RISE: Resources to Inspire Successful Engineers 2021 Newsletter

RISE Newsletter 2021

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Message from Ms. Johnson On behalf of the Resources to Inspire Successful Engineers (RISE) Program, I hope you will enjoy this newsletter; a yearly production created by our RISE Student Advisory Council (RSAC) with contributions from RISE participants. The 18 members of RSAC have worked diligently to give you, the reader, insight into what RISE participants have been up to during this last year. And what a year it has been! Not one person, including each of our students, was able to escape the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We all had to find a way to stay connected and take care of each other through a computer screen. The students of the RISE Program adapted quickly and made the conscious effort to remain active and present during this year of remote “everything”. Many RISE participants took advantage of virtual undergraduate research, virtual study abroad, virtual internships, and virtual professional conferences. We have many student leaders in the RISE Program and they have kept their UD Registered Student Organizations active and involved in the virtual and slowly re-emerging in-person life of the campus. Equally important, whether individually or collectively, RISE participants impacted our campus with their involvement in increased calls for attention to issues of social injustice, whether on our campus or in our community at-large.

Each year, around this time, I grow nostalgic and slightly melancholy.

Nostalgic as I recall all that we have accomplished in one year and melancholy as I picture the faces of the students who will graduate-faces no longer popping up in the office (or on my computer screen). This year, while I experience the same emotions, I add a deep sense of relief that the students of the RISE Program, for the most part, have been able to just complete this year. I cannot say everyone made it through the year unscathed, but I can say the students were there for each other and did their very best. What more can you ask for-especially in a pandemic?

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RISE Newsletter 2021

2020-2021 Event Summary For students at the University of Delaware, school looked different this year than it has in previous years. The University of Delaware operated in a virtual learning environment during the 2020-2021 school year. Throughout the school year RISE students engaged in virtual-only activities and events.

Personal Sessions Personal Sessions are an important part of RISE. They are one-on-one meetings held with Ms. Johnson throughout the semester. 1st year students meet monthly and all other RISE participants meet once per semester.

Personal Sessions allow members of RISE to discuss any questions or concerns about University life. Ms. Johnson offers motivating words and directs students to resources RISE participants have available.

Group Sessions Group Sessions are held every month in order to allow members of RISE to talk about current events, school activities, or any subject they believe to be worth discussing. These sessions give the students an opportunity to meet and form connections with other participants in their year and/or major. Group Sessions this year added icebreakers and monthly topics suggestions to begin the conversation.

Workshops Workshops are held once a month and all participants of the program are given the opportunity to learn about companies first-hand from recruiters, scholarship opportunities, and university opportunities to strengthen their background in engineering.

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RSAC Senior Spotlight

Sitlaly Avelino

Giovanni Chacon

Major: Environmental Engineering

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Environmental Sustainability

Minor: Biomechanical Engineering

Emily Chapman

Kai Starnes

Major: Civil Engineering

Major: Civil Engineering

Minor: Sustainable Energy Technology

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RISE Newsletter 2021

RSAC Board

Sitlaly Avelino

Abubakarr Bah

Imani Carter

Giovanni Chacon

Emily Chapman

Badiallo Diani

Maredy Felipe-Lucas

Jasmine Garvin

Carolina Gomez

Jonathan Jimenez

Reece Jones

Panayiotis Kalamaras

Tatenda Mlambo

Keira Morgan

Chisom Ndubisi

Lauren Smith

Kai Starnes

Edrian Vargas

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Winter Experiences

Imani Carter, Junior Biomedical Engineering In the fall of 2020 I applied to be considered for EGGG 367 which was a new opportunity that UD would be offering in the following term. EGGG 367 is a competitive international engineering internship program during the winter and summer sessions at UD. This program was created to give students an opportunity, especially engineering students, to gain international experience and internship experience especially as it was lacking during the COVID close down. During the program, small groups of UD students are paired with an international host company to work on an assigned program. For my team in particular we were assigned to ReNerve, an Australian medical device company. The project that ReNerve assigned to us was designing a tri-layer biomaterial that can be utilized for several medical applications such as hernia repair, pelvic floor repair, and dural mater repair. During this program I learned about the medical design process as the focus of this project was producing a deliverable to be presented to the CEO and CSO of ReNerve as well as how to effectively manage a team and our process. I am very grateful for this experience as it has made me a stronger candidate for future opportunities and allowed me to secure an internship at Boston Scientific for summer 2021.

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RISE Newsletter 2021

The experience was, in a word, great. Employing a generous helping of spreadsheets----don’t leave home without them!----I helped the team keep focused, creative, and inclusive across four time zones and three grade-years. Over five weeks, we tackled a complex open-ended question about a field in which we had no experience, and applied systematic process-focused methods to develop recommendations for how our employer should proceed with the development of a novel drug. All the while, a group of six strangers became a team of six young engineers, learning from and depending on each other to add value for our host company.

The high point of the experience was the culminating presentation: the UD team presented to our two wonderful mentors, the host firm’s CEO and a few of their researchers, their partners at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, and collaborators at Macquarie University in Sydney. Afterwards, our mentors passed along highly favorable reviews, regarding both the quality of our work and the usefulness our conclusions and research would have in the

Gustavo Silveira, Senior Chemical Engineering

company’s future.

The UD team spent 4 days preparing and practicing the final presentation, with particular attention to providing context

Hi there! My name is Gustavo Haisser Silveira; I am a Chemical

to our work, signposting the content, frequently summarizing

and Biomolecular Engineering student (Honors Department,

conclusions, and incorporating amusing or interesting anecdotes

minor concentration in Economics) in my last(!) semester at

about our experience with the project. As an engineering student,

UD. During Winter Session 2021, I was able to take advantage

it’s sometimes difficult to realize the value of a good presentation

of the balance of course credits made available by UD’s COVID

and a cohesive team dynamic; my work on our project for

policy to take EGGG 367, an experimental course led this year

GlyTherix made very clear to me the benefits on technical quality,

by Prof. Julie Karand in the Biomedical Engineering department.

professional success, and personal fulfillment that comes from

The course centered on a remote professional internship doing

paying attention in these areas.

engineering-related work. The six chemical engineering students who were accepted into the course worked for GlyTherix Ltd., a

I would strongly recommend interested students to apply to the

small Australian company developing cancer therapies that link

successor of EGGG 367. Thanks for your time, and good luck with

antibodies and radioisotope atoms.

your endeavors!

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Our New Normal

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RISE Newsletter 2021

Student Interview

Tell us about your experience with the RISE Program?

In RISE, I have learned so much about what comes after college, but also have been exposed to so many different opportunities.

Going to the mandatory events such as the Diversity and Inclusion Conference, LSAMP Research Symposium, and the end of the year banquet, I have been exposed to so many different people and have learned so much. At every Diversity and Inclusion event, I come out refreshed with a new open mind on what it truly means to be inclusive. At the last event, we did an in-depth discussion on the topic of microaggressions and it was eye opening. At LSAMP, I am always so excited to learn and congratulate those who have been working so hard with the research they have been doing all semester or year long. Lastly, the end of the year banquet always encourages me to keep my end goal in mind. The guest speakers are typically UD and/

Deanna Salinas, Junior Civil Engineering How was your first semester of college?

My first semester of college was an awesome and fun experience. I did not hesitate to get involved at UD and ended up joining two organizations off the bat. In addition to participating in RISE, I joined Alpha Omega Epsilon, and Women’s Rugby. Looking back, I am not sure what exactly I was thinking by doing so much.

However, I ended up adjusting well to the workload of college and it was not a bad decision after all. Outside of school, I met a lot of my closest friends and it was my first exposure to the East Coast culture. With joining many UD organizations, I was able to adjust to college life and the east coast well as I had a lot of people to support me. Overall, one of my favorite semesters.

What inspired you to have an engineering major?

I have always wanted to be an engineer since I watched the movies October Sky and Hidden Figures. However, I solidified my decision of wanting to become an engineer after shadowing my dad, who is a civil engineer.

or RISE Alum, who have accomplished a ton after graduation.

Seeing and hearing their stories always gives me hope that I can achieve my goals just as they have. Lastly, I have made some pretty great friends in RISE, some of which have already graduated but nonetheless have helped me so much through college by becoming somewhat of my external mentors.

In your opinion, what personal qualities should a student possess to be a successful engineering student?

To be a successful engineering student having an end goal, a realistic end goal, is important. However, it is also important to persevere, be driven, patient, and above all else kindhearted.

In my time as a student, 15 years about now, I have learned that some may get lucky and get A’s because they are gifted. However, it is the hard-working driven students that tend to learn the most. They learn the material but also what it means to not quit, to give their all, and to take pride in themselves and their accomplishments. A successful engineering student is not going to get all A’s. A successful engineering student is going to do their honest work, form relationships with their TAs and professors, struggle, fail, and keep moving forward.

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Faculty Interviews

Harry “Tripp” Shenton While Dr.Shenton returned to his alma mater years ago in the role of faculty member, it was 2020 when he took on the position as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education for the College of Engineering (COE). Despite the challenges that UD has faced during the pandemic, the COE has various plans and goals for the immediate and long terms. Dr.Shenton is looking forward to creating new opportunities for students in the COE, such as curricular, extracurriculars, internship, and fellowship opportunities that will provide the students with the chance to build a community of engineers. Dr.Shenton is working diligently to improve the diversity of the COE, from students, to staff and faculty, he is striving for a more inclusive and diverse environment.

As a civil engineer, Dr.Shenton believes that there are some skills that are underemphasized, and that an engineer should possess such as the ability to communicate effectively, work in teams, and soft skills. Specifically, he emphasizes the importance of getting exposure to engineering ethics, business, and economics,

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since many engineering jobs may not only lead to a technical track but also a management track. Dr. Shenton states that to be a successful engineer, it is prime to have problem solving skills, analytical thinking, creativity, be a good communicator, and be open to diverse opinions and ideas. A piece of advice he offers to engineering students is to take advantage of all the experiences and opportunities that UD and COE provides by participating in a study abroad program, joining a research lab, or leading a student organization.

Aside from being the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the COE, Dr.Shenton is a long distance and half marathon runner, and has won various medals throughout his years of running.

Additionally, for the last 10 years, he has had a passion for home brewing, where he is able to combine his engineering elements, with art and creativity to make wonderful drinks.

As the academic year is coming to an end, Dr. Shenton reflects upon the lessons he has learned throughout his career, where he highlights the importance of treating people the way you want to be treated, with respect. Also, he emphasizes the importance of working together in teams and letting everybody use their strengths.

Michael Vaughan For Dr. Vaughan, engineering was a late choice in high school. Growing up, he had dreams of becoming a medical doctor, but after working in a Physical Therapy

department at a large hospital, he discovered that he wasn’t made for that field. Through a mentor, Dr. Vaughan got involved in the Naval Underseas Warfare Center which became his door into the fields of Engineering and Education. While in this program, he worked with a high school program called TIMES-Squared whose main focus was to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to go into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), and that is how he discovered his passion to help students reach their goals and aspirations.

Ever since then, Dr. Vaughan has held many roles within Engineering and Education including Associate Dean for Engineering Undergraduate Education, Assistant Dean, RISE Program director and more recently, Interim Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion.

As a former RISE Program Director, Dr. Vaughan’s advice to current and future RISE participants is to “understand the true value and potential of RISE in your life and experience it in ways that propel you to the future you have for yourself.” Dr. Vaughan emphasizes the need to maximize on opportunities and resources available to us as RISE Program participants because “it’s really about the ‘R’ in RISE that’s important: resources”. He encourages students to “build a network of support and collaborators” and seek ways that “leverage the community in a way that pushes everyone higher” because by being truly engaged in RISE activities, we ourselves become resources to others, resulting in an ever evolving and self-building community.

To Dr. Vaughan, ‘diversity is a dimension of educational quality”. He believes that a place lacking in diversity can never reach its maximum excellence because there is value in diversity. “It’s not only about people who will get access because they are underrepresented, but even those people who may not be underrepresented are short changed in their education from not having a diverse environment to grow and learn in”.

Consequently, his hope is for our campus to become “increasingly diverse, increasingly inclusive and increasingly equitable”. Dr. Vaughan envisions a future COE which draws people of different perspectives together so that they begin to “bump into each other in ways that enrich the experience for everyone”.

Aside from being the Interim Vice Provost, Dr. Vaughan is a self-proclaimed “avid car nut”, and he enjoys working on, restoring, and driving his cars. “Anyone who knows me knows that I love automobiles,” Dr. Vaughan said lightheartedly. He has always been interested in anything mechanical, be it bicycles, mini cycles and motorcycles, showing the engineer at his core.

engineering, protective fabrics and structural materials. The laboratory also focuses on developing more sustainable bio-derived materials and pathways to reconstruct and deconstruct plastics waste as a way to address plastics pollution. Dr. Korley’s excitement for her research stems from the “ability to tackle a wide range of projects, to mentor an amazing research team, and to collaborate with colleagues around the world to address critical problems.”

opportunities”. She also encourages students to find mentors early on and to build longlasting friendships. Equally important, she reminds students to take care of themselves because “wellness is essential”, and almost like a mantra, she says “mean what you say, and say what you mean”. In addition to this advice, Dr. Korley pointed out perseverance, inquisitiveness, authenticity, compassion, and well-roundedness as some of the qualities that make successful engineers.

When asked to share some of the lessons she has learned throughout her career, Dr. Korley did not hesitate to share her experiences and the wisdom she has gained over the years:

Aside from her leadership roles as Director of the Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI) and Co-Director of the UD Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (UD CHARM), Dr Korley likes to run for fun and she loves reading mystery novels. In the future of the College of Engineering, Dr Korley would like to see continued “investments in creating a culture of inclusivity that champions diversity and engages in sustained dialogue”. She hopes to see increased representation of diversity in all levels of the COE as well as the engagement of the diverse community around us.

Lesson #1: Sometimes opportunities present themselves, sometimes they must be cultivated. Be prepared & aware.

Lesson #2: Speak up and be heard.

Every voice is important.

Lesson #3: Cultivate leadership, share knowledge, and promote high ethical standards. The world benefits.

Lashanda Korley Dr. Korley is a multi-award winning Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Materials Science & Engineering and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. She decided to pursue higher level education in engineering because it combined two things she was and still is passionate about: research and education. “I have always had a natural interest in teaching and discovery,” Dr. Korley said, adding that the experiences that she gained from her involvement in cuttingedge research and innovation motivated her to pursue graduate studies. Dr. Korley is the Principal Investigator of The Korley Research Group, a team that develops polymeric materials for applications in biomedical

Lesson #4: Pursue your passion, and stay true to your values and ideals.

Happiness abounds.

Lesson #5: Push boundaries and defy the mold. Innovation and creativity are the results.

Lesson #6: Take pride in your work, and know your value. Others will take notice.

Lesson #7: Mentoring is important.

Get 1 (or 2 or 3) and be one.

Dr. Korley’s advice to Engineering students reiterates some of the lessons she has learned in her life. “Be involved”, Dr. Korley advises. “Participate in research programs and/or internships [and] embrace service

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Summer Experiences Abubakarr Bah, Junior Mechanical Engineering “During the summer of 2020 I was a participant in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP). I was assigned to work with the Naval Surface Warfare Center of Philadelphia (NSWCPD). Due to Covid we were forced to transition to an online internship. We were placed into teams and assigned different areas of research, all of which were related to the Navy. My team's project was about low power wide area network (LoRaWan) sensors and their use for Naval Ships.

We analyzed the benefits of using the sensors at a 9-year life ( before needing replacement), the wide variety of cost effective sensors, and gateways which differ in range and power.

We also calculated the amount needed on the average Naval vessel and its effectiveness for success in all of their goals. After presenting to a panel of judges who all work at NSWCPD my team was awarded first place. I learned a lot, made connections, and it was also a paid internship.”

Lauren Smith, Junior Biomedical Engineering “Summer 2020, I became a McNair Scholar at the University of Delaware. The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. I participated in the 10-week virtual research program where I engaged in research with the opportunity to solve a real-world problem. My research focus: cardiovascular tissue has complex mechanical and physical properties and current models of cardiac tissue are typically limited to individual mechanical parameters. To better model the viscoelastic properties of the heart, I designed polyacrylamide (PAA) gels, in order to create a model controlling the elastic and shear modulus to better model the cardiovascular tissue. This program afforded me the opportunity to better understand the process of applying to graduate school, learn different modeling software and research techniques, and I interacted with different scholars, graduate students, and faculty. Becoming a McNair Scholar has strengthened my desires to go to graduate school for a doctorate and I am so excited for my next summer (2021) as a McNair Scholar.”

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NSBE & SHPE

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Cierra McNeill President, 2020-2021

Founded in 1975, NSBE is the largest non-profit, student-operated organization in the country. Our mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community". The University of Delaware chapter is a part of Region II's Danger Zone, covering a number of universities in the tri-state area. This year, our board consists of 9 executive board members and general body members.

Our chapter is dedicated to serving the University of Delaware's Black engineering community, offering professional advice, networking opportunities, fellowship, and community outreach opportunities.

Our goals are to increase chapter membership, enhance academic performance, increase professional networks, and provide conference funding for all of our members. We

also aim to encourage K-12 students to pursue a career in engineering and to seek higher education.

This year, the University of Delaware NSBE Chapter has sponsored 5 executive board members through the UD Career Center, to attend the 47th annual National Convention, where they would expand their professional network, attend career fairs, internships, and full-time employment positions.

This semester we hosted 5 general body meetings featuring NSBE alumni and representatives from: Johnson & Johnson, Gore, Whiting-Turner, and Deloitte Consulting.

As the president, I am very proud of my E-board for being able to push through the pandemic and create innovative ideas to engage our members despite these circumstances. I am excited to see what the future holds for this chapter!

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NSBE & SHPE

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Giovanni Chacon President, 2020-2021

Founded in 1974, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is the single largest association in the nation for Hispanics in STEM fields. SHPE’s mission revolves around raising awareness, providing access, and preparing Hispanic students/professionals to become leaders in the STEM fields.

SHPE members seek to drive innovation, the global economy, and a prosperous Hispanic community. The UD chapter is part of SHPE Region IV. This year, we are proud to announce, our membership consists of over 40 general body members and 7 dedicated executive board members. As one of the underrepresented minority groups in the UD College of Engineering, SHPE at UD has dedicated itself towards the advancement of Hispanic and Latino students by providing opportunities to help students realize their maximum potential. These opportunities have ranged from career workshops to professional networking events and everything in between.

The previous two semesters, SHPE at UD was able to sponsor 10 members to attend the virtual 2020 National Convention, the first of its

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kind. A group of resilient members contributed to the overall experience of this event while participating in a variety of workshops that helped members expand upon their leadership, communication, and overall professional networking skills. This culminated into a career fair that provided students with the opportunity to put their newly gained strategies to the test and line up interviews for potential employment positions.

As the president, I am incredibly proud of my E-board for working so hard to bring back the presence of SHPE on campus despite the many adversities the organization has faced since its initiation, including the COVID19 pandemic, which has impacted nearly every aspect of the everyday life of our members and E-board. One of the main goals our E-board sought to execute was not only the retention of previous members, but an overall growth of the general body and consistent participation in events. I am proud to say this goal was achieved with flying colors, and I cannot wait to see what the chapter has in store for the incoming generations of Hispanic engineering students!

RISE Participants 1st Year Armstrong, Hanna* Arreola Zaragoza, Rocio Bisram, Arriana* Boozer-Shears, Shevonn* Camacho, Lilibeth* Casanova, Angel* Cedeno, Rider* Clark, Jeanae* Cruz, Nicholas* DeMilta, Jake* Etienne, Noah* Frisby, Jordan* Hadaway, Namir Hutton, Alysa* Ighodaro, Praise* Johnson, Travis* Jones, Connor* Juarez Gil, Cesar* Khan, Bhuran* Lewis, Qaadir Llewellyn, Sheldon* Morakinyo, Oluwatomiwa* Rodas, Emily* Rossini, Emily* Sarpong, Nana* Tercero-Berduo, Edwin* Torres, Sofia* Vargas, Edrian Williams, Ohanna Zhang, Qi*

Sophomore Akin-Adenekan, Toni* Alberto, Julian* Clark, Catherine* Felipe-Lucas, Maredy* Giordani, Alyssa* Gutierrez, Nick* Jimenez, Jonathan* Jones, Reece*

Manchanda, Haritima* Mantell, Taylor McIntire, Jarred* Ndubisi, Chisom* Nolasco-Menchaca, Jason* Nombera, Eduardo* Riso, Victor* Vanegas, Dean*

Junior Bah, Abubakarr Benvenuto, Matthew* Bernal-Ortiz, Israel Bizzano, Nicole* Bouyer, Justin Carter, Imani Cedeno, Noah Corona, Alexander* Diani, Badiallo (Mimi)* Gargiulo, Angelina* Garvin, Jasmine* Gomez Casas, Carolina* Jime'nez, Emily* Kalamaras, Panayiotis* LaMattina, Alex* Mlambo, Tatenda* Morgan, Keira Osinubi, Oluwaseyi* Paragian, Kristin* Ramos, Michael Salinas, Deanna* Smith, Lauren* Traumiller, Paul* Wagner, Brett*

Brusse, Luke* Carlisle, Gabriela* Castle, Ryan* Chacon, Giovanni* Chapman, Emily* Diaz, Peter* Emenheiser, Ryan* Evans, Christopher* Garcia-Osorio, Luis* Gonzalez, Joseph* Hassanali, Muizz* McNamara, Sean* Morgan, Keith* Ndingwan, Ntseesang* Norhisham, Azwani* Pearcy, Jasmine* Phillips, Miles* Saavedra-Silva, Matias* Silveira, Gustavo * Simpson, Afsatu* Smith, Harrison* Starnes, Kai* Vasquez, Ursula* Wayne, Julianna* * indicates students with cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher

Senior Aceves, Patrick* Ahmad Kamal, Afiq* Attard, Alex* Avelino, Sitlaly*

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Graduating Seniors 2021 Plans after Graduation: I am sponsored by a Malaysian oil and gas company, Petronas. Therefore, I will serve them for at least 5 years after graduation.

Honors & Awards Received: 5 semesters on the Dean’s List

Patrick Aceves

Words of Wisdom: Time management is the key.

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Sitlaly Avelino

Plans after Graduation: I will work as an R&D engineer for Toray Advanced Composites for about a year. Then I will use that experience to get a job with one of Toray's clients such as SpaceX or Lockheed.

Plans after Graduation: I am in the process of confirming the next step in my career.

Environmental Engineering

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List for Spring 2019 through Spring 2020 .

Honors & Awards Received: The Trustee Scholarship Words of Wisdom: Make a list of companies you'd like to work for, go to LinkedIn then go to the people tab where you can see all the employees. Make a short elevator pitch, copy and paste it and connect to every person listed, especially engineering managers, not recruiters. You're looking for the engineering manager that will open up a spot for you.

Alexander N. Attard

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Plans after Graduation: I will work for Brewer Science as a Process Engineer in the New Product Development department. I will be implementing programs for product and process characterization and continuous product and process improvements within the semiconductor industry.

Honors & Awards Received: Researcher for ExxonMobil; Induction into Tau Beta Pi Honor Society; Jazz Pianist in UD’s Jazz Ensembles

Ahmad Afiq Ahmad Kamal

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

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Words of Wisdom: Ensure that you always have a creative outlet or hobby aside from your schoolwork. Playing piano has helped keep me grounded when I am stressed, so having something to go to when you are stressed with schoolwork can help with your mindset immensely.

Words of Wisdom: In engineering, especially as a minoritized individual, there might come a time where you fail. Whether that means missing a deadline, failing a test, or even failing a class, if that happens, don’t give up hope. You just need to grind through it and you’ll be alright.

“Don’t give up, there’s no shame in falling down! True shame is to not stand up again!”

–Shintaro Midorima (Kuroko No Basket)

one thing about college and life in general it’s that never take any opportunity or situation for granted because you’ll never know when you’ll get another chance.”

Words of Wisdom: Make friends in your major! They can be your greatest support throughout college. They make doing homework or studying for exams not only enjoyable but also a lot easier since you have someone to talk through problems with.

Luke Alan Brusse

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Plans after Graduation: I plan to pursue a career in energy generation, preferably with Saft America, a battery company where I am currently interning in the R&D department.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean's List all 8 semesters; Member of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honors Society; Alto Saxophone Section Leader in UD's Marching Band for two years Words of Wisdom: Keep calm, just breathe, and enjoy overcoming every challenge that life throws your way.

Honors & Awards Received: NASA Delaware Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate; Tuition Award Recipient—2019, 2020; Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Award Recipient—2020; RJN Foundation Civil and Environmental Engineering Award-2021

Giovanni J. Chacon Mechanical Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I will be working at Consolidated Edison as a GOLD Program Associate Honors & Awards Received: Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar; Elbert C. Wisner RISE Corporate Friends Award; University of Delaware Liston A. Houston Scholarship Words of Wisdom: Never forget those who came before you and the struggle they had to endure for you to reach the places that you have. Let them guide you, as their spirits live on through us.

Ryan Emenheiser Computer Science

Plans after Graduation: I will work for JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a software engineer.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List Words of Wisdom: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” -Charles R. Swindoll

Ryan Michael Castle

Continued 

Civil Engineering

Plans after Graduation: Project Engineer at Anning Johnson Company Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List for 4 semesters; Passed my American Concrete Institute examination; Recipient of the American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarship

Emily Chapman Civil Engineering

Plans after Graduation: Still finalizing my plans.

Words of Wisdom: “If I had to say

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Graduating Seniors 2021

Engineering in the 4+1 program here at UD Honors & Awards Received: Senior Design Awards: Chairperson’s Award and the Excellence in Application of the Engineering Design Process Award

Christopher L. Evans Mechanical Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I plan to accept a full time position with Siemens Healthineers within their Research and Development Leadership Development Program (R&DLDP). Technically, the position title will be listed as a Technical Trainee, and over the course of two years I rotate to various research sites, work on a multitude of research projects for the company, and participate in joint leadership development conferences with other branches of the company as well as with Siemens AG and Siemens Energy.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List-6 semesters; I was able to to help publish a paper in the Tribology Letters Journal; I was awarded a stipend for Summer Fellows research

Joseph Anthony Gonzalez

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Plans after Graduation: Exploring career options as a Chemical Engineer Honors & Awards Received: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering; Becoming a member of the University of Delaware Chorale; Awarded Dean’s List 6 Semesters Words of Wisdom: Moments of feeling overwhelmed are inevitable, however if you surround yourself with the right people, your success will be imminent.

Sean K. McNamara Computer Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I am still in the process of confirming my career plans.

Words of Wisdom: Start thinking about what you want to do early on in college.

Try things out, seek internships, research opportunities, and other programs that let you explore what you like and don’t like. 4 years can go by pretty quick.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List

Muizz Muhammed Hassanali Mechanical Engineering

Plans after Graduation: Pursue a Master’s of Science in Mechanical

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Words of Wisdom: Know your nonnegotiables, be it food, sleep, exercise, or something else, and stick to them. Having things to anchor me kept me sane and refocused me when my mind was scattered.

Also ask for help early and often. Reach out to friends, professors, staff, there are so many people here to help students, take advantage of them.

Words of Wisdom: Don’t be overly attached to what plans you made for your education and career. You may or may not really like doing what you think you’ll like, and college is the perfect time to test that.

If you find something you’re doing maybe isn’t what you want, or see some of your colleagues doing something you never really thought about, look into those things as soon

as you can. Changing majors can be very beneficial, especially if you do it early on.

Graduate Scholar Award; Dean’s List: Fall 2017, Spring 2020, Fall 2020

Dean’s List: Fall 2017, Spring 2018, and Fall 2020

Words of Wisdom: “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Albert Einstein

Words of Wisdom: Imagine that you have to build a birdhouse. Once you’ve collected all the wood that you need, you are left with the task of assembling it.

Instinctively, you would search through your toolbox to see what tools you could use to make it easier to build this birdhouse. You also have the option to build your house with the tools you already have, like your bare hands. However, this route would be more time consuming and your birdhouse would be pretty weak without screws to hold the wood together. This scenario is analogous to college. Every student is offered a metaphorical toolbox when they come to college. This toolbox contains all of the resources that are available to us during our time in school. Such resources may include tutoring services, study groups, career fairs, etc. Sometimes the resources are presented right in front of us (like the RISE newsletter) and sometimes students will have to form connections and search for hidden opportunities. Each student has to decide if they want to utilize these tools or if they would rather ignore them. During my time here, I have noticed that the students that choose to go beyond their comfort zones and take advantage of their opportunities are often more successful than the students who do not. My advice is that every student analyzes their own tool box, because their contents can vary, and figure out how they can best utilize their tools for their own benefit.

Keith Morgan

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Plans after Graduation: I will be doing a 4+1 for an MS in Biochemical Engineering at UD and doing a 15 month internship with AstraZeneca Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List Words of Wisdom: Make sure to think about what aspects of your major you love, pursue minors and subjects that fit to that.

It will streamline your job search and ensure you enter into a field that focuses on your passions.

Azwani S. Norhisham

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Plans after Graduation: I am in the process of confirming a job placement in PETRONAS, Malaysia.

Honors & Awards Received: RISE TEHEKA Scholarship Award Words of Wisdom: “It is always good to try your best but sometimes, it is okay to take a break and enjoy life.”

Continued 

Ntseesang Ndingwan Computer Science

Plans after Graduation: I will pursue a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a concentration in Computer Systems and Networking at the University of Delaware.

Honors & Awards Received: University

Jasmine Pearcy Mechanical Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I am still in the process of securing a full time position. I am currently in the interviewing stages.

Honors & Awards Received:

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Graduating Seniors 2021

all semesters of undergraduate study; General Honors Award

Matias S. Saavedra Silva

Words of Wisdom: This time--this life’s worth of time--is all you’ll have. Cherish it; revel in it; be brave in it. Be brave enough to learn, to be mistaken; be brave enough to be passionate. Be brave enough to be kind.

Biomedical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I will be working for Smith & Nephew where I will be assisting surgery as an Associate Orthopedic Sales Representative in New York City.

Plans after Graduation: I will pursue a Masters in ECE at UD through the 4+1 program Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List every semester Words of Wisdom: Find willing and motivated people to work and study with.

Together you can lift each other up and cover each other’s weaknesses. Don’t go alone if you don’t have to!

Harrison Smith

Afsa Simpson

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Honors & Awards Received: UD Leadership Award: Spring 2019 and Fall 2019; Dean’s List: Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020 Words of Wisdom: “College flies by. Be sure to cherish it.”

Plans after Graduation: I will work for Deloitte as an Analyst, helping analyze company objectives and provide innovative solutions.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List; Narasimhan Scholar; Chemical Engineering Industrial Sponsors Scholarship Award

Gustavo Haisser Silveira

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Plans after Graduation: Still searching for employment in engineering fields.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s list,

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RISE Newsletter 2021

Words of Wisdom: Enjoy your time in college and take up your space. Be entitled to your own education and make it work for you and who you are.

Kai Y. Starnes Civil Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I will work for Gilbane Building Company as a Project Engineer in their Maryland Business Unit.

I will be working with a team managing the construction, finances, scheduling, and safety

of a construction project.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List; Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s Academic Honor; PNC Bank Student-Athlete Achiever Words of Wisdom: “We are not here for likes, we are here for respect.”

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List - all semesters 2017 to 2020; Biomedical Engineering Distinguished Sophomore Award; Member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society - membership extended to those within the top 8% of their class.

Words of Wisdom: “We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” –Marie Curie

Ursula Vasquez Civil Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I am still in the process of confirming my next career move.

Honors & Awards Received: Dean’s List Words of Wisdom: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi

Julianna Wayne Biomedical Engineering

Plans after Graduation: I will work for Medtronic as a Quality Engineer, in the Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies Plant, running quality checks on the assembly line and all products prior to shipment.

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