Pathway Scholars

Our Purdue Engineering Pathways Scholars are selected from hundreds of summer undergraduate research applicants. Learn more about our current Pathways Scholars below!

Daniel Anoruo

Undergraduate Institution: Towson University
Bio: I am interested in learning how technologies at the programming level, so that I can work with Artificial Intelligence to innovate current technologies for the future. I want to work in the field of Software Engineering in order to develop new technologies that may be used in the future.

Christopher Barber

Undergraduate Institution: University of Oklahoma
Bio: I conduct research in a condensed matter physics research lab that focuses on the interaction between light and matter at the University of Oklahoma. I am interested in creating more efficient clean energy sources to aid in transitioning to a more sustainable future.

Nina Borkowski

Undergraduate Institution: Tulane University
Bio: I am interested in sustainability and renewable energy technologies through Chemical Engineering. I have interests in attending law school and specializing in Patent Law.

Miles Davis

Undergraduate Institution: Howard University
Bio: Academically, I am interested in researching structural dynamics, restoration, and sustainability to address and correct the issues of poor infrastructure. Career-wise, I aspire to get a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and apply my findings to industry to continue my journey of creating safer and more sustainable infrastructure.

Sofia Gonzalez

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: My research interests include utilizing raw materials to achieve technological advancements by optimizing and enhancing their physical properties through modification and design. After graduating from Purdue University, I plan to work in the chemical or material industry for the innovation of new materials with the possibility of higher education specific to this area.

Ricardo Huertas

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Bio: Applied thermodynamics for renewable solutions/material sciences. I want to work on energy solutions for mankind’s growing fuel dependency problems.

Ravion Hyatt

Undergraduate Institution: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Bio: I aim to conduct research that advances our understanding of cyber threats and develops innovative solutions to strengthen digital infrastructure. As an enthusiastic Cybersecurity Analyst with strong team-based and independent work skills, a solid work ethic, and excellent organizational abilities, I am dedicated to protecting my community from cyber threats, contributing to a safer and more secure online environment for all.

Saloni Jajoo

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: Building on years of experience in data analysis and visualization, she aims to identify clinically relevant disease patterns from large clinical datasets in the fields of interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. I’m interested in becoming a Data Scientist in the medical field.

Gabriella Johnson

Undergraduate Institution: Morgan State University
Bio: I am majoring in Civil Engineering and strongly considering minoring in architecture, my goal is to get my masters after obtaining my bachelors and I'm even considering my PhD further down the line. I am very passionate about Civil Engineering and specifically the structural aspect of it, as well as some of the architectural design process that goes into this career.

Mahagani Lasciers

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bio: I will be working within the ABE department to research the utilization/conversion of biomass, such as crops and animal waste, to bioproducts such as plastics and chemicals. My overall interest is to increase the efficiency and sustainability of our world's agricultural systems, specifically in regards to commercial production processes of food.

Camerin Lee

Undergraduate Institution: West Los Angeles College
Bio: I am interested in learning about different ways Computer Science can be applied to improving renewable energy systems. Currently, I would be interested in careers involving software engineering, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Elaine Lee

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I will be working with AAMP-UP on energetic materials adhesion. In the future, I hope to work on space exploration projects through the use of materials and structures design in spacecrafts.

Kelly Lige

Undergraduate Institution: Howard University
Bio: My research interest focuses on developing catalytic methods driven by renewable energy sources to replace traditional fossil fuel-dependent processes in industrial chemical production, specifically targeting the dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene, aiming to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. My career interest lies in exploring sustainable energy technologies and their application in mitigating environmental impact, with a focus on renewable energy sources.

Bobbie Lowe-Hunt

Undergraduate Institution: Morgan State University
Bio: I want to do the work of an architectural engineer but with civil engineering. I want to have the highest level of education a civil engineer can have.

Ismael Luna

Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
Bio: My research interests encompass the multifaceted applications of artificial intelligence in embedded systems, driving innovation across industries through real-time decision-making, autonomous operation, and enhanced user experiences. My career interest is to excel in engineering while actively promoting diversity and inclusivity, particularly by mentoring and inspiring more Latino students to pursue STEM fields.

Ellen Ma

Undergraduate Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Bio: I'm interested in materials processing (particularly additive manufacturing) and computational materials science. Post-grad, I'd like to specialize in computational materials science and go into industry.

Johan Martinez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bio: I am interested in doing research related to semiconductor technology. My career goals include becoming a researcher and professor in semiconductor electronics because, aside from semiconductors, my two biggest passions in life are learning and teaching.

Farren Martinus

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am interested in researching the applications of hardware and software in developing and fabricating medical devices to meet medical needs. My career goal is to create innovative devices that ensure equal access to quality medical care worldwide.

Everett Mason Jr.

Undergraduate Institution: Tuskegee University
Bio: Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, and Machine Learning lie at the forefront of my research interests as they are gateways for creativity and interdisciplinary Engineering work. After achieving my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a PhD in Robotics and go forth to innovate new technologies while establishing programs to increase STEM diversity.

Kirshaun McGhee

Undergraduate Institution: Delaware State University
Bio: I am interested in pursuing a PhD post graduation in the chemical industry. I am interested in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulation research.

Simone Moulton

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I'm interested in the intersection between biological and aerospace engineering and will be focusing on mycoponics and its applications this summer! I hope to work on the development of sustainable aviation and controlled ecological life support systems for space habitation applications.

Victoria Perez

Undergraduate Institution: Binghamton University
Bio: I am interested in studying and developing methods in synthesis for the use of drug development. I plan to earn my PhD and become a professor at a university where I hope to become a PI in synthesis research.

Makayla Phillips

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am excited to explore my interests for future careers. I am interested in doing engineering in the medical space.

Bershell Reynaud

Undergraduate Institution: Louisiana State University
Bio: My research interests revolve around the intersection of biological systems and robotics, focusing on enhancing medical applications like prosthetics, implants, and surgical robotics. Additionally, I explore interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex healthcare and environmental challenges, integrating biological engineering principles with robotics for practical solutions. I aim to pursue a career where I can leverage my expertise in biological engineering and robotics to bridge the gap between machines and humans, enhancing human comfort and well-being through innovative solutions.

Joyce M. Rivera Sanchez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico
Bio: I am currently interested in renewable energy, specifically in searching different sources for energy such as sargassum. I desire to continue gaining knowledge in energy to be able to contribute to the transitions from fossil fuels to biofuels for more sustainable energy.

Thomas Schmitz

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am interested in Additive Manufacturing and the application of Additive Manufacturing technologies which impact day to day life. I want to apply what I learn while performing research here into either performing future research or turning research into a practical application/product.

Talana Small

Undergraduate Institution: University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
Bio: My research interests include sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, renewable energy, and all things chemistry, biochemistry, or food science. In the future, I would like to work for the USDA or FDA doing research in any of the aforementioned topics and work in health equity advocacy.

Kailyn Steed

Undergraduate Institution: Alabama A&M University
Bio: I am interested in going far with this research opportunity and relating it to projects I could get into in the outside world. I have always had a love for science, technology, and numbers since I was little.

Carolyn Sun

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Bio: I am majoring in Civil Engineering and strongly considering minoring in architecture, my goal is to get my masters after obtaining my bachelors and I'm even considering my PhD further down the line.

Lindsay Sutherland

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I will be researching the thermal properties of the materials used in batteries and electric motors. I am interested in obtaining a Master’s degree or a PhD before pursuing a career in industry.

Leah Tak

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: My research interest would be radio frequency to develop a better communication system between space and the earth. I would like to work on creating instruments used in a spacecraft to improve space traveling in the future.

Dania Zein

Undergraduate Institution: Tougaloo College
Bio: I am interested in researching different methods to optimize outcomes for cancer patients using interdisciplinary computer science and math techniques. My career goal is to become a biostatistician with a specialization in data science.

Sachi Barnaby

Undergraduate Institution: University of New Mexico
Bio: I am researching the gamification of networked spreading processes such as epidemics. I'm interested in pursuing a doctorate in computer science/engineering to continue conducting research and teaching.

Jared Davis

Undergraduate Institution: University of Houston
Bio: I am interested in propulsion and combustion systems for space applications. I am also interest in a career doing propulsive research in academia or industry.

Jorge Duarte

Undergraduate Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Bio: I want to research new methods to improve traffic by implementing new technologies into the traffic systems. I want to work on any department of transportation in the US an work to implement new revolutionary technologies to the traffic system.

Kaila Durden

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bio: I am currently doing research on how a certain zeolites will impact propene oligomerization. I am interested in working with more sustainable methods energy.

David Flores

Undergraduate Institution: University of New Mexico
Bio: I am interested in Robotics pertaining to pedal movement and Insect behavior. After receiving my Masters and/or PhD, I would like to work in the robotics research sector.

Jarrett Fowler

Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University
Bio: I'm interested in medical innovations related to altering the mechanics of cells to address cardiomyopathies. I plan on obtaining my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and either entering industry for an R&D role or staying in Academia, with the plan to end my career as a professor.

Emmanuel Gichaba

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: My research is over computational modeling of calcium signaling in Zebrafish wound healing. I am interested in Research and Development of medical devices.

Chris Griffin

Undergraduate Institution: Morgan State University
Bio: Gain the knowledge to improve the safety aspect of our lives. Become an industrial engineer for a company and develop an innovation that can impact the overall well being of my community.

Mahagani Lasciers

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bio: My academic interest is creating valuable products by transforming biological materials into something more agriculturally useful and efficient. Career wise, I would like to utilize my future knowledge of bioprocessing and biotechnology to explore the field of food engineering/cellular farming.

Alexander Loney

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am currently working with characterizing 3D printed energetic materials with AAMP-UP 2023. I plan on working with either satellite development, space habitat research, or mission design.

Douglas Nyberg

Undergraduate Institution: University of Montana
Bio: I am interested in either applying machine learning for unbiased mental health diagnosis and treatment, or advancing quantum computing to overcome Moore's Law limitations and investigating its potential impact on mental health care, with the intention of selecting one focus during the REU program. I don't have a preference towards academia or industry, I just want to end up in a place that provides me with the most potential to provide a positive contribution to mental health care either directly or not.

Hannah Oberg

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering with a minor in chemistry and a concentration on research, specifically electrochemical processes! After I graduate with from Purdue, I hope to pursue higher education to specialize in fuel cell and energy storage research/innovation and its applications to industry!

Emmanuel Ortiz

Undergraduate Institution: University of Delaware
Bio: I will be researching the use of high temperature catalysts for the conversion of ethylene and propylene to gasoline and diesel fuel. I will be researching the use of high temperature catalysts for the conversion of ethylene and propylene to gasoline and diesel fuel.

Karlianie Rivera

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Bio: My research interest includes understanding and creating effective therapeutic strategies to help prevent and treat neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. I aspire to continue in the academia by transforming today's findings into tomorrows new treatments through research.

Justin Rodriguez

Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University
Bio: As I navigate my career path, I'm considering pursuing a Ph.D. or entering the industry while firmly committing to obtaining a Master of Business Administration. Regarding my long-term vision, I aspire to actively contribute to projects that propel our understanding and push the boundaries of space exploration.

Benjamin Roeder

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am interested in the research and development of new rocket propulsion and spacecraft systems. I would like to work on developing various types of new rocket and spacecraft technologies.

Jefte Santiago

Undergraduate Institution: Universidad Ana G. Mendez
Bio: I am interested in Aerodynamics and flow trajectories. I am interested in vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic effects.

Nathon Tubbs

Undergraduate Institution: Tuskegee University
Bio: I am interested in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. I aspire to gain knowledge in the world of engineering to apply optimizing and ever evolving technologies to the current world of energy usage to ensure our future generations can continue to thrive and develop.

Hector Valenzuela

Undergraduate Institution: University of New Mexico
Bio: My research interests are Cybersecurity and Cyber Physical Systems, and how they might integrate into creating low cost and easily fabricated sensors. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, I am interested in attending a post gradual program to further my interests in Computer Engineering and Cybersecurity.

Nathan VanDam

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am interested in conducting research on solid fuels within the field of energetic materials. My career interest is to continue to conduct either applied or academic research.

Ariana Adkisson

Undergraduate Institution: Norfolk State University
Bio: I am very passionate about informing and helping the community which leads to my love you nature and passion for maintaining a clean environment and utilizing clean energy,
Current Placement: Currently, I am a recipient of the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship and work with the Department of Energy at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburg, PA. I plan to graduate with my B.S Chemistry in December 2023.

Karla Alemán-Alicea

Undergraduate Institution: Universidad de Puerto Rico
Bio: My research interests include bioinstrumentation, biomaterials and biomechanics.

Chloe Arana

Undergraduate Institution: Michigan State University
Bio: I am interested in catalysis, chemical reaction engineering, and process design.I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and go on to work in a national laboratory on petrochemical research.

Mateo Barre

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: My research interest lies in high rate ballistic testing of materials used in aerospace structures or other fields. I am a research assistant at the Impact Science Laboratory in Armstrong Hall where I work on projects with the end goal of characterizing the load response of materials and providing maintenance cycle advice for the systems they are used in. My main career interesting in aerospace structures design and testing in industry, although a career in research is something I am considering as well.

Nelanne Bolima

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bio: I'm interested in drug delivery and biomechanics. I hope to one day become a biomedical clinical researcher.

Keylin Boyd

Undergraduate Institution: Texas Christian University
Bio: My ultimate goal is to contribute to creating a more eco conscious society! As of right now, there is nothing specific. I am open too considering any opportunities!

Eric Cobos

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: Thermodynamics and atmospheric chemistry are my most significant research interests. Post-graduation I plan to pursue a dual-degree JD/PhD in engineering, either in mechanical or environmental since I would like to work at a governmental level on environmental policy.

Andrew Ferrer

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I will be performing research using electrospinning techniques to generate scaffolds used for studying tendon to bone enthesis, and rotator cuff repair. After graduating from Purdue, I am interested in attending a post gradual program to further my interests in biomedical engineering.

Sara Fox

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am investigating different formulations of reactive wires for use in flares and propellants.I hope to design rocket propulsion systems and one day become an astronaut!

Brian Garcia Hernandez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Rochester
Bio: There are many fields in chemical engineering that I am interested in, my top few are renewable energy, clean water, drug delivery and polymers. Currently I'm undecided between going to graduate school for PhD or going into industry, but I am considering at least getting a Master's Degree in Chemical engineering.

Blake Harris

Undergraduate Institution: Lee University
Bio: Utilizing machine learning to detect anomalies in extrusion based additive manufacturing. I hope to pursue a graduate degree and continue to research problems in the field of data science.

Mishelle Hernandez

Undergraduate Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Bio: Interested in renewable energy or machine learning research. Interested in graduate school either for a master or PhD.

Raey Hunde

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bio: My interests are at the interaction of materials research and the health/medical sector. I hope to eventually obtain a Ph.D in Chemical Engineering and then go on to do work for a government agency.

Arielle Jackson

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I'm a part of the Additive Manufacturing project and am pursuing degrees in both Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. In the future, I plan on doing renewable energy research as a career.

Kenneth Jones

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bio: I would love to conduct research on the nervous system and assist in unlocking the mysteries of the brain. I have not determined exactly what I want to do in my career. Hopefully, after attending the SURF Program I will have a better understanding of my career interest.

Jocelyn Kenley

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina A&T State University
Bio: I plan to go to graduate school for an integrate Masters’ & PH.D program. My career interest is in nanotechnology research with the focus of cancer cells.

Sophia Knap

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: Sophia is doing research in Materials and Mechanical Engineering. Sophia's career interest is in research and development in automotive and defense industries.

Cecilia Leoni

Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Bio: I am interested in navigating the intersect between the fields of chemistry and biology from a unique engineering perspective. I hope to be working for a small lab, developing solutions to present day and future problems.

Savanna Mack

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bio: I am interested in research surrounding minority/women's health subjects. I am interested in having a career in the medical field, particularly a fertility specialist.

Wilbert Mays

Undergraduate Institution: Oakwood University
Bio: As a biochemistry major, I am interested in exploring more chemistry/engineering research involving explosive/energetic materials chemistry and nanotechnology. My ultimate career goal is to conduct weaponization development research for the government and eventually establish my own research company.

Malik Merchant

Undergraduate Institution: University Texas A&M - College Station
Bio: I like challenging myself and believe that research will give me something to look forward to. Plan on pursuing a career dealing with the energy or semiconductor industry.

Alberto Miranda

Undergraduate Institution: University of Utah
Bio: I am interested in working with medical devices whether that be in Industry or Academia.
Current Placement: I am currently interning with a Medical Device Manufacturer.

Bruno Navaresse

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: CFD and its applications as well as creating surrogate models that can reduce the high computational cost. Aerodynamic optimization of aircraft and motorsport vehicles.

Huey Ojukwu

Undergraduate Institution: University of Buffalo
Bio: I am interested in receiving a doctorate in chemical engineering. I am interested in working in the pharmaceutical and renewable energy industries.

Kyla Racks

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina A&T State University
Bio: I am very interested in becoming a researcher in chemical engineering, however I have not decided the specific field of research I would like to pursue. My career interests consist of obtaining a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, and conducting research that will impact the environment and its people.

Mikayla Roach

Undergraduate Institution: Penn State
Bio: Mikayla is from Easton, PA and graduated from Penn State in December 2022 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She is currently pursing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Purdue. She is interested in researching ways to slow or stop the progression of osteoarthritis.
Current Placement: I am a PhD student in the Chan Musculoskeletal Research and Innovation Lab at Purdue.

Teah Scott

Undergraduate Institution: Howard University
Bio: Research-wise my focuses are with sustainable energy sources and biomedical technology. In regards to my career, I am open to anything in the energy or medical sectors.

Jaron Sherwood

Undergraduate Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bio: I am interested in using computational fluid dynamics to explore complex flow behaviors in real world problems. I want to work in aircraft design aided by computational fluid dynamics to advance aircraft performance.

Michael Taylor

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Bio: Currently I am researching predictive computational models of energetic materials. My career interest is in automotive, specifically engines and powertrain configuration and optimization.

Jaylin Trice

Undergraduate Institution: Louisiana State University
Bio: I want to focus research on helping low-income people get access to quality products at a low cost. I want to go to medical school to become a neurologist.

Don-Terry Veal

Undergraduate Institution: Morgan State University
Bio: Stable static liquid positions in toroidal propellant tanks. Pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering. Working to be qualified to run my own research lab.

Austin Zapata

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am doing research in the applications of machine learning to tribology. My goal is to attain my doctorate and be a researcher in the application of machine learning to structural engineering.

Oliver Aceves

Undergraduate Institution: University of Notre Dame
Bio: I am a Latino from northern California. I attend the University of Notre Dame, where I am a part of the marching band and several scholars programs. I am interested in all things mechanical engineering, so I am currently still attempting to decide what exactly I want to concentrate on. That is the main reason I am at Purdue this summer, to explore my interest in materials engineering.

Abdul Ahmed

Undergraduate Institution: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bio: I am a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majoring, in chemical engineering and minoring in economics. This summer, I am working with Prof. Cornelius Masuku. In the future, I aspire to contribute to the global development of energy systems.

Olorunjuwon Ajayi

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bio: I am a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I am majoring in Computer Engineering student with a double track in Communications and electronic systems and minoring in entrepreneurship. I am a McNair Scholar and Grand Challenge Scholar. My current research at UMBC is focused on studying the AM-to-PM Conversion in Carrier Photodiodes with Dr. Menyuk. After graduating, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical Electrical Engineering.

David Amelemah

Undergraduate Institution: Princeton University
Bio: Since I was a sophomore in high school, I've wanted to be a pharmaceutical scientist. I struggled with severe acne for years, and I put most of my hope in the medication from the dermatologist. Realizing there were far more serious ailments or diseases without any suitable treatments, I knew I wanted to focus my career on drug discovery to help those in need.

A. Lili Castillo

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Bio: I am a student at the University of California, Irvine majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. My research interests include how diversity and inclusion can be further implemented within undergraduate engineering institutions to best serve and retain individuals of diverse backgrounds within the field. I hope to continue her passion by pursuing a degree in Engineering Education to eventually become a professor.
Current University: Arizona State University

Guillermo Castro

Undergraduate Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Bio: I am an aerospace engineering major at PSU. My dream career is to be involved in space exploration whether it be by planning the missions or actually taking part in them as an astronaut.

Gregory Cook

Undergraduate Institution: Oakland University
Bio: I'm a bioengineering major at Oakland University. I am very interested in conducting research regarding the materials/design process for external/internal 21st century prosthetics.

Calleb Diaz Acevedo

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Bio: My name is Calleb J. Diaz Acevedo, and I am getting my B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. My objective is to work on the development of transitional energy sources to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

Belen Flores

Undergraduate Institution: Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, Indiana
Bio: I am a dual-degree student at Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, Indiana majoring in chemistry and chemical engineering. In the past, I have worked on research involving biological and anthropological acoustics and was a part of a locomotion lab. I aspire to attend graduate school where I can pursue my passion for improving the quality of people's lives through a PhD in the environmental or pharmaceutical field.

Maria Gibbs

Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
Bio: I am studying Aerospace Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. I have a wide range of interests in the aerospace, math, and health fields, and I plan to attend graduate school in the future. My career goal is to develop technology that will improve the quality of life for others. This summer, I am thrilled to be working on a research project on Epidemic Modeling with Professor Pare in the ECE department.

Manuela Haddad Correa

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am a student at Purdue University double majoring in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology & Genetics and minoring in Psychology and Biotechnology. I am from Sao Paulo, Brazil and I aspire to continue in Academia to pursue a Ph.D. and become a Professor while doing research, most likely related to genetic engineering. I will be working with Dr. Kari Clase this summer from the Biological Engineering department.

Amel Ksaibati

Undergraduate Institution: University of Wyoming
Bio: During my SURF program at Purdue 2021 I used machine learning techniques to classify a large dataset of chemical reactions. My graduate research will consist of modeling air quality data and concepts in atmospheric chemistry. I hope my future career includes organizing and analyzing data in order to optimize and enhance a process.
Current Placement: I graduated this past May with my bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in three intense years. I had the opportunity to be a part of another REU program for the summer of 2022 at Colorado State University (CSU). I am about to start my Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, continuing at CSU this fall.

Feris Kury

Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Bio: I plan to get my masters in Food Science and pursue the food industry as a product developer. I would love to create innovative new foods that people can enjoy and will be better for the planet.
Current Placement: I am currently working as an engineering intern at Lamb Weston, and will resume college as a Senior this Fall.

Mackey Long

Undergraduate Institution: Auburn University
Bio: My name is Mackey Long, and I am from Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, I study materials engineering at Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. I am interested by what is vary small, the nanoscopic world, and how it relates to our macroscopic reality.

Kojo Marfo-Sarbeng

Undergraduate Institution: Villanova University
Bio: I am a chemical engineering major from Reisterstown, Maryland studying at Villanova University. I was selected for the CISTAR REM Program and will be researching the future of energy.

Morgan Moses

Undergraduate Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage
Bio: I am a student at the University of Alaska Anchorage where I am double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics with a concentration in Computer Science. My interests are in system dynamics, biomechanics, differential geometry, and computational programming with aspirations of teaching and conducting research at the university level. In my free time, I ride my horse Hecate and paint tiny plastic spacemen.

Lainey Orr

Undergraduate Institution: Rochester Institute of Technology
Bio: I am an aspiring chemical engineer at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I have prior work experience in research and development for the semiconductor industry.

Michael Pardo

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: My research this Summer involves designing and developing a test chamber for x-ray characterization of aerospace alloys in corrosive environments. My professional interests include potentially earning a master's degree and going into the aerospace industry to implement the knowledge and problem solving skills I have learned in my research.

Kayla Richardson

Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Bio: I am a student at Arizona State University studying Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power & Energy. I hope to become an effective leader in my field by gaining research experience and technical skills related to smart grid technologies while furthering my education through graduate studies.

Kaya Robinson

Undergraduate Institution: Villanova University
Bio: I am a Presidential Scholar at Villanova University majoring in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, and Honors. This summer I am excited to explore my passions for research while also learning more about the field of engineering and possible paths I can take. I have so much to learn!

Chris Rodriguez

Undergraduate Institution: University of California Irvine
Bio: I am a recent computer engineering graduate with interests in embedded systems and cyber security. With this, I hope to keep furthering my knowledge in those interests and possibly having a leadership role one day.
Current Placement: After graduating from the University of California, Irvine 4 months ago, since then I have been working at Northrop Grumman as a software engineer in the San Diego area. In my free time, I love to spend my time golfing mainly on the weekends, and practicing boxing most afternoons. I also like to go visit new places with my friends such as wineries or restaurants.

Yan Saltar

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Bio: I am a University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez student studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics and Environmental Engineering. I am currently working with Prof. Alexander Dowling from Notre Dame developing mathematical models to track the mass and energy flows in a natural gas processing system. In the future I desire to obtain a Ph.D. in superstructure optimization and dive deeper in research.

Francis Sampson

Undergraduate Institution: Rice University
Bio: My professional interests lie at the intersection of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. More specifically, my focus is on the nanotechnology space, with slight deviations into manufacturing and design engineering. I am also very passionate about engineering diversity and how Black life integrates with STEM.
Current Placement: As of May 2023, I am a graduate of Rice University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in African and African-American Studies. I am spending Summer 2023 as a Mechanical Engineering Intern at HBK Engineering, LLC. My work here has focused on power transmission and electrical distribution as I work on designing underground systems and pole modeling. I am also beginning a Master's degree at Duke University for Fall 2023 in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. I hope to do research that continues to impact the nanotechnology field.

Teah Scott

Undergraduate Institution: Howard University
Bio: I am a student at Howard University majoring in Chemical Engineering. I plan to get my doctoral degree in a chemical or medical-based engineering because I aspire to research in that field professionally. I would love to do research at the intersection of engineering and global health. One of the companies I hope to work for in the future is Medtronic because they are continually at the forefront of biomedical engineering and design.

James Swindell

Undergraduate Institution: Mississippi State University
Bio: Current Undergraduate Research Assistant at Purdue studying under the mentorship of Dr. Marcial Gonzalez. Our research involves particulate engineering with a focus on manufacturing and computational analysis of composites and their microstructure. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. from Purdue and work at JPL studying space exploration vehicles.

Don-Terry Veal

Undergraduate Institution: Morgan State University
Bio: My research thus far has studied Density Functional Theory (DFT) at Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland-Sophomore). With DFT, we can more accurately predict how particles at subatomic levels will interact with one another. The goal is to calculate the energy band diagrams of silicon carbide for various quantum defects and eventually apply findings towards a quantum computer.

Nicholas Verastegui

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am interested in Cybersecurity and Computer hardware. I also have an interest in software engineering.

Tristan Wiley

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am studying Materials Engineering, researching with Professor Chelsea Davis with the AAMP UP program this summer. I am interested in materials of all kinds, and looking into graduate school.

Fernando Aguilera de Alba

Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Bio: Fernando is a rising senior in biomedical engineering at Arizona State University. At Purdue University, he is part of the Heinz Lab researching the presence of comodulation masking release (CMR) in normal-hearing chinchillas to further the study of cochlear synaptopathy in the same animal species. During his free time, Fernando likes to play soccer, produce informative content, attend music festivals, and travel around the world.
Current University: Ph.D. student at Purdue University

D'Angelo Aguirre

Undergraduate Institution: University of California San Diego
Bio: I am a University of California San Diego student majoring in Bioengineering with an emphasis in biotechnology. My curiosity of the small and complex components of life has driven my attention to the applicability of engineering principles to solve the worlds most daunting health and energy issues by manipulation of biological systems. I am excited to see what this passion teaches me, the friendships and mentors I find through collaboration, and the positive impact it has on society.
Current Position: Employed at Plexium

Nicole Attram

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland Baltimore County
Bio: I am a Meyerhoff Scholar at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), majoring in Mechanical Engineering on the PreMed track and going into my second year of study. In the future, I aim to earn an MD/PhD in Bioengineering.

Maximilian Cobos

Undergraduate Institution: Wabash College
Bio: I am a dual-degree engineering student at Wabash College participating in undergraduate research at Purdue University with Prof. David Warsinger. I am a rising senior majoring in Mathematics, with a minor in Chemistry, who intends to pursue Chemical Engineering.

Bryant Dean

Undergraduate Institution: Morehouse College
Bio: Bryant is a rising Junior studying Applied Physics in the dual-degree program at Morehouse College. He has an interest in Mechanical Engineering.

Rafael Estrella

Undergraduate Institution: University of Arkansas
Bio: Rafael studies Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. This summer he is performing research with Prof. Justin Weibel at Purdue University.

Alec Gonzalez

Undergraduate Institution: Texas A & M University Kingsville
Bio: I am a student from Texas A&M University - Kingsville majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in computer science, business administration, mathematics, and security engineering. As you may have guessed, I have many interests including tennis, writing, and my latest being coding. Even though they might not all be directly related, I hope to leverage all of my accumulated knowledge in my future career.
Current University: Clemson

Victoria Gonzalez

Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Bio: I was part of the 2020 Pathways Scholars cohort. I completed my undergraduate education at Arizona State University, where I majored in Industrial Engineering. Seeing the degree of broadness of the field, I embarked on my journey to graduate school as I wanted a deeper focus on quantitative analysis. I completed my graduate education at Columbia University, where I received my M.S. in Business Analytics.
Current Placement: Since my recent graduation from Columbia, I work at MarketAxess - a Financial Technology company focused on providing products, services, and data for facilitating the e - trading of Fixed Income instruments - as a Finance Systems Associate, where I contribute to supporting the Finance team with their technology, process automation, system development and monitoring, and data analytics needs.

Ricardo Hernandez

Undergraduate Institution: Texas Tech University
Bio: My name is Ricardo Hernandez, a Texas Tech University Mechanical Engineering student, born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I have a strong passion for learning and teaching. My life goal is to follow in the footsteps of those that have inspired me, my past teachers/professors.

Emi Mondragon

Undergraduate Institution: Trinity University
Bio: I would like to finish my PhD and go into industry for medical devices or imaging. I am currently considering working for places like the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins or medical device companies like Medtronic.
Current Placement: I am a third year graduate student in the Electrical Engineering PhD program at Johns Hopkins University. I am interested in medical devices and imaging. My current lab focuses on improved brain recording probes called neuropixels. I am currently working on imaging rat brains and observing growth differences in their brains to see how this difference would affect brain surgery performed by a robot.

Abigayle Moser

Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University
Bio: Abigayle is studying Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University. She aspires to earn a Ph.D. and continue to pursue a dynamic research career exploring issues pertinent to energy opportunities within global sustainability and renewable energy systems. Her research portfolio has become diverse working with nanosurfaces and superhydrophobic coatings, performing particle image velocimetry (PIV), and utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to explore complex flow fields. This summer Abigayle is working with Prof. Luciano Castillo.

Adriana Munoz Soto

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Bio: Adriana is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student at University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. At Purdue, she is currently working on research with Professor John Sutherland and Graduate Student Matthew Triebe investigating the development of a cost model for a milling machine with a focus on the role of material cost. Adriana desires to continue graduate studies in Mechanical Design Engineering.

Dorinda Ntim

Undergraduate Institution: Praire View A&M University
Bio: Dorinda Ntim is an aspiring Chemical Engineer from Prairie View A&M University who strives to become an expert in her field. Originally from Accra, Ghana, Dorinda set out to be impactful to many nations and she aims high, beyond the endless sky, because that is really the limit. This summer Dorinda is working on a CISTAR project.
Current Position: Employed at Eastman

Alan Pistone

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am a first generation American from a Hispanic household and a rising junior at Purdue University. My current research is focused on studying halide perovskite's and creating halide perovskite solutions for use in solar cells with Prof. Letian Dou.

Sterling Reynolds

Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bio: Sterling Reynolds is a senior Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) advised by Dr. Arturo Montoya. Sterling has contributed to the UTSA developed hyper-complex finite element method (ZFEM), interned at the Naval Research Labs under the Materials Science division, and has assisted the development of high performance finite element code for real-time hybrid simulations with the Resilient Extra-Terrestrial Habitat Institute (RETHi). Primary research interest is developing novel computational methods applied to real-time hybrid simulations to create safer and affordable engineering systems. This summer Sterling is working with Prof. Shirley Dyke.

Julio Rivera

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Bio: Julio is a rising Senior at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. This summer he is performing research with Prof. Jacqueline Linnes in Biomedical Engineering.
Current University: Ph.D. student at Purdue University

Makayla Roma

Undergraduate Institution: University at Buffalo
Bio: I am a rising senior attending the University at Buffalo with hopes to pursue a PhD in Industrial engineering. My passion lies in healthcare research with a focus on long term care. I hope that through my work I will be able to provide sustainable solutions to the long term care system that can improve health outcomes and give elderly patients a better quality of life. This summer I am working with Prof. Paul Griffin.

Xochilth Saldana

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego
Bio: Xochilth is a rising Senior studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of San Diego. Xochilth plans to pursue a PhD and is excited to prepare for a career as a professor. This summer she is performing research with Prof. Sara McMillan.
Current University: Ph.D. student at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Daria Shkel

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Bio: I am a rising Junior at the University of California, Irvine, majoring in Electrical Engineering. I am interested in interdisciplinary research on the intersection between Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. This Summer I am working with Professor Dana Weinstein on the optimization of Focused Ultrasound as produced by Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers (PMUT).

Javi Solano

Undergraduate Institution: University of Houston
Bio: Javi is a rising senior at the University of Houston majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His research is focused on failure progression in aerospace grade laminate composites with Prof. Michael Sangid. He is interested in pursing a PhD in materials engineering with hopes of one day leading his own research group. In his free time he likes to ride his bike, learn new coding languages and experiment with different types of scientific software.

Fernando Davis

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Bio: I am interested in research for signals and image processing, computer imaging including tomography, statistical analysis and cyber security based machine learning. Pathways 2019

Ángel Enriquez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Bio: I am a Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. student at Purdue. My current research focus is on developing actuators for biomedical applications. Specifically working towards improving the reliability of implantable sensors. Pathways 2017
Current University: Purdue University

Christian Figueroa-Espada

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Bio: I earned my B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, and I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. My research interests lie in the interface of biomaterials, drug delivery, and immunology designing RNAi therapeutics to target cancer progression. I aspires to pursue a career in academia and ultimately become a leader within the Latino STEM community. Pathways 2016

Emily Garcia

Undergraduate Institution: UC Berkeley
Bio: As a UC Berkeley alumni, I am now a Ph.D. student at Purdue University as both an NSF and Purdue Doctoral fellow co-advised by Drs. Zachary Hass and Paul Griffin. I am also a graduate researcher for the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering. My research focuses on optimizing transitional care for long term care patients and their caregivers. On the side, I have collaborated with prior teachers to expose minority students to engineering careers. Pathways 2019
Current University: Purdue University

Alec Gonzalez

Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Bio: My current research investigates exoskeletons and their potential healthcare applications. I am also interested in using extended reality to train technical and non-technical skills in healthcare.
Current Placement: I am currently attending Clemson University where I am pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering with a focus in human factors.

Debraliz Isaac

Undergraduate Institution: University of Central Florida
Bio: I received my bachelor's in aerospace engineering and minor in mathematics from the University of Central Florida in May 2019. I began a direct Ph.D. at Purdue University in the fall of 2019. I am currently working under the guidance of Prof. Justin Weibel from the Cooling Technologies Research Center and Prof. David Warsinger from the Warsinger Water Lab. Pathways 2018
Current University: Purdue University

Phillip Lipinski

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I am a Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering. My research interests include topics in electromagnetics, optics, and signal processing and how these interdisciplines may be used to develop new methods of computing, transmitting information, and achieving fundamental breakthroughs in the understanding of natural phenomena on a miniscule particle scale. Pathways 2017
Current Position: Master's completed in Spring 2021

Esai Lopez

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico State University
Bio: My work focusses on the optimization of chemical processes through the use of reaction engineering. By designing new reactors I am working to increase access to clean drinking water and more energy efficient pharmaceutical production. My career aspirations constantly change between being tenure track faculty (45%), teaching faculty (35%), or maybe industry (20%).
Current Placement: After being at Purdue, I wrapped up my senior year at NMSU and trekked across the country during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to WPI. Three years of graduate school have flown by. I have found enjoyment in helping undergraduates become better engineers by mentoring them on research projects required for their graduation. Currently I am working on establishing a graduate student mentoring network on campus.

Kevin McIver

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Bio: I currently perform research in computational simulation of safety equipment and human injury for sports and military applications. Long term I am interested in pursuing a career in R&D in military technology for US national defense. Pathways 2017
Current University: PhD student at Purdue University

Lane Schultz

Undergraduate Institution: Fort Lewis
Bio: My field of research involves high throughput analysis of atomistic modeling. We gather physical descriptors for metallic glasses for machine learning to attain less accessible material properties. Pathways 2016
Current University: Research Assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison