Phillip Boltan
Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the Cockrell School of Engineering
Chevron Enrichment Award
Forty Acres Scholars Class of 2022
Hometown
Flower Mound, TX
High School
Flower Mound High School

As a child, the world around me constantly captivated me and inspired questions, and I found delight in having my questions answered, always striving to learn more. This state of mind, always inquisitive and wondering, fuels my ceaseless drive to learn and broaden myself as an individual. Participating in countless math contests, engineering challenges, and science fair competitions in high school sparked my interest in studying Chemical Engineering. I am always pursuing opportunities to think creatively, work collaboratively and push technological boundaries alongside other passionate students to have an impact on the UT community and the world. At UT, I’ve conducted cutting-edge research in nanotechnology and negative emission technologies. I’ve improved the undergraduate experience for my peers by serving as the Director of the Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Advisory Board, Vice President of Corporate Relations of the Longhorn Energy Club, and Student Development Chair of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. I’ve even had a global impact on energy education and energy poverty through my involvement with the Switch Energy Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and have explored the world by studying abroad in Japan and Denmark. In my free time you can find me teaching students a variety of ballroom dance styles, playing ultimate frisbee, and exploring new nature spots.

Major
Chemical Engineering

Honors Program
Engineering Honors

Other Academic Interests
Business Minor; Entrepreneurship and Research in Energy and Material Science sectors

Extracurricular Activities
R&D Consultant, ELL Technologies LLC; Expansion Intern, Switch Energy Alliance; Director, Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Advisory Board; Vice President of Corporate Relations, Longhorn Energy Club; Corporate Development and Student Development Chair, American Institute of Chemical Engineers; Social Chair, Omega Chi Epsilon ChE Honor Society; Student Instructor, UT Social Dance Courses 

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?  
I was initially drawn to the Forty Acres Scholars Program by its promise of enriching my education and overall college experience, but quickly discovered that was just the beginning of what the program had to offer. From my first impressions during Finalist Weekend, I greatly admired how the program embraces the value of connections among fellow scholars and truly creates a tight-knit community of friends. The program’s unique combination of connections with faculty and alumni, extraordinary opportunities for enrichment and personal development, and fostered interactions between highly motivated and passionate scholars makes me confident that being a part of the vibrant, intellectual FASP community at UT has not only shaped me into a successful chemical engineer, but also offered me the leadership and cultural opportunities that enabled me to realize my full potential. 

Favorite FASP Memory:
Though there are many to choose from, my favorite FASP memory would have to be my cohort’s senior trip to Belize during winter break of our senior year. Together we explored Belize’s rainforests and architectural sites, cooked traditional dishes, went cave tubing, relaxed on the beach, and even swam with sharks. Our cohort has grown so close over the past several years, and it was amazing to see our bond grow that much more in just one week.