The rapidly developing field of trenchless underground methodology represents the leading edge of construction technology today. Students enrolled full-time in construction management, engineering and other related professional programs are seeking opportunities to keep abreast of these developments. One of the most effective ways of accomplishing this is by combining these individual efforts in the form of a student chapter. NASTT has 19 student chapters throughout North America.
NASTT’s Argent Memorial Scholarship Program
NASTT is pleased to offer its annual student scholarship program established in the memory of Michael E. Argent, who is recognized as one of the industry’s true visionaries and a motivating force behind the growth of trenchless technology. In 1990, Michael was one of five persons who founded NASTT. Through this scholarship program established in his memory, it is hoped that Michael’s contributions to the industry will continue to inspire young trenchless professionals.
2026 Information:
This year, NASTT will award up to six (6) scholarships in the amount of $5,000 (US) each to eligible students who are members in good standing of a current Student Chapter of NASTT. The applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college, university or trade school for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Scholarship recipients must attend NASTT’s 2026 No-Dig Show in Palm Springs, CA to be eligible to receive the scholarship award.
Please note that previous winners are not eligible to apply again.
Before completing the application form, you will need to complete the following:
Prepare a 400-500-word essay on the topic below. Upload your essay into the application for submission.
1. Please refrain from including any identifying information in your essay such as your name or school.
2. You may also not use ChatGPT or any other AI technology to write your essay. If you are found to have used generative technology, you will be disqualified. We recommend saving a revision history of your essay should questions arise.
3. ESSAY TOPIC: In a short essay of 400-500 words please explain what aspects of trenchless technology you find most interesting, and how would you hope to see that implemented in your community?
• Be prepared to upload the following documents:
1. Transcript
The DEADLINE to submit your application is JANUARY 30, 2026.
Questions? Contact Kari Webb, Education Manager.
The NASTT No-Dig Show Student Scholarship
By participating in a NASTT Student Chapter and attending NASTT’s No-Dig Show, students have the opportunity to learn first-hand how important trenchless technology is to our community and our environment.
•NASTT is pleased to provide complimentary lodging and full-conference registration at the 2026 No-Dig Show for students; both Student Chapter members and those from non-affiliated schools are eligible to apply. For those students selected, hotel lodging check-in will be on Sunday, March 29th at 4:00pm and check-out will be on Wednesday, April 1st at 10:00am in Palm Springs, CA. Luggage can be dropped off at the hotel to be held prior to check in.
REQUIREMENTS: All scholarship recipients are required to attend the onsite Student Orientation on Sunday, March 29th from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. All scholarship recipients must attend the required number of technical sessions and exhibit hall hours; more information will be provided prior to the show. Hotel room assignments will consist of 2 students to a room, and we will do our best to keep students from the same school together. Note that all students are expected to be onsite for the entire duration of the NASTT No-Dig Show, approval must be given to arrive late/leave early.
Students are responsible for the cost of travel and meals.
The DEADLINE to submit your application is JANUARY 23, 2026.
Student Chapter Benefits
Interested in starting a student chapter at your university? Click here to download the information and contact NASTT Education Manager, Kari Webb with any questions.
On campus, student chapters are involved in a number of activities throughout the academic year including field trips, seminars and fundraisers. Members of student chapters also attend and participate in NASTT’s No-Dig Show where they present posters that describe their trenchless research, participate in competitions and provide staff support such as monitoring the technical paper sessions. There are many benefits associated with establishing a NASTT student chapter at your university – scholarships, networking opportunities, education, learning and growth, career opportunities and much more!
Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
Advisor: Dr. Samuel T. Ariaratnam, samuel.ariaratnam@asu.edu
Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, Ohio
Advisor: Dr. Alan Atalah, aatalah@bgsu.edu
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona – Pomona, California
Advisor: Dr. Jinsung Cho, jinsungcho@cpp.edu
Clemson University – Clemson, South Carolina
Advisor: Dr. Kalyan R. Piratla, kpiratl@clemson.edu
Concordia University – Montreal, Quebec
Advisor: Rebecca Dziedzic, rebecca.dziedzic@concordia.ca
New in 2025! Georgia Tech – Atlanta, Georgia
Advisor: Fernando Patino-Ramirez, fernando.patinoramirez@ce.gatech.edu
Kent State University – Kent, Ohio
Advisor: Lameck Onsarigo, lonsarig@kent.edu
National Autonomous University of Mexico – Mexico City, Mexico
Advisor: Rodrigo Munoz, rodrigo.munoz@ingenieria.unam.edu
Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon
Advisor: Joseph Louis, Joseph.Louis@oregonstate.edu
Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana
Advisor: Dulcy Abraham, dulcy@purdue.edu
Queen’s University – Kingston, Ontario
Advisor: Dr. Ian D. Moore, moore@civil.quensu.ca
Red River College (RRC Polytech) – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Advisor: Raven Sharma, rshariot@rrc.ca
Rutgers University – Piscataway, New Jersey
Advisor: Nenad Gucunski, gucunski@rci.rutgers.edu
Trenchless Technology Center/Louisiana Tech University – Ruston, Louisiana
Advisor: Reggie Jeter, P.E., rjeter@latech.edu
University of Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta
Advisor: Dr. Alireza Bayat, abayat@ualberta.ca
UMass Lowell – Lowell, Massachusetts
Advisor: Dr. Raj Gondle – RajKumar_Gondle@uml.edu
University of Colorado Boulder – Boulder, Colorado
Advisor: Brad Wham, Brad.Wham@colorado.edu
University of North Florida – Jacksonville, Florida
Advisor: John Kim, jongkim@unf.edu
University of Texas at Arlington/ CUIRE – Arlington, Texas
Advisor: Dr. Mo Najafi, najafi@uta.edu