Benjamin Leslie wins Emma W. Locke Memorial Award

Before he crossed the Petersen Events Center stage at commencement, a soon-to-be University of Pittsburgh graduate was recognized for making a lasting impact on the University. 

Swanson School of Engineering student Benjamin Leslie is the winner of the 2024 Emma W. Locke Memorial Award. Charles A. Locke established this University honor in 1946 in memory of his mother, Emma W. Locke. Nominees are selected by the deans of the undergraduate schools, and the award recognizes high scholarship, character, leadership and devotion to the ideals of the University of Pittsburgh.

Graduating with a BS in bioengineering and a minor in chemistry, Leslie has received several David C. Frederick Honors College fellowships and scholarships to support his research, which he has presented at conferences nationwide.

Leslie was named the American Society for Engineering Education National Co-op Student of the Year for his role at ZOLL Medical and will attend Pitt’s School of Medicine next fall. He is co-founder and CEO of a medical device startup, for which he has received several grants to fund its development. Leslie has also served as a captain and vice president for Pitt’s men’s ice hockey team.