Meet a Fluid Power Scholarship Winner – Thomas Lahr

Programs like the Fluid Power Scholarships are made possible in part by the generous support of industry volunteers as well as NFPA Education and Technology Foundation and Pascal Society donors. Support these efforts by making a donation.

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded nineteen $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power technology fields of study.

Here’s one of the winners, Thomas Lahr. Thomas is attending Hennepin Technical College. We asked Thomas about winning the scholarship…

What does winning a Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
Firstly, it’s a great honor to receive the NFPA Fluid power scholarship award.  I’ll be able to further develop my skills in areas such as programmable logic controllers, advanced electrical, and pneumatics. All which will help in the lab work I aspire to do. 

Why did you choose to learn about fluid power?
It started while I was an assembler. After getting to test and troubleshoot I found I not only enjoyed the challenge of troubleshooting, but also the science that went into the work that I do. After looking deeper into fluid power and realizing the breadth of possibilities I know I’ve chosen an exciting industry!

What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
Once I have my AAS I’m hoping to get a job as an Engineering Technician. I’d like to work in a lab setting with data acquisition. My long-term goal is to continue my education and get a BS in Engineering and to work in product development.

The Foundation’s goal is to help individuals enrolled in technical colleges and universities pursue their interests in fluid power. The Fluid Power Scholarship application is available from January 2023 until early April 2023. Please share this opportunity within your network. Additionally, if you would like to serve on the application review committee, please contact Eric Pannell at epannell@nfpa.com.