Our Stories
Quan
Team Lead & Engineering Director
I started my senior year of high school not knowing what I wanted for a career. I chose engineering because I was good at science and math and it was a safe career choice. There was no real excitement involved, but after going through my first co-op at Drexel I realized I had made the right choice and found my passion. Engineering wasn't just about math and science but at its core was problem solving. I think a lot of people count themselves out because they feel not smart enough to pursue engineering or its boring but I think anyone can become an engineer and it can be one of the most fun jobs in the world. When I came back to Drexel I had a newly inspired passion in which helped me join Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi, two prestigious honor societies along with graduating Magna Cum Laude in mechanical engineering with an aerospace concentration. Moving forward with a hopeful future of solving today and tomorrow's problems.
Rasheem
Project Manager
When I was in middle school, I was a part of the Educational Talent Search program. Its purpose was to gear students in the West Philly area towards being college bound. The program was sponsored and held at the University of Pennsylvania. During this program, I attended multiple workshops and met with several black engineering students. They all told me about their majors, reasons for becoming engineers, work, and college experiences. My time with these students inspired me to attend college and major in STEM. Later in middle school, I had surgery on my left leg. I had an outer brace inserted into my leg to correct its “curve”. I was fascinated with the technology used to create the material as well as the software used to design the brace. Following my surgery and having talks with my uncle, who is also an engineer, I decided to major in mechanical engineering. My goal is to contribute to the fast innovative world and help make a difference in somebody’s life. During my time at Drexel, I have been involved in many student organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, held several work studies positions, became involved in a lot of volunteering opportunities, and participated in Drexel Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings. My plans after college are graduate school and working full time.
Kristina
Outreach Manager
I began racing Soap Box Derby cars when I was 8 years old. I loved the competition and working to make your car faster after every race. In middle school and high school, I was able to attend engineering and science summer camps, one at Texas A&M University and another at North Carolina State University. They helped me decide that I wanted to work on race cars or airplanes when I grew up. So I chose to pursue a major in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace at Drexel University. While at Drexel, I have been involved in the Society of Women Engineers, Engineering Leadership Scholars, and Drexel Performing Arts. During college, I also decided to add a minor in nonprofit communications because I love volunteering with nonprofit organizations.
Fausto
Director of Curriculum Development
While I was a Junior in high school, I was presented with an opportunity to attend an engineering summer camp at Purdue University. This camp allowed me to get a glimpse of engineering. While in Indiana, I was also able to tour a GE Aviation facility. As I entered my senior year in high school, I decided to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. In Drexel University, I was able to learn the skills of an engineer and became a member of SHPE, Tau Beta Pi, and Pi Tau Sigma. Additionally, I was able to pursue research as an undergraduate student which allowed me to develop an interest for Grad School. For the future, I will be pursuing a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering.
Dr. Jennifer Atchison
Advisor