2021 Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology | SPRING - VOL. 36, NO. 1

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Spring 2020 | $6.95

AWARDWINNING

WOMEN Leading the Way in STEM

Bianca Sias

Enterprise transformation coach Global technology infrastructure department JPMorgan Chase & Co.

INSIDE • 10 finance tips every student should know • We’ll help you get that IT career you want • Succeed as an online student with our helpful advice www.hispanicengineer.com

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FEATURES

CONTENTS

COVER STORY 16

Get to know the most influential women leaders in STEM. Learn more about these individuals whose organizations picked them as Outstanding Achievement Awardees, or who were nominated for Outstanding Achievement Awards by their organizations.

Alejandra Ortiz

Electrical Engineer Textron Systems

INSIDE

12 THANKS TO OPPORTUNITIES BROUGHT BY THE PANDEMIC,

THERE ARE TONS OF OPTIONS FOR EARNING AN ONLINE DEGREE

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HE magazine’s checklist will help you choose the right online degree for you

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LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPOTLIGHTS TRAILBLAZING STEM GRADUATES

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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PUBLISHER'S PAGE VOLUME 36 | NUMBER 1

DEPARTMENTS

STEM IS A CRITICAL PRIORITY FOR SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS

News & Events ....................6

According to a Center for an Urban Future report, LaGuardia Community College graduates more students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees than all other City University of New York (CUNY) colleges. Twenty percent of LaGuardia's graduates are in STEM. This is a big deal because CUNY is the most extensive urban university system in the U.S.

Get the latest news and critical academic dates.

Scholarships ....................... 8

Here are the scholarships you should know about, and how you can get them.

In 2018–19, LaGuardia granted 310 more STEM degrees than in 2015–16, an increase of 76.4 percent.

Financial Aid ......................9

One of the students in this cohort is Gerardo Reyes Chavez, a 2015 graduate of LaGuardia Community College. He is now a doctoral student in the molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry program at Brown University.

Internships ........................ 10

Born in Peru, Chavez moved by himself to the U.S., determined to become the first in his family to graduate college. While pursuing his associate degree, he became homeless before finding a room at a shelter in Manhattan. Eventually, he found work at a restaurant and moved to a transitional residence. He finished his bachelor's degree at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 2018.

We have 10 finance tips every student should know.

Do you have a summer internship? Here’s some advice that may help you make the most of it.

Graduate Life .................. 20 So, you are thinking about going to graduate school? Here are a few good reasons you should apply.

Junior College Life ..........22

Here are nine advantages of community college for students of all ages

Job Tools ..........................24

Learning online is much different than inperson learning. HE magazine has a few tips to help you ace your online courses.

Christian Brady-Alvarez is now an electrical engineer at Northrop Grumman. He was raised by his single mother in New York City Housing Authority public housing. The first in his family to graduate college, Brady-Alvarez holds an associate degree in electrical engineering from LaGuardia, a bachelor's from SUNY Maritime College, and is pursuing a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University.

Given that less than 2 percent of the American STEM workforce is Hispanic—20 percent of the youth population is Hispanic, with at least 1.6 percent being Native American—STEM remains one of the critical priorities of several organizations.

They include the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (SACNAS), an organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM; SHPE, the largest association for Hispanics in STEM; and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, which represents more than 500 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success.

Career Outlook ................27 We get IT. We have everything that you need to get ready for your career in information technology.

• Industry Overview • Job Horizon • 2021 HBCU ABET-accredited Engineering School Directory

Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and Chief Content Officer

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Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology, (ISSN 10883452) is a publication devoted to science and technology, and to promoting opportunities in STEM fields for Hispanic Americans.

This publication is bulk mailed to universities and colleges nationwide and in Puerto Rico.

The editors invite editorial submissions directed toward the goals of Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology. In particular, HE&IT magazine wishes to present ideas, current events, and personality profiles of successful Hispanic Americans in science, technology, and related business pursuits. Fully developed articles may be sent, but queries are strongly encouraged.

Articles and letters should be sent to: Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology, Editorial Department, 729 E. Pratt Street, Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202. No manuscript will be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. Copyright ©2021 by Career Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

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HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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NEWS &EVENTS

by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

Software for Incorporating Time and Location into Access Control Decisions Marshal Moncivais, Miguelangel Trevino, and Carlos Delgado Mentor: Dr. Mustafa Al Lail School of Engineering, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, 78041

Technologies Used

Smart Home Application • Problem: − The current security technologies in mobile applications do not consider location and time to make access decisions.

• Objective: − Design a software architecture and its implementation using state-of-the-art techniques and tools to address the problem.

Hospital Application

Software Architecture UML Component Diagram

Components Communication UML Sequence Diagram

Acknowledgements

We applied object-oriented analysis and design techniques, using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as the design and communication tool.

• Analysis & Design: − Developing a solution using the UML component model and sequence diagram to design the architecture and model the communication requirements between the components.

• Implementation: − Implementing of the software system that authorizes user access based on time and location.

Mobile Application

References 1. R. Abdunabi, M. Al-Lail, I. Ray and R. B. France, "Specification, Validation, and Enforcement of a Generalized Spatio-Temporal Role-Based Access Control Model," in IEEE Systems Journal, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 501-515, Sept. 2013.

2. M. Al Lail, M. Moncivais, M. Trevino, “Towards a Software System for Spatio-Temporal Authorization,” to appear in The Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, (36, 7 2021).

From top: Marshal Moncivais, Miguelangel Treviño, with Carlos Delgado and their research poster

TAMIU students work to transform Texas through undergraduate research Three students from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) made their mark during the online research day held Feb. 23–24. This year's theme, "Transforming Texas Through Undergraduate Research," highlighted students' work engaged in research for Texas legislators and how it impacts the state.

Marshal Moncivais, Miguelangel Treviño, and Carlos Delgado submitted their poster "Software for Incorporating Time and Location into Access Control Decisions" under Dr. Mustafa Al Lail, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering, School of Engineering.

The virtual presentation described an increasing dependency on digital technology, the importance of data

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HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2020

security, and a model using software development technologies.

"I congratulate our students on their selection for this statewide research recognition," said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz. "This type of facultystudent research collaboration is a distinction of our undergraduate program. These opportunities are a core element in our strategic plan that focuses on creating a transdisciplinary and collaborative research environment that fosters discovery, educates our students and community, and generates substantive solutions for a changing global society."

HACU is marking significant milestones in 2021 It is a banner year for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Since its founding three

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SAVE THE DATE American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference September 23–25 https://na.eventscloud.com/ website/13466/home

Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM Conference October 28–30 https://www.sacnas.org/what-we-do/ conference

Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) Annual Conference October 30–November 1 https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Annual_ Conference1.asp

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) National Convention November 10–14 https://www.shpe.org/events/nc2021

Internship Program has made over 13,000 internship placements since its inception.

"Tremendous progress has been made through the years to serve Hispanics in higher education, but as more Hispanic-serving Institutions emerge, so too does the need to advocate for improved funding support for HSIs," Flores said.

Juntos perseveramos (Together we persevere): NASA's first planetary landing with an official transmission in Spanish On Feb. 18, Diana Trujillo hosted the first-ever Spanish-language NASA transmission of a planetary landing for the Perseverance rover. Trujillo, who came to America at 17 with only $300, is currently flight director for Mars 2020 Perseverance.

"Here at NASA, I have many friends from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, and other countries, but we need more Latinos to accompany us on the missions to come," said the aerospace engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The Spanish-language NASA transmission included a video with middle school girls who shared their dreams of becoming engineers, spacesuit designers, rocket builders, and astronauts on missions to Mars.

Dr. Antonio R. Flores

decades ago, HACU has grown from 18 charter members to 500-plus member institutions. Dr. Antonio R. Flores has led HACU for the last 25 years.

During his tenure, he has helped the association increase federal funding for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs).

More than $4 billion has been allocated to them over the years, according to HACU. Additionally, HACU's National

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"We want to say to Latinas who are interested in pursuing space sciences that here we are, here is Diana, here I am. We are many, willing to connect with you, in serving as mentors, in putting this community bond that all Latinos have to connect with. We are here to encourage you and encourage us to fulfill our goals and dreams," said Yajaira Sierra-Sastre, a materials science and nanotechnology scientist.

She dreams of being the first Puerto Rican astronaut.

Top: Diana Trujillo Bottom: Yajaira Sierra-Sastre

Recently, Sierra-Sastre was selected to be part of a simulated mission to Mars.

"In a decade, when those samples that Perseverance is going to collect return to Earth, it will be many of the boys and girls who look at us today, geologists, biologists, or physicists who must analyze them," she added. HE

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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SCHOLARSHIPS

by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

THE ULTIMATE SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE Fund website for information on when to apply. https://latinoccu.org/ community-impact/scholarship-fund/ The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is awarded annually to students who are currently enrolled or accepted to study full-time in a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree program that MPOWER support in the United States or Canada.

The grand prize is worth $3,000 and honorable mentions get $1,000 and $500 each. The deadline for applications is July 20, 2021. For more on eligibility requirements, visit the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship website: https://www. mpowerfinancing.com/scholarships/ women-in-stem/

E

ach semester, Hispanic Engineer magazine compiles information on available scholarships. We list major awards that you should know about, their requirements and benefits, why you should apply, and the application deadlines in this issue.

In 2016, the Latino Community Credit Union began a scholarship program to increase access to higher education.

Since then, its scholarship recipients have launched careers in health care, technology, public policy, and more. The application window for the scholarship program will reopen in the spring of 2021. Visit the Latino Community Credit Union Scholarship

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The American Dream Scholarship is made possible by members of the Greater Miami community. The scholarship covers up to 60 credits toward completing an AA or AS, whichever comes first. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must apply by Aug. 31. For more information, visit the American Dream Scholarship website: https://www.mdc.edu/financialaid/ scholarships/american-dream.aspx Do you have a passion for coding, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and technology? High school seniors and first-year college students, sophomores, or juniors with a passion for AI, technology, and coding are encouraged to apply for the NSHSS Innovation in Technology Scholarship.

The closing date is Sept. 30. For more information, visit NSHSS Innovation in Technology Scholarship: https:// www.nshss.org/scholarships/s/nshssinnovation-in-technology-scholarship/ The La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF) has scholarships for undergraduate and graduate Latino students. Its annual national

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate Latino students awards up to $2,000 per recipient. The application for the scholarship program is available each year from Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, and winners are announced in December. Visit LULF Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate Latino Students. https://www.lulf.org/ scholarships.html The National Society of High School Scholars Foundation provides STEM scholarships for underrepresented groups to help reduce the financial barriers for those with academic and leadership potential and the desire to pursue STEM careers. The application period usually opens in June, and the deadline to apply is October. Visit NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship's website for more information. https:// www.nshss.org/scholarships/s/nshssfoundation-stem-scholarship/ HACER stands for Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources.

In 1985, McDonald's created the McDonald's HACER National Scholarship Program to assist Hispanic students as they pursue their higher education goals. The scholarships are worth $25,000 per year. The application period for the 2021–2022 McDonald's HACER Scholarship program will open in the fall. https:// www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/ community/hacer.html Great Minds in STEM offers scholarships to provide financial assistance for underrepresented students pursuing a medical profession in California. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Visit GMiS for more information: http://www. greatmindsinstem.org/scholarships/ HE

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FINANCIAL AID

By Bonnie Conrad editors@ccgmag.com

10 FINANCE TIPS EVERY STUDENT SHOULD KNOW

H

ere are 10 tips that every student should know to make things a bit easier on their bank account.

1. Student surveys and experiments – Many colleges

and universities have psychology departments, where students are often paid for taking part in surveys and experiments. These experiments have been declared safe, as there are often stringent safety requirements in place. Although the payment is small, a couple of hours of experiments per week can quickly add up to a decent amount of money.

2. Buy secondhand items – Certain goods can be bought secondhand, saving students a considerable amount of money. Many secondhand textbooks are available, allowing students to save on expensive course materials. Many other items—such as chairs, desks, or other furniture—can be bought in local thrift stores or online.

3. Resell – On the flip side, students

can quickly sell items they no longer need. When moving, students may choose to sell unwanted or unnecessary furniture. These items can quickly turn into gold mines due to the available market of incoming students.

4. Ask about scholarships and grants – Often, students qualify

for scholarships or grants that they may not know about. Students need to check with the school's financial assistance department to see if they are eligible for any relief. These can represent either significant savings or direct payments, which will ease the financial squeeze.

5. Student employment – Many schools have various jobs available, from shops to computer labs to secretarial work. Schools advertise these jobs to students first on intercampus websites, allowing them first

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preference to these jobs, so it is vital to keep up to date with these websites to know when any job postings may become available.

6. Student cards – Students generally are given discounts at several locations, both locally and further away. Using a student card to save 5 percent or 10 percent on purchases will add up in the long run.

7. Insurance – Having insurance is one not-so-obvious way to save money as a student. Insuring valuable goods is a great way to prevent further expense in case they get damaged or stolen.

This is especially true for electronic items such as laptops and mobile phones, which can be easily damaged and frequent targets for theft. Having insurance gives the student a means of recovering a damaged or lost item without extra money.

8. Budget – Frequently, when

students go off to college, it is the first time that they are financially independent. Tasks such as buying food and paying for groceries or rent are novel to them. As a result, they do not have a good understanding of how much money they can spend each week or month and often find themselves in deep trouble when their bank accounts run dry. Having a budget ensures that the student will be far more knowledgeable about money, reducing financial issues.

Higher education is expensive. Tuition, accommodation, books, and other expenses can quickly eat away at any student or parent's budget. Luckily, there are ways to ease the financial burden that college and university may place on a person. student hundreds of dollars a year. It is a great idea to figure out what items are frequently purchased and then compare them with those of other supermarkets in the area. The Internet is also a fantastic resource, as many things can easily be compared and purchased online. HE

9. Save – On those occasions where students have a surplus, they spend money on unnecessary items. While recreational spending is necessary, a portion of any "extra" capital should be put into a savings account for rainy days and to boost good spending habits.

10. Smart shopping – Simple tricks like buying budget brands instead of premium or shopping at value supermarkets can easily save a

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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INTERNSHIPS

by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

9 TIPS FOR YOUR SUMMER INTERNSHIP

S

o, you have finally landed a summer internship.

Congratulations! Here are some tips to help you make the most of this great opportunity.

1. Define your goals – Before you start your summer internship, one of the best things you can do is take some time to identify the skills you are interested in honing. These do not necessarily need to be related to your field of study. Maybe you are a chemistry major and want to get some experience with social media marketing. Whatever the case, having a basic outline of what you are hoping to learn will help you recognize opportunities when they present themselves.

2. Clarify professional expectations beforehand – Some

internships are rigidly structured, while others are not. Either way, you should take some time before the training begins to clarify the kind of work you will be doing, how much autonomy or supervision you will have, and the organization's supervisory structure.

Whether all your expectations are met or not, having this information will ensure that both you and your supervisor are on the same page.

3. Great first impression – Consider your entire internship your "first impression." Remember, the goal of your training is to gain not only skills but professional credibility (references, LinkedIn endorsements, etc.).

Therefore, you should always adopt, at a minimum, basic professional etiquette (i.e., punctuality, professional appearance, a neat workspace, etc.).

Do not forget to be mindful of your mobile habits; spending all day on your phone will not help you make an excellent first impression.

4. Develop new and existing skills – Before you begin an internship,

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you should put some thought into what skills you are looking to gain so you can keep an eye out for suitable projects. Spend some time thinking about different ways to step out of your comfort zone to ensure you get a rich internship experience.

5. Reflect – Keeping a general

record of your work will help you add your experience to your resume.

Furthermore, the act of reflection can help you understand how different pieces of your internship could factor into your future career.

6. Build relationships – A big part

portfolio. This is a great way to show future employers how you have grown in your career.

8. Pitch new project ideas – If you do not have as much work as you hoped you would have, see if you can complete projects for your co-workers.

Any experience is a good experience.

9. Keep in touch – After your

internship is done, keep in touch with the people you worked with. This does not have to be a huge ordeal. Sending an email every six months is a great place to start. HE

of the internship experience is building relationships and a network in the field you hope to go into. A great way to get 1-on-1 time with your co-workers is by inviting them out to coffee or lunch.

7. Build a portfolio – Ask your supervisor if you can take a copy of some of the work you completed in your internship so you can build a

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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THE ULTIMATE STUDENT CHECKLIST

BY MOLLIE G. editors@ccgmag.com

for picking the right

ONLINE DEGREE DO YOU FORESEE ONLINE COLLEGE ENROLLMENT IN YOUR NEAR FUTURE? If so, you are not alone. In 2019, Inside Higher Ed reported that 34.7 percent of American college students enrolled online. Nearly 3.3 million students take all their college courses online. About 275,000 more students sign up for online programs annually.

Online degrees are popular because of their convenient Web access. Online students can log into virtual classrooms anytime, 24/7, and from anywhere.

Courses online do not require firing up the engine and commuting to a 12

physical campus. In-person lectures are replaced by videos, discussion boards, and interactive Web conferences. Online classes are usually asynchronous so that students can fit education into a fulltime work schedule.

Nearly all U.S. colleges, including Ivy League institutions, offer some courses online now. There is a multitude of online university courses to register for.

Online college programs are not created equally, though. Online higher education is a frequent target of scammers.

Con artists prey on students trying to reach their educational goals online.

Fake online colleges called diploma mills trick students into forking over tuition money. In exchange, students get subpar education or entirely bogus degrees that employers will not respect.

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

Bad online colleges have ripped off millions of learners and left them in debt. Therefore, new online students must remain vigilant during their college search. Here is the ultimate student checklist for picking the right online degree.

1. COMPILE ONLINE COLLEGES FOR YOUR MAJOR Search engines are not usually the best places to look for online degrees.

Searching keywords like "best online psychology degree" will return hundreds of results. Ads purchased by less-than-stellar online schools will also be featured prominently. Instead, go to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website. This database is run by the U.S. Department of Education and updated each year. Click

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the "browse" button to filter colleges based on your intended major. Check the box for distance education to return only 100 percent online options. Use the drop-down menu to search for schools in your budget range. Export results into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for easier shopping.

2. DOUBLE-CHECK ACCREDITATION STATUSES The worst online education offenders will not be accredited. What does accreditation mean? Accreditation is a review process conducted by an external organization. Accreditation forces colleges to get in shipshape form to meet curriculum standards. Colleges with poor teaching and predatory financial practices will not pass muster.

Though accreditation is voluntary, colleges without this stamp of approval are suspicious. Remain wary of colleges placed on accreditation probation too.

Not exceeding the accreditation bar is a flashing red flag. Do not trust an online college's word on accreditation either.

Fraudulent diploma mills commonly manufacture accreditations that do not exist. Double-check each college's credentials using the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. Your chosen online college should have regional accreditation. The best online degrees also have majorspecific professional accreditation.

3. REVIEW ONLINE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Certain online schools, especially community colleges, have open admissions. This means that any student with a qualifying high school diploma or its equivalent can enter. Most online degrees will have stricter admission regulations. Filing multiple online applications can be an expensive task.

Colleges commonly charge $25 to $75 per application for processing. It is a waste to apply for online degrees you are simply ineligible for. Narrow down your online college choices by reviewing the admission standards. Ensure you have fulfilled the mandatory prerequisite courses. Determine if your grade point average (GPA) is sufficient. Competitive colleges may require a GPA around 3.5, whereas less selective schools accept GPAs closer to 2.0. The same goes for college entrance exam scores. Unless the college is test-optional, you will need to fall within the preferred score range.

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IF POSSIBLE, ATTEND A VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE FOR YOUR ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM. IF NOT, CONDUCT YOUR TOUR AROUND THE COLLEGE'S WEBSITE. LOOK FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO DIGITAL LEARNERS. 4. EXPLORE THE ONLINE COLLEGE AMENITIES Online students do not sign up for campus tours as traditional freshmen and transfers do. You will not be using the residence halls or dining centers.

Nonetheless, it would help if you gauged which online schools have the right amenities for you. If possible, attend a virtual open house for your online degree program. If not, conduct your tour around the college's website.

Look for supportive services available to digital learners. Online colleges typically provide tutoring, career services, technical support, writing labs, and mentoring programs. Search for online initiatives like free laptops or iPads and cheap eTextbook downloads. Take an online course demo on the college's eLearning platform, such as Blackboard or Moodle. Tour the online library webpage and see which journals are accessible. Fill in any information gaps by calling the admissions office.

5. COMPARE FINANCIAL AID OFFERS Online education is usually a cheaper alternative to campus-based courses.

Your online degree will still cost several thousand dollars, though.

Online colleges that advertise super low prices should smell fishy. Do not fall for too-good-to-be-true schemes.

Compare online degree tuition fees and choose what seems reasonable to you. Proceed in the same fashion with financial aid offers. Start by filing the Free Application for Federal Student

Aid (FAFSA) online. You only need to complete this form once between Oct. 1 and June 30. The FAFSA gathers critical income information based on your or your parent's tax returns. It is mandatory to claim government assistance, such as the Pell Grant and Perkins Loan. Further, the FAFSA is used by most colleges to determine eligibility for their need-based funding. More expensive online colleges could become cheaper with scholarships and grants factored in.

6. CRUNCH THE COLLEGE NUMBERS Like most businesses, online colleges have content writers who make programs sound amazing. Flowery language can entice you, yet real numbers cannot lie. You do not need to be a mathematics major to compare college statistics. Dig into the NCES profiles for each online college you are considering. Look up the graduation rate to see how many online students finish on time. Evaluate the studentfaculty ratio to determine how big online courses are. Pay attention to the retention rate, which indicates how many students are unsatisfied and transfer out. Review job placement rates to identify your future chances of immediate employment. Use high student loan default rates as warning signs of post-graduation troubles.

Examine enrollment statistics for a picture of how diverse your online peers will be too.

Overall, getting information about an online college should not be like pulling teeth. Stay away from unaccredited online colleges with generic website information and vague answers. Schedule a Q&A session with admissions counselors on the phone or by video chat. Do not be shy about asking tough questions. Inquire about the credentials and training the online professors have. Request an explanation of the college's credit transfer policy.

Ask about the online university's history and financial position. If you have a disability, ensure the college offers apt accommodations. Treat the online college search like an in-depth homework assignment. Doing research upfront will help you make an informed decision that benefits your lifelong career. Follow this ultimate student checklist to pick the right online degree and excel in electronic education. HE

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ts h g i l t o p S e g e l l o NYC C

g n i z a l b l i TrTaEM Students

by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

Leading

S

Among schools with more than 100 annual STEM graduates, LaGuardia Community College has seen the fastest growth, according to a new study. In 2018–19, LaGuardia granted 310 more STEM degrees than in 2015–16, an increase of 76.4 percent.

GERARDO REYES CHAVEZ is now a second-year doctoral student in the molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry program at Brown University. Born and raised in Peru, Chavez and his brothers were raised by their single mother. In 2010, he moved by himself to the U.S., determined to become the first in the family to graduate college. While pursuing his associate degree at LaGuardia, he became homeless before finding a room at a shelter in Manhattan.

Eventually, he found work at a restaurant and moved to a transitional

DITORS INEER E IC ENGrs mag.com N g A P cc IS @ H Y B edito

residence. He is a 2015 graduate of LaGuardia Community College and finished his bachelor's degree at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 2018.

"My career goal is to become a professor at a research institution, where I can mentor and guide underrepresented students who may be going through similar situations as I did when I was an undergraduate student. Sometimes we need that one person that believes in us to push us forward," Chavez told LaGuardia. "I was lucky to find my mentor, Dr. Thomas Onorato, at LaGuardia."

CHRISTIAN BRADY-ALVAREZ is now an electrical engineer at Northrop Grumman. He was raised by his single mother in New York City Housing Authority public housing. The first in his family to graduate college, Brady-Alvarez holds an associate degree in electrical engineering from

Katherine W. Lam

Gerardo Reyes Chavez

Anastasios Tzanidakis

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g

Christian Brady-Alvarez

LaGuardia, a bachelor's from SUNY Maritime College, and is pursuing a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering from Purdue University.

"The return on investment is incalculable based on how much my quality of life has improved since I walked into my first class at LaGuardia," Brady-Alvarez said.

"The college became my second home for the two years I attended. STEM faculty Dr. Frank Wang and Dr. Allyson Sheffield taught me to appreciate the sciences beyond the classroom environment. They also gave me the tools I needed to excel in a four-year school upon graduation and begin a successful engineering career."

KATHERINE W. LAM is a third-year medical student at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine. As a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lam has been vaccinating health care workers during her clinical rotations. Her medical research has been published in several top peerreviewed medical journals. During

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the peak of the COVID pandemic, she led an interdepartmental research investigation on the effects of antihypertensive medications on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Lam holds an associate degree in biology from LaGuardia and a bachelor's in the field from Johns Hopkins University. She plans to become a general surgeon.

confidence and has fueled my passion to pursue a career in academia and become a professor of astronomy," Anastasios said.

"I am grateful for the STEM education at LaGuardia, the LaGuardia-Barnard intercollegiate science program, the Honors Program, and the faculty, and the early research/presentation/ publication exposure I had with Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan," Lam said.

"These experiences allowed me to grow well-rounded and to solidify and demonstrate my interest in clinical research and medicine, which, ultimately in many ways, helped open doors for me after graduating from LaGuardia, including transferring to Johns Hopkins, landing a neuroendocrine/neuroimaging research assistant position at Yale during gap years, and being accepted to medical school training to be a physician."

Nearly a quarter of all degreeseeking students at LaGuardia are pursuing STEM majors, including biology, computer science, computer technology, engineering, environmental science, network administration and security, programming, software development, and physical sciences.

ANASTASIOS TZANIDAKIS is a postbaccalaureate astronomical data analyst at Caltech and is applying to graduate schools. Anastasios holds an associate degree in liberal arts: math and science from LaGuardia and a bachelor's of astronomy from Columbia University.

"LaGuardia opened many new doors for my career and success in STEM. I was able to do original research, be part of peer-reviewed publications, and experience the importance and power of the scientific method. My experiences at LaGuardia have been the foundation of my academic

LaGuardia's student support services include advising, personal librarians, and financial assistance to help students with living expenses, such as MetroCards, rent, childcare, food, and scholarships, to help students face hardship.

"With STEM jobs growing in NYC and throughout the U.S., the fact that we are graduating so many of tomorrow's STEM workforce not only meets what employers need by expanding the pool of well-trained STEM graduates, but our students can secure financially rewarding jobs that enable them to provide for themselves and their families," said LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams in a statement.

"LaGuardia's track record in STEM is directly attributed to the talented faculty that built programs to prepare students for jobs or transfer to a four-year college. Our success also results from strategic partnerships with industry leaders who provide critical curriculum input and internship opportunities for students," he added.

HE Source: https://www.laguardia.edu/home/ news/laguardia-community-collegeis-leading-nyc-college-in-graduatingtomorrow-s-stem-workforce/

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HISPANIC TOP

WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY RISING STAR S • AL L STA RS • M O DE R N - DAY T EC H LE A DE R S The Modern-Day Technology Leader (MDTL) award presented at the annual BEYA STEM Conference, as well as the Tech All-Star and Rising Star awards—part of the Outstanding Achievement Award category—at the Women of Color STEM Conference are some of the most prestigious awards presented by Career Communications Group, publisher of Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology magazine, Women of Color magazine, and USBE magazine. In each of these award categories, nominees cover the spectrum in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Some nominees are just starting their careers and helping to shape technology for the future. Others are at mid-level to advanced stages and have demonstrated excellence in the workplace and their communities.

The MDTL, Tech All-Star, and Rising Star awards are based on employer recommendations. The nominations go through a rigorous review by a panel of leaders from industry, government, and academia.

Meet some of the extraordinary women in STEM who have received these awards recently. Their nominating employers are world leaders in unmanned air, surface, and land products, services, and support for aerospace and defense customers; public utilities that provide natural gas and electricity to millions of people; management and information technology consulting firms; mutual insurance companies; advertising and analytics divisions that operate online platforms for buying and selling consumer-centric digital advertising; multinational corporations that design, manufacture, market, and distribute vehicles and vehicle parts and sell financial services; not-forprofit university-affiliated research centers; defense, aviation, information 16

technology (IT), and biomedical research companies that provide scientific, engineering, systems integration, and technical services; facilities that provide simulation capability to serve aerothermal and thermal response simulation requirements for NASA's mission directorates; and business segments that produce air and missile defense systems, precision weapons, radars, and command and control systems.

During her four years at Booz Allen Hamilton, DIANNA J. ABREU has supported the deployment of two applications across the Veterans Health Administration, allowing veterans and their caregivers to meet with health care providers through any computer, tablet, or mobile device with an Internet connection. In 2019, Abreu was asked by leadership to help stand up the project management office for the VA Information Technology Operations and Services (ITOPS) contract. In doing so, she helped create a strategy and produced a dashboard on Tableau to

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visualize and analyze risk for executive leadership.

Abreu's dedication to health care and the patient experience began while she was a student working with nurses at the Georgetown Clinical Simulation Center using technology like Microsoft HoloLens and Google Glasses. Also, Abreu completed an internship with GlobeMed, which aims to mobilize a community of students and grassroots leaders to work together to improve people's health around the world. Abreu spent a summer in Guatemala working in a clinic and worked during her junior year to acquire more funding and revamp its health education programs.

Currently, she serves as vice president of the Booz Allen Women and Data Science Sponsorship committee. This team creates programming to support the advancement and promotion of female data scientists. Abreu holds a Bachelor of Science in healthcare management and policy and a minor in public health.. www.hispanicengineer.com

BY LANGO DEEN ldeen@ccgmag.com

MONTSERRAT (MONTY) DIAZ is a Distribution Integrity

Management Program (DIMP) data analyst at Consumers Energy. Since 2018, her efforts have produced high-quality results and contributed significantly to protecting, monitoring, and maintaining the natural gas distribution system. Diaz leads the department's endeavor in implementing a tracking and traceability program using GPS and barcoding technology to document natural gas infrastructure and various pipe attributes as they are installed.

This effort increases the opportunity to locate pipe assets underground more accurately and improves the ability to eliminate the risk if a common threat is identified and needs mitigation. Diaz has also created the company's first near-real-time tracking of the DIMP's potential threats. The process was previously highly manual, and through Diaz's use of Tableau, the company can proactively monitor natural gas system risks. Diaz has an enthusiasm for contributing to Consumers Energy's sustainability. She takes pride in pursuing her professional growth and is an active participant of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).

CAROLINA GARCIA is an experienced information system (IS) professional. Currently, she works as a senior change and release specialist supporting FM Global teams in the processes used for deployment of application and infrastructure changes. As a release manager, she has successfully coordinated many largescale releases. She has also assisted in implementing key administrative functions for the application inventory and the change/vendor management systems that FM Global relies on. Since Garcia started at the service desk with the mutual insurance company based in Johnston, RI, she has volunteered for the United Way. As part of the United Way committee, she helped coordinate the 2015 United Way campaign for FM Global and is currently preparing for the 2021 campaign.

IMELDA TREVINO-INGMAN is an engineering group manager at General Motors (GM). She has held

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this position since 2015. Since she started her GM career, Trevino-Ingman has worked in product development, global strategies and planning, and global manufacturing engineering. Her first assignment was as a production supervisor. Other positions she has held include the superintendent of tool and die/production, assembly business unit manager, and plant planner. Currently, Trevino-Ingman supports a Detroit college preparatory program. She has mentored youths in this program for the past three years. Prior, she was a mentor with Winning Futures. Both programs are partnerships with GM. Last June, Trevino-Ingman was asked to help establish a Redford High School youth group through the Creative Worship Center Organization. She has been supporting this activity as the youth minister for just over a year. TrevinoIngman also enjoys short-term mission work. She travels every other year to support youth activities in Guatemala.

Trevino-Ingman holds a master's degree in manufacturing management and another master's in operations management from Kettering University.

She attended the University of Texas A&M, Kingsville, TX, with two scholarships. In 1986, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, then moved to Michigan in 1987 to start her career with GM.

MARTHA CERVANTES is an early-career mechanical engineer and leader who helps transform opportunities for trailblazing students at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD. She has made a bold impact in supporting novel diversity and inclusion strategies for the Cohortbased Integrated Research Community for Undergraduate Innovation and Trailblazing (CIRCUIT) lab. The initiative, led by Johns Hopkins APL, establishes a nationally recognized, cohort-based leadership, research, and mentoring program for trailblazing students.

DIANA J. ABREU

MONTY DIAZ

CAROLINA GARCIA

Cervantes is a trailblazer herself who participated in the first CIRCUIT program in 2017. During this time, she distinguished herself as a leader and scientist. She was one of the first students to transition from CIRCUIT to IMELDA TREVINO-INGMAN 17

an APL internship and then to a fulltime position at the laboratory, based on her consistent technical excellence and growth.

MARTHA CERVANTES

BIANCA SIAS

RITA CHAVEZ

Cervantes currently divides her time between cutting-edge research tasks in her chosen mechanical engineering and STEM outreach field and research activities to mentor CIRCUIT students and develop the program directly. She is the project lead for this initiative and is integral to operational success and planning future directions. With her essential leadership, the program has expanded to support students from four area universities, over 50 students annually, and a diverse set of projects ranging from the deep sea to deep space, including significant artificial intelligence and robotics activities.

BIANCA SIAS is an enterprise transformation coach in the global technology infrastructure department at JPMorgan Chase & Co. She was recognized by JPMC's Consumer & Community Banking line of business for the work she is doing to help drive the technology organization forward. As a transformation coach, she is responsible for being a disruptor for good and a connector to about 7,000 technologists. She is an active participant in business resource groups, especially Adelante, which promotes professional development and leadership opportunities for Hispanic and Latino employees, and the Black Organization for Leadership Development (BOLD). Sias constantly searches for ways of improvement.

Make it Better is her life motto— inspired by her parents, who she says were patiently forgiving toward an abundantly curious child and young adult. She earned a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in technical communication at Texas Tech University and is a member of the Society for Technical Communicators.

When not working at JPMC, she is a PTA president; coaches her children in volleyball, softball, and basketball; tends to her tomato and herb garden; flexes her knowledge as a novice oenophile (wine lover), and enjoys running.

RITA CHAVEZ has over 30 years of experience supporting the United States Air Force in its mission to monitor seismic activity in support of nuclear treaty verification. For the past

IMELDA TERRAZAS-SALINAS 18

10 years, she has served as the Leidos program manager for a mission-critical program. She is currently managing a $46 million effort. She oversees a team of 35 people supporting a nuclear test monitoring contract for a real-time 24/7 system that acquires, processes, reports, and archives data from a worldwide array of sensors. Her duties involve contract management, funding analysis and planning, resource planning, recruiting and coordination, risk mitigation analysis, and personnel management. Chavez is responsible for resource planning, financial analysis, and contract execution of the operations and maintenance and research and development (R&D) efforts. In support of her community, Chavez volunteers in her local school, coaches Odyssey of the Mind and Lego Robotics teams and helps raise money for academic scholarships in the Philippines.

IMELDA TERRAZASSALINAS is the test engineering

group leader at the NASA Ames Research Center Thermophysics Facilities Branch. Every U.S. spacecraft that has entered an atmosphere has had arc jet testing performed at Ames Research Center. TerrazasSalinas is responsible for the training and oversight of new test engineers and student interns. She has been mentoring interns since 2002; several of her interns have become full-time employees at NASA Ames. Three papers on which she was a co-author were awarded the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Best Paper by the AIAA Thermophysics Technical Committee.

When she and her family moved to California, she did not speak English.

Her teacher recognized her potential and suggested that she could be an astronomer. Later, in high school, her career guidance counselor and her Spanish teacher encouraged her to reach for the stars. After high school, she was accepted into Stanford University, where she soon declared engineering as her major. TerrazasSalinas remembers, however, that many of her male relatives did not think that engineering was suitable for a woman. She also admits that her female relatives seemed to agree. Her parents, however, were supportive. She completed her bachelor's and master's degrees, earning both in just four www.hispanicengineer.com

years. Once again, a college advisor was instrumental to her success by giving her words of encouragement and guidance.

In 2019, ANGELICA CENICEROS joined the Excalibur Hit to Kill (HTK) program at Raytheon Missiles and Defense. Currently, she is the systems engineering lead for the HTK program. She creates Rhapsody models and Department of Defense—Air Force documentation capturing the program's architecture and requirements. Her knowledge of model-based systems engineering tools and artifacts has allowed her to lead major sub-contractors and collaborate with other Raytheon divisions.

Ceniceros has worked as a systems engineer at Raytheon Technologies since July 2017. She also provides mentoring at Raytheon and the local community in STEM, English, and Spanish. Ceniceros earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in women and gender studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She went on to earn a master's degree in the same field at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Some of the highlights of her career include serving as a researcher in the Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, as a researcher with OSIRISRex, a NASA asteroid study and sample return mission, as a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory intern, and as an MIT international science and technology initiatives Mexico intern.

She assisted teachers and provided support for about 140 students as a foreign language conversation assistant in Spain.

ALEJANDRA ORTIZ is an

electrical engineer at Textron Systems, part of a company serving customers in aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care, fuel systems, and more. Ortiz's parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico over 40 years ago. "Pursuing a STEM degree, striving to make my parents proud, and serving as a role model to my younger siblings and extended family was not easy," she writes. "Nevertheless, I was determined to become the first engineer in my family." Ortiz always enjoyed problem-solving, but no one in her family could guide her through college. "Additionally, throughout those five years, I was a barista at the

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campus coffee shop, a sorority sister for a national chapter, a basketball player for a Division III team, and an active member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) chapter," she said. Ortiz admits that while balancing these roles was not ideal when attempting to double major in electrical and biomedical engineering, each position taught her valuable lessons, such as making the perfect latte for a line of sleepdeprived classmates, living with 30 women from different backgrounds, and the importance of physical health.

During her last year, she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Although her academics were not perfect, her four summers of internships helped prove she possessed the skills needed to be a successful engineer.

Throughout her college engineering classes and even now, she is usually the only woman in the room in the engineering department at work. "By volunteering at STEM events with the Society of Women Engineers and being a STEM mentor for Spanishspeaking middle school girls, I hope to encourage them to pursue a STEM career path," Ortiz says.

ANGELICA CENICEROS

ALEJANDRA ORTIZ

HILDA VARGAS is a data analyst

at Xandr. She is responsible for building advanced data analytics tools to help customer service teams handle the available data through the Xandr advertising platform. She is an excellent partner to the teams for which she builds tools. She listens to their issues, watches them work, and then designs data systems, infrastructure, analysis, and UI that make the day-to-day work of her stakeholders more data-driven.

Vargas is known for being a key developer of data analytics UI known as Alfred. Alfred can build tools that solve data issues for teammates trying to use Xandr's advertising platform on behalf of strategic customers. She also serves as the treasurer-finance lead for Vamos, Warner Media's Hispanic business resource group.

In 2019, Vargas led projects during Hispanic Heritage Month, helping raise funds to provide scholarships for high school students looking to continue their education in college and hosting career workshops to support employees. Last year, Vargas was able to ensure that work progressed in the virtual environment. She helped launch a channel for employees to

HILDA VARGAS

learn and practice Spanish to ensure the organization had the resources to communicate with a diverse clientele and global employee community while maintaining a sense of connection and interaction. Vargas is a role model for the Latinx community at Xandr and ensures that STEM careers become more accessible for younger Latinx students. HE

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GRADUATE LIFE

By Anne Halifax ldeen@ccgmag.com

4 GOOD REASONS TO GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL Graduate school is not something to undertake lightly; it demands a great deal of your time and energy. Despite the difficulty and time investment of grad school, it is unfortunately common to pursue an advanced degree for the wrong reasons.

Y

ou should not go to grad school if you are still trying to figure out what to do with your life, think it will help you in the job market, or do not want to stop being in school.

But there are some excellent reasons to go to graduate school too. If any of the following four situations apply to you, you might be a good candidate for earning an advanced degree.

YOUR DESIRED CAREER REQUIRES AN ADVANCED DEGREE. Most careers do not require an advanced degree, and earning one to try to break into the field is a waste of time. You would be better off taking an entry-level position in the area and gaining real job experience. Spending an extended amount of time in school might boost your theoretical expertise, but it leaves you without real-world experience, which employers value

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most. Some careers, however, do require an advanced degree. Law, college-level teaching, some areas of social work, and many psychologyor therapy-related jobs all require a master's degree or Ph.D. to enter the field. If you are set on breaking into one of these fields, do not hesitate to go to graduate school.

YOU NEED AN ADVANCED DEGREE TO ADVANCE IN YOUR CURRENT CAREER. In some careers, you do not need a graduate degree to get an entry-level job, but you do need one to advance to the upper ranks of the field. If you are ambitious and want to increase your prospects in your chosen career, pursuing a graduate degree might be a wise decision for you. Just do not try to rush through grad school. You will probably only take classes part-time if you are still holding down a job in your field. It is better to earn your degree more slowly than to let your work or school performance suffer from trying to do too much.

YOUR EMPLOYER IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT. Graduate school can be expensive.

Many Ph.D. programs fund students through fellowships or teaching assistantships, but most master's degree programs do not. The more you can reduce the amount of student loan debt you have to take on, the better an idea it is to go to graduate school.

Some employers will pay your tuition for you. In this kind of arrangement, you are typically required to study a subject that pertains to your current job and to continue working for your employer for a specified amount of time after you finish school. This benefits you because you get to continue learning, and it helps your employer because they get a better-trained, more highly educated employee. If you want to

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go back to school and your boss or company is willing to foot the bill, seize the opportunity.

YOU LOVE A PARTICULAR SUBJECT AND WANT TO SPEND YOUR TIME STUDYING IT. Maybe you are not chasing a career that requires a string of letters after your name to get a job, trying to climb any corporate ladders, or working for someone who wants to pay for you to get a specific kind of expertise.

But if you love a subject for its own sake, want to spend most of your time studying, reading, and writing about it; and cannot imagine not going to graduate school, then go—you will regret it if you do not. This does not mean you should start sending out applications if you are curious about a subject or think you might like to keep being a student. You must be sure that you would be happy to spend most of your waking hours thinking about this topic for the next two to 10 years. If this applies to you, be smart: You still do not want to go into debt. Do not accept an offer of admission unless the department is also willing to fund you.

Graduate school represents a major investment of time, money, and energy.

It has the potential to take up at least two years of your life, and if you are pursuing a Ph.D., it can take much longer. If you are ambivalent about going or must take on significant debt for your advanced degree, do not go.

In most cases, you would be better off gaining job experience than going to grad school. However, if you need an advanced degree to land a particular job or advance in your current position, someone else is willing to pay your tuition, or you cannot imagine not going to graduate school, it is a good idea to go. HE

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If you are ambitious and want to increase your prospects in your chosen career, pursuing a graduate degree might be a wise decision for you.

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HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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JUNIOR COLLEGE LIFE

by Anne Halifax editors@ccgmag.com

9 ADVANTAGES OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOR LEARNERS OF ALL AGES

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hether you are graduating from high school and looking forward to the next chapter in your life, temporarily unemployed and seeking new job skills, working your way up the corporate ladder and searching for the next promotion, or curious about the world, taking college courses can be a sound investment in the future. But before you fill out a lengthy college application and take out thousands in student loans, you might want to give your local community college another look.

Community colleges have been growing in popularity, and for a good reason. Those local resources have a lot to offer, so much so that some students view them as viable alternatives to public universities and even exclusive private universities. Here are nine of the most significant advantages community colleges have to offer students of all ages.

1. Costs are far lower. Compared to the price of a four-year college, a degree from a local community college could cost you 80–90 percent less. If you need education but do not want to be burdened with student debt, community college is the obvious choice.

2. You can live close to home.

Moving away from home is a big step, one many young people are not fully prepared for. Students can stay closer to their neighborhoods with community college, living either at home or a nearby apartment complex.

3. Many courses are online.

Community colleges were doing online courses long before the pandemic made virtual classrooms the norm. That means your local community college probably has a head start on private and public universities in the area.

4. Instructors come from the community. Many instructors in

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community colleges are pulled from the local business community, and they bring their real-world expertise to the classroom.

5. Job skills are emphasized. If

you are looking to your education as a springboard to a great career, community college could benefit you.

Community colleges are increasingly working with local business leaders to develop the job skills those employers are looking for.

6. Community colleges cater to adult students and lifelong learners. For people of a certain

age, walking into a classroom can be intimidating, but community colleges welcome learners of all ages. No matter where you are in life, you will fit right in on your local community college campus.

7. Campus life is surprisingly rich.

Community colleges are more than commuter colleges; they are meeting places for the arts, playing fields for accomplished athletes, and much more.

Campus life is surprisingly rich at many community colleges so that you can enjoy the whole college experience without the high cost and other downsides.

8. Community colleges provide excellent support services. Moving

from high school to college can be difficult, but there is plenty of support available. From career counselors to financial service experts, community services offer plenty of support to their students.

9. You will be supporting your local community. The "community"

in community college is more than just window dressing; these educational institutions are vital parts of the towns in which they are located. From beefing up the local tax base to supporting charities and philanthropic endeavors, community colleges make life better

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

Community colleges offer a dizzying array of courses and study options, from career tracks designed to get you working quickly to deep research pathways that will keep you engaged and engage your curiosity. for all residents, even those who never attend a single class.

If you are heading off to school and making your educational plans, you might want to stay close to home.

Community colleges offer a dizzying array of courses and study options, from career tracks designed to get you working quickly to deep research pathways that will keep you engaged and engage your curiosity. With so much to offer, it is no wonder so many students are choosing community colleges when making their educational choices. HE

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JOB TOOLS

by Zabrina Way editors@ccgmag.com

10 TIPS TO SUCCEED AS AN ONLINE STUDENT

Being an online student is not easy.

Succeeding as one is even more challenging.

But millions of students have gone through online school and succeeded before you, so take heart: You can, too!

L

ife as an online student can be confusing and overwhelming at first, especially for nontraditional students or those who have not taken online courses before. There isn't any mystical art to succeeding as an online student, however. By following these 10 simple tips, you can be a successful online student.

1. Make sure you have the time

It takes a lot of time to learn concepts when you are in school. Also, keep in mind that the older you are, the longer it will likely take to learn new ideas and

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"connect the dots" with the material you are studying. You will need to make yourself sit down and study, so if you are working two jobs already, it will be a challenge to find uninterrupted study time (unless one or both of your jobs involves many boring downtimes that you can use to study).

2. Find out the costs upfront

Some online schools are cheap, and some are expensive. Cost is not always indicative of quality, however. Some affordable schools are worth the time and money you put into them and will

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

pay you back many times over, while some expensive schools are simply ripping you off. Therefore, you have to make sure you find out about any costs, upfront or hidden, before you begin. You may be simply unable to afford the school yet. Check for financial aid or scholarships from the school before giving up.

3. Ensure you have the selfdiscipline

Time is not the only thing you will need a lot of to succeed as an online student.

When you are not forced to go to class

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or do not have a teacher to check your self-check tests, it is easy to slack and start skipping things, studying less, and ultimately setting yourself on the path for failure. If you do not have much self-discipline, you will need to develop some way to motivate yourself or a system of punishments and rewards... whatever works to get you to study.

4. Get and learn the technology before class starts

Online school requires you to have some technology: a good computer that will run the programs and plugins necessary to use the school software, sometimes a webcam or microphone, and a good email program, for starters. Most online schools will list the technology requirements on their website, so check them out. If you are not sure whether your computer meets the requirements, ask a tech-savvy friend to help. You should also know how to use the technology, of course.

Do not leave this until the day before class starts.

5. Read and memorize the syllabus

Most of the dilemmas you face will be answered by this helpful document.

Do not just store it away in a folder buried deep in your hard drive. Print it out, read it several times, and think about what it contains. When you have a question or problem, consult it to ensure it has not been answered before going to your online school instructor for help. Syllabi frequently contain hints for how to succeed in this course, plans to help you know which material to study at what point in the course, and more. Never underestimate the usefulness of the course syllabus!

6. Study in the same spot every time Consistency is a powerful tool to help keep you motivated, organized, and on track with your learning. Just as you would if you attended a regular school,

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study in one spot and keep all your school-related paperwork, stationery, and reference materials nearby. If you can devote a corner of a room, so much the better. Those without much space might have to be creative and use the kitchen table instead, so portable boxes and file folders stored in a cupboard may be your saving grace. In any case, you should have your study materials at hand when you go to study and the separation between living and learning space in your mind. Studying on your bed is a no-no.

instructors, most of whom are faced with a class full of silent participants.

Try to ask questions in your mind about the material you learn, make connections with other material, ask if the relationships are valid, and so on. If you do not have a class chat in which to raise your questions, email your instructor. At the same time, if you see others asking questions that you know the answer to, help them out, and they will help you out in return if you ever need it...plus, it is good karma to help others.

7. Network with students and instructors

10. Don't give up when the going gets tough

You are not in an online school to learn silently. Even if you are shy in real life, interacting with your classmates can have many positive benefits, including the ability to quiz each other and make sure you all do better while studying for exams, get hints on hidden bonus questions, learn more about a topic you are studying, and have fun. Remember, it is a serious environment. By being professional and using proper spelling and grammar, you can win your instructor and fellow students' respect.

8. Manage and balance your time effectively

Most online students educate themselves alongside work, family commitments, or other reasons they cannot participate in "regular" school.

This means you are going to have to be careful how you manage your time. Do not let other things prevent you from getting your schoolwork done, but do not neglect the rest of your life, either.

This school-life balance is a delicate one, so it will take time to perfect. For now, expect to spend 20 to 40 hours a week engaged in school activities if you are taking a full-time course load.

9. Ask questions and help others

Active participation will help you learn the material and endear you to your

Being an online student is not easy.

Succeeding as one is even more challenging. But millions of students have gone through online school and succeeded before you, so take heart: You can, too! If you remember nothing else, remember this: Persistence will always win in the end. If you put your best effort into your education, no matter what your final grades are, you will be able to say you did the best you could and pushed through to finish your education. The feeling of victory once you finish your last exam will make the journey worth it!

As you begin and eventually finish your career as an online student, keep these 10 tips in mind and often refer to them.

Most dilemmas you will encounter can be solved or prevented entirely if you do this. Have fun learning! HE

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IT

CAREER OUTLOOK

A career in information technology (IT) is an exciting endeavor in the digital workforce. Coursework, certifications, valuable internships, and curating the most in-demand skills will help ensure you stand out. Learn more about the specific skills, both technical and otherwise, that can prepare you to enter the IT world

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INSIDE > Industry Overview

Essential skills you will need for an IT career

> Job Horizon

What you need to know for a career in IT

> HBCU Engineering School Directory Check out initiatives in computational research and data analysis that train students.

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CAREER OUTLOOK

by Alfred Lewis editors@ccgmag.com

Want a Career in

IT?

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 28

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Information technology (IT) careers offer exciting employment options, whether you like to work on routine tasks or design the systems of tomorrow.

If you are wondering what the specific roles within an IT department are, here are some of the positions that you can seek to fulfill.

Information technology, or IT for short, is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data.

IT is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies.

An information technology career centers on various responsibilities of a computer system—including all hardware, software, and peripheral equipment—operated by a specially trained group of users. If you’re considering a career in information technology, you’ll work in one of the core areas of responsibility of IT.

•

•

IT governance refers to the various policies and processes that ensure IT systems are effectively implemented and suiting the needs of the company or service.

IT operations is the daily work of an IT department. This includes providing tech support, network maintenance, security testing, and device management duties.

Hardware and infrastructure refers to all the physical components of the computer infrastructure. This pillar of IT centers upon the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of equipment such as servers, routers, phone systems, and individual devices like desktops, tablets, and laptops.

As a recent or future college graduate,

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you may be wondering what the specific roles within an IT department are. Here are some of the positions that you’ll seek to fulfill when you start your exciting career in IT:

•

Computer support specialists work with non-IT colleagues. They can be found troubleshooting any technology issues including software problems, computer crashes, and trouble with hardware.

Computer support specialists may also assist their senior-level IT colleagues (or supervisors) with larger-scale issues.

•

Computer systems analysts work behind the scenes to marry IT with smart business solutions. They usually specialize in a particular industry while working for a technology firm or work directly in an industry, like finance or government.

•

Information security analysts are responsible for the security of their company’s computer networks.

They conduct tests and develop company-wide security practices to ensure that all employees are safely using the network and protecting their data.

•

•

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks like local area networks, wide area networks, and Intranets. Their routine job tasks include creating plans and layouts for networks, articulating designs with colleagues and management staff, and upgrading hardware and software to support current networks.

Software developers create new and proprietary applications and systems that operate company devices, control company networks, and allow employees to complete specific tasks. Software developers speak with employees and customers in order to determine how new applications will meet their needs and function, while working closely with programmers and other IT team members.

When searching for employers, consider that some of these roles will change depending on the size and type of company. In smaller companies, daily

work might be ordinary and mundane tasks like troubleshooting printers, so it is possible that you may be best-suited to be more of a jack-of-all-trades with broad skills and knowledge. With large companies, IT employees typically have a more diverse focus on the many facets of the organization itself. They may work upward into management and organizational planning roles, while other specialists may pursue more niche areas like cybersecurity. With IT roles, there’s something for everyone!

What type of salaries are available for these specialized careers? Average salary ranges for IT positions span from the low $80,000s to the mid $100,000s.

These competitive salaries are in line with the specialized skills and degrees that are required for employment, as a four-year degree and demonstrated skill proficiency is essential to obtaining

In the next five to 10 years, expect more and more IT positions to focus on the following cutting-edge technologies, and more:

• Artificial intelligence • Machine learning • Robotic process automation • Edge computing • Quantum computing • Virtual and augmented reality • Blockchain • 5G • The Internet of Things

employment.

Information technology careers are well-paying, specialized, and exciting employment options. Whether you like to work on routine tasks or design the systems of tomorrow, there are employment options for you! HE

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CAREER

BE PREPARED!

OUTLOOK

by Alfred Lewis editors@ccgmag.com

ESSENTIAL SKILLS YOU WILL NEED FOR AN IT CAREER

IF

you are thinking of entering the information technology industry, then you’re most likely considering employment as a computer support specialist, computer systems analyst, information security analyst, computer network architect, software developer, etc. There are specific skills, both technical and otherwise, that can prepare you to enter the IT world.

Entering the information technology field will typically require a four-year degree in an academic area of study related to either computer science or computer information systems. If you are not planning on earning a fouryear degree, entry into this field can be obtained by starting in an entry-level support role and proving your skills and growth. In rare cases, applicants can display natural talent and skill in order to demonstrate employability, however this is not a standard means of entering the field. Earning a four-year degree should enable you to skip entry-level support roles and enter the job market in a junior-level support role in a given discipline.

One ongoing trend that has become more and more prevalent in recent years is the growing difficulty of obtaining an entry- or junior-level job

30

without internships and/or a convincing demonstration of knowledge and/or skills. Internships, volunteer work, and industry certifications are all great ways of building your resume, demonstrating your commitment and expertise, and overcoming the barrier of being one of many qualified applicants for a specific job.

You might have given some thought to your academic major or internship plan, but have you considered what skills and knowledge are most indemand by potential employers? Having demonstrated aptitude in a blend of hard skills and soft skills will ensure that you’re an attractive applicant for job openings. Here are a few categories of skills or knowledge that will help set you on a firm path to work in the IT field: Technical skills are necessary in the IT industry. While some may be obvious or in your existing capacity, some might surprise you—or be an area that needs improvement. » » » » » » »

Coding Technical writing Social media management Hardware deployment Network configuration Operating system knowledge Database management

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As you can see, one of the most essential skill sets an employer will look for in an IT professional is the applicant’s proficiency in writing code. If you’re looking for a job in programming or software and web development, an employer will most likely seek a qualified candidate who can read, write, and troubleshoot code in a variety of different languages because most systems utilize several languages.

Even for roles that are not tasked with writing code, an IT professional should have at least a working knowledge of the more basic coding languages, like HTML and C++. You’ll want to evaluate which of the following you might need to better understand: » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Application Development Architecture Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing HTML C++ C Language PHP UX Design Python JavaScript Java Ruby

In addition to programming languages,

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JOB HORIZON

by Alfred Lewis editors@ccgmag.com

an understanding of computer networking is something that will be required of most IT professionals, no matter the size of the company. IT jobs may include network architects, engineers, and systems administrators.

Network administrators and systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a larger network infrastructure and system. If you’re looking to fulfill one of these roles, you’ll need an understanding of the following: » » » » » » » » » » » »

IP Setup Wireless Modems/Routers Cloud Services PHP SQL JavaScript Python C++ Functionality Cybersecurity Information Management Cloud Systems Administration

Along with technical skills, soft skills are important for anyone in IT. Specifically, communication skills are essential because information technology professionals are often required to work with or for many teams and groups of stakeholders. IT professionals often

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have to provide tech solutions for people who do not have a background in technology. This requires patience and understanding, as well as a positive outlook. They have to demonstrate leadership and team building at all levels of projects, and with many different types of people. Public speaking is also a valuable skill, as IT roles are often called on to present ideas and reports to larger groups of people, from colleagues all the way up to senior management. Consider the following soft skills and envision a plan for demonstrating your capacity for the following: » » » » » » » »

Team Building Teamwork Leadership Collaboration Written Communication Oral Communication Active Listening Communicating Complex Information in Digestible Amounts

Along the same vein as communication skills, an IT professional should be able to accurately assess project timeframes, and then deliver success within those timelines. A successful IT professional should be able to help an entire team manage their workload on a daily, weekly, monthly, and project basis. Plan

If you’re looking for a job in programming or software and web development, an employer will most likely seek a qualified candidate who can read, write, and troubleshoot code in a variety of different languages because most systems utilize several languages.

to gain experience and demonstrate your ability regarding the following: » » » » »

Scheduling Goal-Oriented Digital Communications Manage Remote Working Teams Continually Review Processes for Improvement » Multitasking » Meeting Deadlines » ICT (Information and Communications Technology A career in information technology is a rewarding and exciting endeavor.

Preparing yourself for a firm career path that focuses on an appropriate academic major, valuable internships, and curating the most in-demand skills will help ensure you stand out among the crowd!

HE

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THE 15 ABET-ACCREDITED H I S T O R I C A L LY B L A C K C O L L E G E A N D

2021 ENGINEERING PROGRAMS The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Directory is most current at press time. The listing features key figures at 15 ABET-accredited schools in alphabetical order with names and contact details every year. The list also has at-a-glance information on academic programs. Bachelor of Science (engineering) programs include civil engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. Graduate degrees include master’s and doctoral degrees in computational and data-enabled science and engineering, environmental engineering, and industrial engineering. Research initiatives run from joint effort research in cyber warfare, cyber defense, and high-tech computational research and data analysis to the resources that train minority students and establish faculty collaborations in materials research. Some centers strengthen the capacity to conduct environmental health and health disparities research and produce curricula that serve as a foundation for creating the next generation of innovative researchers to help solve challenges.

Alabama A&M University

College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences

Dr. Z.T. Deng, Interim Dean & Professor

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences is organized into three departments, each headed by a department chair: (1) Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Construction Management, (2) Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and (3) Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the B.S. degree in the computer science program. The ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission accredits the B.S. degrees in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering programs. In collaboration with the College of Education, the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences offer various certified and non-certified teaching programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The college actively collaborates with government and industry partners in the vibrant Huntsville, AL research ecosystem.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science

» Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering with Concentration in Nuclear Power » Mechanical Engineering, Concentrations in Manufacturing System and Propulsion System » Civil Engineering » Computer Science, Computer Science with

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2021

UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

» » » »

Concentration in Cyber Security Physics Mathematics Chemistry Construction Management

Graduate Degrees » Master of Engineering (Systems and Materiel Engineering) » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Applied Physics » Ph.D. in Applied Physics

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» Materials science and engineering and IC fabrication » Crystal growth, large and small bandgap, and piezoelectric material » Image and signal processing and real-time embedded systems » Cybersecurity, neural networks, modeling, and simulation in biometrics » Computational electromagnetics, computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis » Advanced manufacturing » Unmanned aircraft systems and robotics » Intelligent manufacturing systems and advanced robotics » The Mach 4 wind tunnel, rating 1000 cleanroom, and three particle accelerators

CONTACT

Dr. Z.T. Deng, Interim Dean and Professor College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences Alabama A&M University Arthur J. Bond Hall 4900 Meridian Street Normal, AL 35762 P 256-372-5560 • F 256-372-5850 Email: zhengtao.deng@aamu.edu Website: http://www.aamu.edu/academics/ engineering-technology/pages/default.aspx

Florida A&M–Florida State University FAMU–FSU College of Engineering

Dr. J. Murray Gibson, Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Florida A&M University and Florida State University share a combined college of engineering. The college offers comprehensive academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It works to continually evaluate, expand, and improve programs to ensure that engineering students are prepared for an innovative global society’s demands.

The unique partnership between an HBCU and a leading research university allows the college to offer the most advanced research capabilities and graduate education of any historically Black university. The college has attracted an outstanding faculty from all over the world. It has first-class programs with world-class research facilities, such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the High-Performance Materials Institute, the Center for Advanced Power Systems, and the Aero-propulsion Mechatronics and Energy Center. Because of its unique model, the college has a student population that is more reflective of the overall U.S. population than any other ranked engineering school in the country, thus preparing its students well for working in the real world.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science

» » » » »

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Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering

» Industrial Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degrees » Master’s and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Civil Engineering » Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Electrical Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Industrial Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering » Master’s in Systems Engineering » Master’s in Sustainable Energy

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» Polymers, materials, nanomaterials, and nanotechnology » Renewable, advanced, and sustainable energy » Biomedical imaging and cellular and tissue engineering » Advanced transportation systems, structures, and hydraulics » Environmental sustainability and water resources » Advanced power systems » Intelligent systems, control, and robotics » Communication, information technology, and cybersecurity » Active and supersonic flow controls » Superconductivity materials and applications » Manufacturing and operations research

CONTACT

Dr. J. Murray Gibson, Dean, and Professor FAMU-FSU College of Engineering 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Suite 8206, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046 P 850-410-6161 • F 850-410-6546 Email: dean@eng.famu.fsu.edu Website: www.eng.famu.fsu.edu

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HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY Hampton University

Howard University

Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean

Dr. John M. M. Anderson, Interim Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

School of Engineering and Technology

The School of Engineering and Technology (SET) is home to academic programs in architecture, aviation, and engineering. The school enrolls over 300 students and produces about 40 graduates annually. The SET strategic plan calls for expanding and strengthening the undergraduate offerings, building graduate engineering programs, and developing research areas of excellence. The school is also building relationships with contractors in a variety of applications across federal agencies.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Electrical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Chemical Engineering » Aviation Management » Air Traffic Control » Flight Education

Graduate Degrees » Master of Architecture

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Integrated Photonics and Optical Sensing Sea Level Rise and Architectural Design Unmanned Autonomous Systems 3D Modeling and Simulations Material Science Engineering Data and Network Security Sensors and Data Fusion Aviation Technology Aerospace Science Nanotechnology Robotics Imaging

CONTACT

Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean School of Engineering and Technology Hampton University Olin Engineering Building 168 Marshall Ave • Hampton, VA 23668 P 757-728-6970 • F 757-728-6972 Email: joyce.shirazi@hamptonu.edu Website: http://set.hamptonu.edu 36

College of Engineering and Architecture

Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) continues to play a vital role in producing our nation’s top engineers and architects. The CEA ranks among the leading producers of male and female African-American engineers.

The CEA is one of Howard University’s 13 schools and colleges. The CEA comprises the five Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering departments.

The CEA offers fully accredited Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Architecture, and Master of Architecture degree programs. Its graduate degree programs provide research opportunities in the engineering disciplines that lead to Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Certificates in cybersecurity and other professional programs are also offered.

CEA graduates can apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, design, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems and understand the impact of architectural and engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science » Chemical Engineering » Civil and Environmental Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Mechanical Engineering » Computer Science Graduate Programs » Master of Architecture » Master of Engineering (in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering) » Master of Science in Chemical Engineering » Master of Computer Science » Ph.D. (in Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering)

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

» Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

RESEARCH CENTERS AND LABS

» Data Science and Cybersecurity Center (DSC2) » Howard University Transportation Research Center (HUTRC) » Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINT) » Center for Energy Systems and Control (CESaC) » Howard Nanoscale Science and Engineering Facility (HNF) » NSF Engineering Research Center for Power Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS) » Biomolecular Assemblies and Nano mechanics (BAN) Laboratory, Physical/ Chemical Environmental Processes Laboratory » Nanomaterials Processing Laboratory » Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory » Bioenvironmental Engineering Laboratory » Bio-nano Interfaces » Functional Materials & Biotechnologies Laboratory » Biofilm Engineering and Drug Discovery (BEDD) Laboratory » Passive Seismic Protective Systems (PSPS), » The Howard University Structural Simulation Laboratory » Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE) » Motion Control and Drives Laboratory » Electromagnetic Imaging and Modeling Laboratory (EMM) » Affective Biometrics Laboratory » Embedded Systems Security Laboratory » Computational Biology and Algorithms Laboratory » Computer Networks and Distributed Systems Laboratory » Software Engineering Laboratory » Cybersecurity and Wireless Networking Innovations Laboratory (CWiNS) » Signal Processing and Communication Laboratory » The Power Optimization for ElectroThermal Systems (POETS) » Applied Fluid Dynamics Research Laboratory (AFDRL) » Applied Mechanics and Materials Research Laboratory (AMMRL) » Digital Manufacturing Laboratory (DML) » Surface Engineering and Nanofluids Laboratory (SENL) » Stout Infrastructure » Geotechnics and Materials (SIGMa) Laboratory

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CONTACT

Dr. John M. M. Anderson, Interim Dean College of Engineering and Architecture Howard H. Mackey Building 2366 6th Street, NW • Suite 100 Howard University • Washington, DC 20059 P 202-806-6565 Email: ceadean@howard.edu Website: www.cea.howard.edu

Jackson State University College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Dr. Wilbur L. Waters, Jr., Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Jackson State University is committed to implementing the university’s mission and to focusing its intellectual, experience, and other resources on improving the quality of life for its students, the surrounding community, the state, the nation, and the global community. It is comprised of six academic departments. Among them are the departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Industrial Systems and Technology, and Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science, which provide students with quality, ABET-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that incorporate the systems aspect of professional engineering practice.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science (Engineering) » Civil Engineering Environmental Track General Civil Engineering » Computer Engineering » Computer Science » Electrical Engineering Biomedical Engineering General Electrical Engineering Power Systems Track Graduate Degrees (Engineering) » M.S. in Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering » M.S. in Computer Science » M.S. in Engineering

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Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computational Engineering Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Geological Engineering Industrial Engineering » Ph.D. Engineering » Ph.D. Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» The Strategic Cyber Science Warfare Security Application Development and High-Performance Computer ResearchCenter was established in partnership with the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), which is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The joint effort includes research in cyber warfare, cyber defense, and high-tech computational research and data analysis. » The Partnerships in Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Program provides the resources to train minority students and establish faculty collaborations in new areas of materials research. The goal is to broaden the capacity of JSU in materials research and develop a scientific workforce in materials science and engineering. » The RCMI Translational Research Network-Data Technology and Coordinating Center provides a secure website; data management and data sharing tools; and staff, hardware, and software for collection, analysis, storage, and exchange of clinical data for the multisite studies. » CREST Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity develops new approaches to the practical applications and toxic effects of nanomaterials on living organisms. » The Center for Environmental Health serves as a catalyst for biomedical and translational research. The specific aims are to strengthen the capacity to conduct environmental health and health disparities research at Jackson State University. » The Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence produces educational curricula focused on natural disasters that serves as a firm and enduring foundation for producing the next generation of highly educated, creative, and innovative

researchers to help solve current and future Department of Homeland Security challenges related to natural disasters in coastal areas.

CONTACT

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Dean College of Science, Engineering & Technology Jackson State University 1400 JR Lynch Street - JSU Box 18750 Jackson, MS 39217 P 601-979-2153 Email: wilbur.l.walters@jsums.edu Website: www.jsums.edu/science

Morgan State University Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering

Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The state legislature designates Morgan State University as Maryland’s Public Urban University. It is primarily responsible for addressing residents, schools, and organizations within the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Enrolling about 8,000 students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, the student body includes an enriching international student mix. The university’s mission is to expose students to the full range of experiences and services that will permit them to successfully meet global challenges that await them as they leave the university.

Guided by the motto “The Premier Public Urban School of the Global Community,” the School of Engineering enrolls about 850 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school prides itself on offering programs that will ensure students develop a mastery of fundamental STEM-based principles, which may be applied effectively to benefit society. The nationally competitive accredited programs in civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and industrial and systems-related engineering also offer unique programs that address challenges associated with urban transportation systems. The school has

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HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY earned a reputation for its close faculty/ student interaction, low student/faculty ratio, and opportunities for pre-professional experiences through internships. To ensure student success, Morgan State University has a diverse team of professionals working in close concert with faculty to assist students in negotiating the college environment. State-ofthe-art facilities coupled with the program’s commitment to service are designed to achieve excellence through education.

CONTACT

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Norfolk State University

Bachelor of Science » Civil and Environmental Engineering » Electrical and Computer Engineering » Industrial and Systems Engineering » Transportation and Urban Infrastructure Systems Graduate Degrees » Master of Engineering » Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (online) » Doctor of Engineering » Graduate Certificate Programs in CyberSecurity and Transportation Systems

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» Electrical and Computer Engineering » Civil and Environmental Engineering » Software-Defined and Cognitive Radio Systems » RF/Microwave/MM Wave Communication Systems » Computational Engineering and Analytics » High-performance Analog Integrated Circuits » Biomedical Engineering Systems » Wireless Cybersecurity/Information Assurance » Engineering Education » Image and Signal Processing » Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources and Ground Water Systems » Bridge/Large-scale Structural Systems » Geotechnical Studies » Geospatial and Remote Sensing Studies » Fluid Mechanics » Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lean and Advanced Manufacturing » Robotics and Automated Manufacturing » Project and Engineering Management » Ergonomics/Human Factors Engineering » Energy Systems » Data Mining » Industrial Safety and Health » Operations Research

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Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Ph.D., PE, Dean Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of Engineering Morgan State University 5200 Perring Parkway • Baltimore, MD 21251 P 443-885-3231 • F 443-885-8218 Email: oscar.barton@morgan.edu Website: www.morgan.edu/soe

College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) has over 1,800 students and presently comprises over 30 percent of its student enrollment. Undergraduate programs are ABET-accredited, and graduate programs are driven by innovative, stateof-the-art research programs that enhance the educational experience for students and prepare them for national defense, industrial, and academic careers. The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology has played a pivotal role in the university’s 85-year history.

Faculty contributions in research, education, service, and mentoring are exceptional.

Graduates are securing outstanding jobs and earning advanced degrees.

The college currently houses several research centers including: » The Center for Materials Research (CMR) » The Information Assurance Research, Education, Development Institute » The Micro- and Nano-Technology Center » The Creative Gaming and Simulation Laboratory » The Cyber Security Complex

Graduate Programs » M.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering » M.S. in Materials Science » M.S. in Computer Science » M.S. in Cyber Security » Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Cybersecurity Information assurance Cognitive wireless networks Cloud computing security Digital forensics Smart grids security Modeling of biological neurons Optics, plasmonic, and metamaterials Nano-materials and nano-technology Advanced functional materials Devices Semiconductor materials and devices Neural probes Biosensors Photovoltaics MEMS actuators Multifunctional sensors High-k dielectrics

CONTACT

Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504 P 757-823-8180 • F 757-823-9114 Email: mokeeve@nsu.edu Website: https://www.nsu.edu/cset

North Carolina A&T State University College of Engineering

Dr. Robin N. Coger, Dean

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science

» Electrical and Electronics Engineering » Optical Engineering » Computer Science—Information Assurance and Computer Engineering » Information Technology

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University is committed to engineering the future and revolutionizing the world. It is proud of its education and research quality and inspired by the innovativeness, capabilities, and achievements www.hispanicengineer.com

2021

of its engineering and computer science students, graduates, faculty, and staff. Its 10 bachelor’s, eight master’s, and five doctoral degree programs are distributed across seven departments—all 10 of N.C. A&T’s College of Engineering’s undergraduate programs are ABET-accredited. The college’s prioritization of cutting-edge research, the global competitiveness of its students and graduates, and an innovation ecosystem enable the college to serve as a strong technical epicenter for regional, national, and international partners; and as the No. 1 producer of African-American engineering bachelor’s degree graduates for the nation.

Prairie View A&M University

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering offers six ABET-accredited undergraduate programs, four master’s degrees, and one Ph.D. degree. The college is a unique community of students, faculty, staff, and scholars dedicated to the advancement, sharing, and communication of knowledge in engineering and computer science. Housed in a six-building engineering complex on the PVAMU main campus, the most highly focused component of the college is student learning.

Undergraduate and graduate programs are structured for discovery, applied learning, interpretation, and the communication of learning through shared interactive courses and laboratories designed to engage students and faculty alike. The college prepares students to become dedicated and productive members of society. The college receives about $14 million in funded projects annually from governmental agencies and private sectors. The college enrolls more than 1,600 students; about 15 percent of them are graduate students.

Departments » Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering » Chemical, Biological, and Bioengineering » Computational Science and Engineering » Computer Science » Electrical and Computer Engineering » Industrial and Systems Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Degrees Offered » Architectural Engineering (B.S.) » Bioengineering (B.S., M.S.) » Biological Engineering (B.S.) » Chemical Engineering (B.S., M.S.) » Civil Engineering (B.S., M.S.) » Computer Engineering (B.S.) » Interdisciplinary Computational Science and Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.) » Computer Science (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) » Electrical Engineering (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) » Industrial and Systems Engineering (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) » Mechanical Engineering (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.)

COE CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH CLUSTERS

» Cybersecurity and network operations » Multi-scale materials development and analysis » Energy and sustainability » Aerospace and transportation systems » Healthcare applications

CONTACT

Dr. Robin N. Coger, Dean College of Engineering—McNair Hall North Carolina A&T State University 1601 Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411 P 336-285-2640 • F 336-334-7540 Email: Rncoger@ncat.edu Website: http://www.ncat.edu/coe Twitter @COENCAT @RobinCoger

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RESEARCH CENTERS AND CAPABILITIES

Roy G. Perry College of Engineering

Dr. Pamela Holland Obiomon Dean and Professor

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Chemical Engineering » Civil Engineering » Computer Engineering » Computer Science » Electrical Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degrees » Master of Science in Engineering with concentrations in Chemical, Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Computer Information System » Master of Science in Electrical Engineering » Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

»

» Center of Excellence in Research and Education for Big Military Data Intelligence (CREDIT) » Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity (SECURE) » Smart Micro grid Advanced Research and Technology Center (SMART) » Center for Computational Systems Biology » Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (CEES) » Center for High Pressure Combustion in Microgravity » Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration » Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research » Thermal Science Research Center » Future Aerospace Science and Technology » Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data Center

CONTACT

Dr. Pamela Holland Obiomon, Dean and Professor Roy G. Perry College of Engineering Prairie View A&M University P.O. Box 519, MS 2500 Prairie View, TX 77446 P 936-261-9907 • F 936-261-9868 Email: phobiomon@pvamu.edu Website: www.pvamu.edu/engineering

Southern University and A&M College College of Sciences and Engineering

Dr. Patrick Carriere, Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Sciences and Engineering provides students with technological skills and opportunities that stimulate professional, educational, and personal growth. The college provides this growth through a diverse faculty and staff that is committed to teaching, research, and service. Students are encouraged to participate in laboratory research and cooperative education programs that enhance career confidence. They also are encouraged to participate in ongoing research

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HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY with faculty members that contributes to engineering innovations. The college maintains an atmosphere that enhances the student’s ability to achieve the optimum learning experience. The environment is collegial and focused on student and workforce needs. The college’s degree program offerings include nine bachelor’s degree programs and five master’s degree programs. The civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. The electronics engineering technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET.

CONTACT

Dr. Patrick Carriere, Dean College of Sciences and Engineering Suite# 206, P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering Building Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA 70813-9969 P 225-771-5290 • F 225-771-5721 Email: patrick_carriere@subr.edu Website: http://www.subr.edu/cse

Tennessee State University College of Engineering

Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Dean

Graduate Programs » Master of Engineering » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Biology » Master of Science in Math/Physics » Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology » Ph.D. Science/Math Education

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» Industrial wastewater treatment, air pollution, solid wastes » Pavement design and management; nanomechanics of clay materials » Telecommunications and computer network engineering » Electronic materials and processing; semiconductor device fabrication » Advanced materials; micro and nano technologies » Renewable energy and energy optimization; computational fluid and heat transfer » Operating systems and architecture; algorithms and theory of computing » Software engineering; digital data communications » Database management and data mining

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RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » » » » » » » »

Cybersecurity/physical systems Advanced materials Sensor and data fusion Intelligent health monitoring and control systems Data and network security Wireless communication Advanced transportation systems and infrastructure Intelligent manufacturing systems and advanced robotics

CONTACT

Dr. S. Keith Hargrove College of Engineering, Torrence Hall Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209 P 615-963-5401 Email: skhargrove@tnstate.edu Website: www.tnstate.edu/engineering

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Undergraduate Programs » Biology » Chemistry » Computer Science » Mathematics » Physics » Electronics Engineering Technology » Civil Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Mechanical Engineering

» Ph.D. in Engineering and Computational Science

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Engineering is committed to providing the highest-quality industrydriven curricula in engineering, technology, computer, and mathematical sciences. The college currently provides accredited B.S. degrees and graduate degrees in strategic and emerging disciplines for research and working professionals. The graduate programs are supported by advanced laboratories and research centers in cyber-physical and security systems, advanced materials, sensor and data fusion, control systems, bioinformatics, energy systems, and wireless communication. The college currently has funded grants with the Air Force Research Lab, Army Research Office, U.S. Navy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Boeing Company, and the NSF. The college enrolls about 900 students and produces about 75 graduates annually.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science » Architectural Engineering » Civil and Environmental Engineering » Electrical and Computer Engineering » Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering » Applied and Industrial Technologies » Computer Science Graduate Degrees » Master of Engineering » Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems Engineering » Master of Science in Computer Science

HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | SPRING 2021

Tuskegee University College of Engineering

Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Engineering is regarded as premier for its production of exceptionally prepared graduates ready to perform with a broad educational background. The college provides an academic portfolio through engineering disciplines to engage students in envisioning learning excellence, research and exploration, and service to the nation and the global community. The college is programmed for excellence with the context of Booker T. Washington, the innovation of George Washington Carver, and the grit of the Tuskegee Airmen, armed with facilities, professional faculty and staff, and the resources that support public/private funding as demonstrated by its partners and friends. Graduate programs explore new frontiers for solutions that help global issues.

Accredited undergraduate programs have become a tradition for students to enter and

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complete postsecondary/graduate studies in engineering.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science » Aerospace Science Engineering » Chemical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degrees » Master of Chemical Engineering » Master of Electrical Engineering » Master of Mechanical Engineering » Master of Materials Science and Engineering » Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» Aerospace: aerodynamics, flight simulation, human interface, aeronautics, and low Earth orbit satellites. » Chemical: bio-fluidics/fuels/chemical, corrosion, environmental, water and wastewater, modeling. » Electrical: electronic warfare, systems engineering, smart grid, adaptive networks, cybersecurity. » Mechanical: fatigue and fracture, corrosion, coatings, robotics, metallurgy, additive manufacturing, supersonic fluid mixing, and indoor air quality/flood abatement. » Materials Science: characterization, nanomaterials, performance/nondestructive evaluation.

CONTACT

Dr. Heshmat A. Aglan, P.E. Dean and Professor Tuskegee University College of Engineering 200 Luther Foster Hall, Tuskegee, AL 36088 P 334-727-8081 Email: haglan@tuskegee.edu Website: www.tuskegee.edu

University of the District of Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Dr. Devdas Shetty, Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The University of the District of Columbia is a pacesetter in urban education that offers affordable and effective undergraduate, professional, and workplace learning opportunities. The institution is the premier gateway to postsecondary education and research for all District of Columbia residents.

As a public, land-grant institution, the university’s responsibility is to build a diverse generation of competitive, civically engaged scholars and leaders. Building on a 160-year tradition of excellence and opportunity, the university enrolls about 6,000 diverse students. As the nation’s only urban land-grant institution, the university’s mission is to foster its students’ education, critical thinking, and intellectual growth and create and apply new knowledge and effective engagement with the surrounding world.

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) offers nationally competitive and fully accredited professional programs at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. These programs enable immediate employment upon graduation or for continuation for advanced levels studies. The school offers robust ABETaccredited bachelor’s degree programs in civil, electrical, mechanical engineering, and computer science. EAS also offers a bachelor’s degree program in information technology.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Undergraduate » B.S. in Biomedical Engineering » B.S. in Civil Engineering » B.S. in Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Option » B.S. in Mechanical Engineering » B.S. in Computer Science » B.S. in Information Technolog Graduate Degrees » M.S. in Computer Science » M.S. in Electrical Engineering

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RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» The Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy (CERE) works with international agencies to develop energy power sources for pumping water. » The Assurance Research Center for Trusted Information Computing (ARCTIC) has been designated as the National Center of Excellence. Research capabilities include: » Cybersecurity » Information assurance » High-performance computing » Sensor networks » Computational geometry » Robotics » Mechatronics » Energy conversion » Modeling and simulation » Advanced manufacturing » Product design » Nanotechnology » Renewable energy » Rehabilitation engineering and bio-assisted devices » Structural engineering » Water resources engineering » Construction engineering

CONTACT

Dr. Devdas Shetty Dean, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences University of the District of Columbi Office of the Dean, Building 42, Suite 212 4200 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 P (202) 274-5033 • F (202) 274-5520 Email: devdas.shetty@udc.edu Website: https://www.udc.edu/seas

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Department of Engineering and Aviation Services

Dr. Derrek B. Dunn, Dean

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The School of Business and Technology includes five academic departments: Business,

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HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY Management, and Accounting; Engineering and Aviation Sciences; Hospitality and Tourism Management, which includes the PGA Golf Management program; Mathematics and Computer Science; and Technology. The faculty members within the school are actively engaged in funded research and educational projects, many of which involve undergraduate and graduate students.

Virginia State University

College of Engineering and Technology

Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean

Graduate Degrees » Master of Science in Applied Computer Science » Master of Education in Career and Technology Education » Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering Technology

RESEARCH CENTERS

» Aerial imaging and remote sensing for precision agriculture » Biofuels, sustainability, and geospatial information technologies » Renewable energy » Sparsity aware adaptive radar sensor imaging » Structural health monitoring » Air-propelled instrumented robotic sensory platform design and development » Signal processing for detection and monitoring of electrical power signals » On-chip optical interconnected computer architecture

CONTACT

Dr. Derrek B. Dunn, Dean School of Business and Technology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30925 College Backbone Road Princess Anne, MD 21853 P 410-651-6067 • F 410-651-2375 Email: ddunn@umes.edu Website: www.umes.edu/sbt/

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» Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (http://www.ccam-va.com) » Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (http://www.ccals.com)

CONTACT

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science » Engineering » Aviation Sciences » Accounting » Business Administration » Finance » Marketing » Business Education » Hospitality and Tourism Management » PGA Golf Management » Mathematics » Mathematics Education » Computer Science » Construction Management Technology » Engineering Technology » Technology Education

ORGANIZING UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

The College of Engineering and Technology is focused on solving challenging problems.

The college defines success as the growth and discovery of fundamental knowledge and the movement of these ideas and results from the laboratory to the real world. The goal is to transform communities by attracting and retaining key industries, enhancing economic development, and creating jobs. Its research helps companies improve their products and services for items as diverse as jet engines, copiers, and cutting tools. The college aligns resources and capabilities to the workforce needs of local, regional, and national economies.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science » Computer Engineering » Manufacturing Engineering » Computer Science » Information Logistics Technology » Mechanical Engineering Technology » Electronics Engineering Technology » Mathematics » Economics

Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean and Professor College of Engineering and Technology, Virginia State University Petersburg, VA 23806 P 804-524-5461/804-524-1205 F 804-524-5746 Email: dhaile@vsu.edu Website: http://www.cet.vsu.edu S

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Graduate Degrees » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Mathematics » Master of Art in Economics

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

» Data analytics, multimedia data mining, machine learning » Cybersecurity » Additive manufacturing/machining, cyber-physical manufacturing, nanomanufacturing process, and technology » Robotics and autonomous system » Human-computer interaction » Enterprise systems and logistics, ERP integration analytics and business intelligence

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