June 1, 2026 (PA, NJ, DE, NY) – The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRA) has awarded the 2026 John L. Buzzi Scholarship to Sruthi Desikan, a Downingtown Pennsylvania STEM School graduate recognized for her brilliant academic record and array of research achievements and community service activities related to water quality.
Sruthi’s impressive academic record includes advanced courses in physics, math and design engineering. She co-authored a published paper on the potential solutions to address existing microplastic contamination, and strategies for preventing future microplastic pollution through the development of alternative, biodegradable materials.
Sruthi served as a Borlaug Scholar and Pennsylvania delegate to the Global Youth Institute. She founded Downingtown STEM’s Envirothon Team, and taught STEM concepts to young students from multiple schools at the local library. She earned first place finishes at regional and state science fairs and was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar. Through a grant-funded initiative, she helped develop and distribute “Lab-In-A-Box” kits, which provide hands-on science experiments to underserved communities.
“Sruthi’s academic accomplishments, innovative work in water resources, and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrate an ability to bridge rigorous science and real-world community needs,” said Skelly Holmbeck, WRA Executive Director. “Science is the foundation for the work we do at WRA. We are thrilled to honor Sruthi’s commitment to scientific excellence and meaningful public engagement.”
Her teachers described her as a dedicated, passionate student with a commitment to having a positive impact on society.
Sruthi will begin her studies in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State Schreyer Honors College in the fall.
John K. Buzzi’s Legacy
In 2003, WRA established the John L. Buzzi Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the late Dr. John L. Buzzi (1936-2003), a former chairman of WRA and member of the Board of Directors. Buzzi was a highly respected and greatly admired water resource engineering professional, and a dedicated community leader within and outside the Delaware River Basin. Every year, WRA awards the Buzzi Scholarship to an exemplary student who resides within the Delaware River Basin watershed and is pursuing a water resources related degree.
Application requirements for the 2027 Buzzi Scholarship will be posted on the WRA website in October 2026.
Contact: Skelly Holmbeck, Executive Director, 561.707.3186, ed@wradrb.org
About the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin
WRADRB is a nonprofit, non-partisan, advocacy and public information organization that promotes the science-based management of water resources within the Delaware River Basin to protect water dependent uses and enhance the long-term sustainability and resiliency of the river system. WRADRB represents the water users and anyone dependent on, or interested in, the Basin’s water resources.
