarships like this one would lift a significant burden. With less stress about finances, I could invest even more time into my research, legal preparation, and community involvement. The Dr. Tien Vo Federal Agents To-Be and Public Service Scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a vote of confidence in students like me, who believe change is possible when pursued with intention, education, and heart. Public service is not just my career path; it is the way I know I can make the biggest difference. With your help, I will be one step closer to becoming the kind of federal agent and advocate who brings real, lasting impact to our country.

Growing up, my parents always told me education was the most powerful investment I could make in myself. Both of them are first-generation college students who worked hard to build a life for our family, and I watched them make countless sacrifices to give me and my siblings more than they had. I understood early that higher education would be a financial challenge, and if I wanted to go to college, I would need to contribute however I could. Two weeks after I turned fifteen, I made a resume and walked into my first job interview. I didn’t just want a job, I needed one. I worked throughout high school and did everything I could to save money while staying focused on academics. I earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice by the time I graduated high school at seventeen, and I committed to attending a local university so I could live on campus and make college as affordable as possible. I come from a close-knit family. My mom is the most constant and selfless person in my life—she always believed in my potential and never let me forget that I was capable of big things. My dad works hard, but I’ve also learned from watching the limitations of financial stress and strained relationships. I have a little sister who I love deeply and an older brother who I admire. I think often about how my choices shape their view of what’s possible. I take that responsibility seriously. While finances remain a challenge, I don’t see myself as someone who has simply “overcome hardship,” I see myself as someone who has decided to keep showing up. That mindset has served me well in college. I’ve continued working, applied for scholarships, and become deeply involved in campus life. I’m a tutor at the Student Success Center, where I help students struggling in math. I’m a member of the Society of Women Engineers, where I now serve as Chapter President. I’m also a Chancellor’s Ambassador, a Student Government Senator, and part of the Mock Trial team. I mention these not to list accomplishments, but to show how much I care about my school and how much effort I’ve put into creating community and opportunity, not just for myself, but for others. My journey into STEM didn’t come from a single “aha” moment. It came from a thousand small ones. I’ve always been someone who asks questions, takes things apart, and wonders how we can make systems better. I started as a chemical engineering major because I wanted to understand the building blocks of the world around me. Eventually, I found my passion in mechanical engineering, a field that combines creativity, critical thinking, and technical skill. I love the idea of taking complex problems and working through them until a solution appears. Engineering teaches you how to think, how to adapt, and how to solve. I’m drawn to it because it’s challenging, but also because it’s powerful. But I also know that engineering alone isn’t enough for me. I’m deeply interested in public policy, ethics, and the law. My long-term goal is to attend law school and become an intellectual property attorney with a background in STEM. I want to be the person who can translate technical language into legal understanding, advocate for ethical innovation, and help shape policy that keeps up with the pace of science. Whether it’s sustainability, privacy, clean energy, or emerging technologies, the overlap of engineering and law is where real change can happen. As a woman in STEM, I’ve experienced moments of doubt, bias, and underestimation. I’ve also experienced the incredible support that can come from being surrounded by other women who understand what it means to be in a male-dominated field. That’s why I care so deeply about mentorship. From my first day at UTC, I started organizing study groups and sharing resources with classmates. I know how it feels to walk into a classroom and wonder if you belong. I want to be the reason someone else feels like they do. That’s also why I love tutoring. It’s not just about math, it’s about confidence. When I see a student go from confused to capable, it reminds me why I do this. Adversity has shaped me, but it has never defined me. It’s taught me discipline, empathy, and perseverance. It's taught me that I don’t have to wait to “make an impact” someday, I can do that now, by serving others, leading with purpose, and continuing to grow. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education with less financial stress and more focus. But more than that, it would be an investment in a future engineer, advocate, and leader who is determined to make a difference. I plan to pay it forward every step of the way—by mentoring women in STEM, contributing to inclusive policy, and using my education to build a better, more equitable world.