Olene Bigelow
Fellowship

Supporting engagement and participation in The Masonry Society

Nominate

Application Deadline

July 31

The Women in Masonry – Olene Bigelow Fellowship supports participation in The Masonry Society (TMS) by providing resources to attend the TMS Annual Meeting and become actively engaged in the Society’s technical and professional activities.

The fellowship reflects The Masonry Society’s commitment to strengthening participation across the masonry community and encouraging involvement in the development, application, and advancement of masonry knowledge.

The program was established in 2023 through the leadership of TMS members committed to expanding participation in the Society. In 2025, the fellowship was named in honor of Olene Bigelow, recognizing her lasting contributions to masonry and her commitment to mentorship and professional engagement.

About Olene Bigelow

Olene Bigelow dedicated more than 30 years to the design and construction industries, including more than two decades as Minnesota Area Director of the International Masonry Institute. She was an active member of The Masonry Society for nearly 20 years and contributed significantly to advancing masonry knowledge through education, research, and professional collaboration.

Her contributions included co-chairing the 11th North American Masonry Conference, leading post-disaster research following the 1998 St. Peter tornadoes, and developing masonry continuing education programming at the University of Minnesota. Her leadership and mentorship left a lasting impact on the masonry community and The Masonry Society.

Fellowship Support

The fellowship provides support to attend the TMS Annual Meeting, including:

Annual Meeting registration

Airfare and ground transportation

Hotel accommodations

One-year TMS membership (if not already a member)

Introduction to TMS committees and technical activities

Opportunities for mentorship and professional engagement

Participation in the Annual Meeting provides opportunities to connect with professionals working in engineering, architecture, construction, contracting, craft professions and skilled trades, education, research, manufacturing, industry organizations, and associations.

Eligibility & Expectations

Open to women interested in becoming more involved in The Masonry Society and the masonry community.

Participation Expectations

Recipients are expected to attend and participate in the TMS Annual Meeting and engage in mentorship opportunities offered through the program.  The goal of the fellowship is to support ongoing involvement in The Masonry Society, including participation in a committee or technical activity aligned with the recipient’s interests.

Applicants may work in:
  • Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Construction
  • Masonry contracting
  • Craft professions and skilled trades
  • Education
  • Research
  • Manufacturing
  • Associations and professional organizations
  • Related fields
Additional Considerations
  • TMS members and non-members are eligible
  • A current TMS member must submit the nomination
  • Both nominator and nominee forms must be completed for consideration
  • Applicants may be at any stage of their career
  • Individuals not currently active in TMS are encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in becoming more engaged in the Society

Fellowship Recipients

2025 Recipient

Samjhana Sharma

Samjhana Sharma was selected as the 2025 recipient of the Women in Masonry – Olene Bigelow Fellowship.  She is a PhD student in structural engineering at Clemson University whose research focuses on masonry systems and resilient housing solutions.  Originally from Nepal, her interest in masonry is rooted in improving the performance of structures in earthquake prone regions and advancing practical, sustainable construction methods.

“Why confine yourself to a box of limiting thoughts and fears when we girls can think beyond it?” 
— Samjhana Sharma

Nomination & Application Process

Applications must include:

  • Nomination Form submitted by a current TMS member
  • Nominee Form submitted by the candidate, including background information and a statement of interest.

Deadline
July 31 @ 11:59 PM MT

  
Step 1 — For Nominators

Submit a Nomination

TMS members may nominate a candidate by completing the form below. Both nominator and nominee forms must be submitted for consideration.

Submit a Nomination
Step 2 — For Nominees

Complete Nominee Form

Nominees must complete the form below including background information and a statement of interest describing their goals for engagement in TMS.

Complete Nominee Form

Founders

The Women in Masonry initiative was established through the leadership of the following TMS members:

Ece Erdogmus, PhD, PE

Clemson University

Founding Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction. Has been involved in Masonry Research and Education for over 20 years.  Serves on the TMS Board of Directors, TMS 402/602 Main Committee, and chaired the 14th North American Masonry Conference.

Jamie Davis, PE

Ryan Biggs Clark Davis

President and Principal. With over 30 years managing masonry restoration projects. Serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the TMS Board of Directors and voting member of the TMS 402/602 Main Committee.

Christine “Tina” Subasic, PE, LEED AP, FTMS

Consulting Architectural Engineer

More than 30 years of masonry industry experience. First female President of TMS. Voting member of the TMS 402/602 Main Committee and Chair of the Veneer Subcommittee.

Support the Fellowship

Contributions to the Women in Masonry Fund help expand opportunities for participation in The Masonry Society and support future recipients.