Blue Region
GOLD - Sofia Barrueco Lopez
SILVER - Alexa Ramirez-Mate
BRONZE - Dileinka Jimenez
Burgundy Region
GOLD - Jason Thomas
SILVER - Ivan Rodriguez
BRONZE - Victoria Velasquez Anderson
Green Region
GOLD - Charles Russo
SILVER - Zanele Sanchez
BRONZE - Michael Rodriguez
Orange Region
GOLD - Socrates Fonseca
SILVER - Nicolas Aldana Huelga
BRONZE - Maria Dalton Jimenez
Pink Region
GOLD - Daniel Carrillo
SILVER - Mia Castro
BRONZE - Alexander Chavez
Purple Region
GOLD - Saoirse Price Sagastume
SILVER - Crystal Echeverria
BRONZE - Pilar Rendon
Red Region
GOLD - Jaylynn Perez
SILVER - Yiseul Lee
BRONZE - Emily Adriana Lozano
Tan Region
GOLD - Cristina Isabel Garcia Irene
SILVER - Kaleo Ian Fleming
BRONZE - Estefania Lopez
Teal Region
GOLD - Matthew Quintero
SILVER - David Saenz Barragan
BRONZE - Tristan Enjuto
Yellow Region
GOLD - Andres De La Cruz
SILVER - Sarah Lazaritt
BRONZE - Andrew Procter
Blue Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Sofia Barrueco Lopez
Major: Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering
High School: Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
Hometown: Laytonsville, MD
For Sofia Barrueco Lopez, her proudest accomplishments in engineering came from her participation in the ASPIRE internship at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a competitive program with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. Throughout her internship, she worked within the Maritime Robotics group, where she led a project that incorporated laser-scanning capabilities into underwater drones to map and safeguard fragile ecosystems on the ocean floor. For this project, Sofia innovated, planned next steps, and communicated and coordinated with various internal and external partners. She contributed her skills in MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks, developed codes for image processing, fabricated equipment modifications using 3D models, and conducted experiments in the water tank. Acting as the lead on this project, she partnered with systems engineers, civil engineers, materials scientists, business people, and technicians. Her performance garnered her an invitation to continue the internship through her junior and senior years, affirming her commitment to pursuing a career in engineering.
Her engineering achievements far exceed her work at Johns Hopkins University. For the past three years, she has participated in the NASA-sponsored Cubes in Space program, where she designed experiments to test the potential effects of radiation on the degradation of prosthetic materials. This project was inspired by the story of astronaut John McFall, who faced barriers and exclusion due to concerns that his prosthetic leg might emit toxic gases in space. To contribute to the science of engineering, Sofia collaborated with prosthetic companies to source materials and analyzed hundreds of samples after they returned from space. As initial results revealed slight toxicity due to radiation exposure, she is now examining alternative and sustainable approaches. By sharing findings at professional conferences, she strives to make space exploration safer and more inclusive. In the aerospace field, she was supported by a scholarship to conduct independent experiments on NASA sounding rockets and scientific balloons. The research was displayed at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center and viewed by more than 20,000 visitors. Based on her aerospace inclusion research experiment with NASA, she was selected as a Finalist for the National STEM Festival from over 2,500 students in the United States.
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Sofia regularly gives back to her community. Every week, she volunteers her time to prepare and serve meals to food-insecure populations. Given her longstanding commitments to this volunteer work, she now leads student sessions, conducts recipe research, and supports the overall administrative function. In her time with the organization, she has cooked for over 700 individuals and families. Her leadership in service was also recognized when she was named Senior Representative of her Faith-in-Action Leadership Team. In this role and in partnership with the food pantry, she prepared 1,000 meals for local children and families.
She was honored with the STEM in Action Award from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Sofia was the sole Mid-Atlantic awardee and one of only 25 students nationwide to receive the award. She also presented at the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics conference and at the Greater Washington, DC Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) where her oral presentation was among the top 10 submissions.
She maintains a 3.84 unweighted GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. Sofia has been recognized in the top 3% of students in the United States by the College Board. In addition to her academic and engineering excellence, she is a competitive dancer, Spanish language tutor, and co-founder of the CubeSat Satellite Club. She plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to Purdue University, Cornell University, and Princeton University.
High School: Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
Hometown: Laytonsville, MD
For Sofia Barrueco Lopez, her proudest accomplishments in engineering came from her participation in the ASPIRE internship at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a competitive program with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. Throughout her internship, she worked within the Maritime Robotics group, where she led a project that incorporated laser-scanning capabilities into underwater drones to map and safeguard fragile ecosystems on the ocean floor. For this project, Sofia innovated, planned next steps, and communicated and coordinated with various internal and external partners. She contributed her skills in MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks, developed codes for image processing, fabricated equipment modifications using 3D models, and conducted experiments in the water tank. Acting as the lead on this project, she partnered with systems engineers, civil engineers, materials scientists, business people, and technicians. Her performance garnered her an invitation to continue the internship through her junior and senior years, affirming her commitment to pursuing a career in engineering.
Her engineering achievements far exceed her work at Johns Hopkins University. For the past three years, she has participated in the NASA-sponsored Cubes in Space program, where she designed experiments to test the potential effects of radiation on the degradation of prosthetic materials. This project was inspired by the story of astronaut John McFall, who faced barriers and exclusion due to concerns that his prosthetic leg might emit toxic gases in space. To contribute to the science of engineering, Sofia collaborated with prosthetic companies to source materials and analyzed hundreds of samples after they returned from space. As initial results revealed slight toxicity due to radiation exposure, she is now examining alternative and sustainable approaches. By sharing findings at professional conferences, she strives to make space exploration safer and more inclusive. In the aerospace field, she was supported by a scholarship to conduct independent experiments on NASA sounding rockets and scientific balloons. The research was displayed at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center and viewed by more than 20,000 visitors. Based on her aerospace inclusion research experiment with NASA, she was selected as a Finalist for the National STEM Festival from over 2,500 students in the United States.
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Sofia regularly gives back to her community. Every week, she volunteers her time to prepare and serve meals to food-insecure populations. Given her longstanding commitments to this volunteer work, she now leads student sessions, conducts recipe research, and supports the overall administrative function. In her time with the organization, she has cooked for over 700 individuals and families. Her leadership in service was also recognized when she was named Senior Representative of her Faith-in-Action Leadership Team. In this role and in partnership with the food pantry, she prepared 1,000 meals for local children and families.
She was honored with the STEM in Action Award from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Sofia was the sole Mid-Atlantic awardee and one of only 25 students nationwide to receive the award. She also presented at the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics conference and at the Greater Washington, DC Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) where her oral presentation was among the top 10 submissions.
She maintains a 3.84 unweighted GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. Sofia has been recognized in the top 3% of students in the United States by the College Board. In addition to her academic and engineering excellence, she is a competitive dancer, Spanish language tutor, and co-founder of the CubeSat Satellite Club. She plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to Purdue University, Cornell University, and Princeton University.
SILVER - Alexa Ramirez-Mate
Major: Mechanical Engineering
High School: Clover Hill High School
Hometown: North Chesterfield, VA
Alexa Ramirez-Mate had the privilege of designing a space mission at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. She earned this opportunity after her performance in the online Virginia Space Coast Scholars program, part of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Throughout the course, she explored various elements of space mission design, including developing mission statements and technical reports, following a code of ethics, and exploring instrumentation. She served as a research specialist on the airborne science team, collaborating with six others. Together, they proposed an experiment to test insulin in microgravity and presented it to NASA and industry professionals.
Her passion for engineering sparked at a young age. After a visit to the Virginia Air and Space Center in the sixth grade, Alexa pursued opportunities to pursue her curiosity in STEM. She applied to and was accepted into the Mathematics and Science High School at Clover Hill, excited about its rigorous STEM coursework. She has taken advanced courses in physics, calculus, and research. For the past three years, she has also participated in the Pathways for Future Engineers at Virginia Tech, which exposed her to hands-on engineering experiences and competitions to strengthen her skills.
Committed to also uplifting the next generation of STEM leaders, Alexa volunteers as a Leadership Intern for Camp Invention. In this role, she engages elementary-aged students in STEM education. She helped them plan, build, and test their engineering designs and prototypes. She believes this is one way she can personally address and increase Latino education rates. In her application, Alexa shared that in most of her engineering endeavors, she is often one of the few women and often the only person of Hispanic heritage. She believes that stigma and inequitable access to education are some of the reasons that Latinos are often absent from rooms like the ones she has had the privilege of being in.
To further explore this, she has dedicated her AP research to studying how acculturation affects academic performance among Latinos in the Central Virginia (Richmond) region. Previous studies in California found that more assimilated individuals had more internal conflict, which negatively affected their performance. Meanwhile, those who embraced both cultures had a more positive experience and performed better, as reflected in GPA, test scores, and completion rates. She is researching whether similar patterns hold true for peers in her region.
Describing her personal investment, Alexa wrote, “A lot of my neighbors became manual laborers to earn quick and easy money to support their families. Others became tradesmen, skilled in haircuts and nail design. Oftentimes, these careers are chosen out of necessity, not passion.” She hopes that more equitable access to education, diversity in teachers, and early STEM programming might make a significant difference in her peers’ and future generations’ educational trajectories.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. Alexa plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Maryland, College Park.
High School: Clover Hill High School
Hometown: North Chesterfield, VA
Alexa Ramirez-Mate had the privilege of designing a space mission at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. She earned this opportunity after her performance in the online Virginia Space Coast Scholars program, part of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Throughout the course, she explored various elements of space mission design, including developing mission statements and technical reports, following a code of ethics, and exploring instrumentation. She served as a research specialist on the airborne science team, collaborating with six others. Together, they proposed an experiment to test insulin in microgravity and presented it to NASA and industry professionals.
Her passion for engineering sparked at a young age. After a visit to the Virginia Air and Space Center in the sixth grade, Alexa pursued opportunities to pursue her curiosity in STEM. She applied to and was accepted into the Mathematics and Science High School at Clover Hill, excited about its rigorous STEM coursework. She has taken advanced courses in physics, calculus, and research. For the past three years, she has also participated in the Pathways for Future Engineers at Virginia Tech, which exposed her to hands-on engineering experiences and competitions to strengthen her skills.
Committed to also uplifting the next generation of STEM leaders, Alexa volunteers as a Leadership Intern for Camp Invention. In this role, she engages elementary-aged students in STEM education. She helped them plan, build, and test their engineering designs and prototypes. She believes this is one way she can personally address and increase Latino education rates. In her application, Alexa shared that in most of her engineering endeavors, she is often one of the few women and often the only person of Hispanic heritage. She believes that stigma and inequitable access to education are some of the reasons that Latinos are often absent from rooms like the ones she has had the privilege of being in.
To further explore this, she has dedicated her AP research to studying how acculturation affects academic performance among Latinos in the Central Virginia (Richmond) region. Previous studies in California found that more assimilated individuals had more internal conflict, which negatively affected their performance. Meanwhile, those who embraced both cultures had a more positive experience and performed better, as reflected in GPA, test scores, and completion rates. She is researching whether similar patterns hold true for peers in her region.
Describing her personal investment, Alexa wrote, “A lot of my neighbors became manual laborers to earn quick and easy money to support their families. Others became tradesmen, skilled in haircuts and nail design. Oftentimes, these careers are chosen out of necessity, not passion.” She hopes that more equitable access to education, diversity in teachers, and early STEM programming might make a significant difference in her peers’ and future generations’ educational trajectories.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. Alexa plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Maryland, College Park.
BRONZE - Dileinka Jimenez
Major: Civil Engineering
High School: Great Mills High School
Hometown: Lexington Park, MD
Dileinka Jimenez was inspired to explore engineering by first witnessing her father. While he was not an engineer, he was constantly repairing and building things. He demonstrated an innate understanding of how to bring a vision to life. Seeing his work in construction also revealed to her how much engineering defines our lives. This led her to join her school’s engineering program. In this program, she worked at the intersection of her creativity, mathematics, and sciences to solve real-world problems.
One of her favorite projects was bridge-building. She was thrilled as she tested different designs and measured how much weight they could hold, iterating on her design to make it stronger. She later channeled that same problem-solving approach into an independent prototype for St. Mary's Science & Engineering Fair, where she won first place for developing a low-cost product designed to keep people warm in cold conditions. This honor affirmed for Dileinka that she had a place in and talent for engineering.
Describing her philosophy of engineering, she wrote, “Engineering, for me, is not just about structures, it’s about people and connection. Each project I work on reminds me why I chose this path: to design spaces that protect, inspire, and give others a sense of stability and hope. Growing up, I watched my father fix and build things with creativity and patience. He is not an engineer, but through his work, I learned that construction is more than just walls and roofs, it’s about protecting families and giving people a sense of safety and pride.”
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, she volunteers her time as a peer tutor. As someone who deeply enjoys school subjects that can often be challenging for her peers, Dileinka delights in helping students grasp difficult topics and succeed in their coursework. As a Spanish speaker, she is especially grateful when she can support her Spanish-speaking peers in their mother tongue. Especially as an immigrant herself, she understands how difficult the transition to the U.S. can be for immigrant students. The language gap can also make it difficult for students to thrive, not because of any shortage of academic prowess, but because of a barrier to clear instruction. To provide students with an outlet, Dileinka founded Better Together, a student-led organization that empowers multilingual learners to share their voices and celebrate their cultures.
Describing her inspiring academics, her recommender wrote, “Dileinka’s story is one of resilience, excellence, and vision. Originally from Peru, she arrived in the United States in 2022, stepping into a new country, language, and education system with the determination not only to succeed but also to lead. She quickly rose to become one of the top students in our school, maintaining a 4.0 [unweighted] GPA while completing both the Engineering Program at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center and a full university preparatory course load.”
She maintains her impeccable GPA while taking honors, advanced placement, and college-level courses. Dileinka is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Key Club, and Minithon. Her accomplishments in engineering have been recognized, earning her the Society of Women Engineers’ Promising Engineer award in 2024 and the Forrest Technology Center’s Outstanding Bulldog Award in 2023. She has also placed at various technology and science fairs.
She plans to study civil engineering and has applied to Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Maryland.
High School: Great Mills High School
Hometown: Lexington Park, MD
Dileinka Jimenez was inspired to explore engineering by first witnessing her father. While he was not an engineer, he was constantly repairing and building things. He demonstrated an innate understanding of how to bring a vision to life. Seeing his work in construction also revealed to her how much engineering defines our lives. This led her to join her school’s engineering program. In this program, she worked at the intersection of her creativity, mathematics, and sciences to solve real-world problems.
One of her favorite projects was bridge-building. She was thrilled as she tested different designs and measured how much weight they could hold, iterating on her design to make it stronger. She later channeled that same problem-solving approach into an independent prototype for St. Mary's Science & Engineering Fair, where she won first place for developing a low-cost product designed to keep people warm in cold conditions. This honor affirmed for Dileinka that she had a place in and talent for engineering.
Describing her philosophy of engineering, she wrote, “Engineering, for me, is not just about structures, it’s about people and connection. Each project I work on reminds me why I chose this path: to design spaces that protect, inspire, and give others a sense of stability and hope. Growing up, I watched my father fix and build things with creativity and patience. He is not an engineer, but through his work, I learned that construction is more than just walls and roofs, it’s about protecting families and giving people a sense of safety and pride.”
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, she volunteers her time as a peer tutor. As someone who deeply enjoys school subjects that can often be challenging for her peers, Dileinka delights in helping students grasp difficult topics and succeed in their coursework. As a Spanish speaker, she is especially grateful when she can support her Spanish-speaking peers in their mother tongue. Especially as an immigrant herself, she understands how difficult the transition to the U.S. can be for immigrant students. The language gap can also make it difficult for students to thrive, not because of any shortage of academic prowess, but because of a barrier to clear instruction. To provide students with an outlet, Dileinka founded Better Together, a student-led organization that empowers multilingual learners to share their voices and celebrate their cultures.
Describing her inspiring academics, her recommender wrote, “Dileinka’s story is one of resilience, excellence, and vision. Originally from Peru, she arrived in the United States in 2022, stepping into a new country, language, and education system with the determination not only to succeed but also to lead. She quickly rose to become one of the top students in our school, maintaining a 4.0 [unweighted] GPA while completing both the Engineering Program at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center and a full university preparatory course load.”
She maintains her impeccable GPA while taking honors, advanced placement, and college-level courses. Dileinka is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Key Club, and Minithon. Her accomplishments in engineering have been recognized, earning her the Society of Women Engineers’ Promising Engineer award in 2024 and the Forrest Technology Center’s Outstanding Bulldog Award in 2023. She has also placed at various technology and science fairs.
She plans to study civil engineering and has applied to Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Maryland.
Burgundy Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Jason Thomas
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering
High School: CAST Tech High School
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
When it comes to engineering, Jason Thomas’s proudest accomplishment is his role in NASA’s Lunar Cave Analog Test Sites (LCATS). The 3-year program positioned him as a Junior NASA Consultant, working side-by-side with aerospace professionals to solve real-world space exploration challenges in lunar mission operations, technology development, and habitation design and construction. The program gave him access to robotic technologies, terrestrial analogs for testing technology projects, and operational processes in a mission context. It also afforded him the opportunity to work alongside Air Force pilots, retired NASA scientists, and other engineers who served as guest speakers, providing participants with information that helped the projects move forward and ensured their upcoming missions would be impactful.
During the program, Jason also led his team, which was assigned the task of designing and building a rover to simulate smoothing and sifting moonrock/dust for roads and pathways for future technologies on the moon. Together, they explored various Texas caves with Arduino sensors they built to gauge and scan the size and depth of cave terrain. They created and tested their prototypes in the caves, then made notes for improvement. They also made material to replicate regolith, the moon’s surface, taking a mixture of dust, broken rock, and soil to simulate and test in their prototypes. His excellence in leadership was recognized, earning him the LCATS 2024 Lunar Pioneer Award for exhibiting outstanding leadership and teamwork skills as indicated by both peers and instructors.
LCATS is just one example of the initiative Jason takes to advance and refine his engineering skills. He is an active participant in CyberPatriot National Cyber Defense Competitions, where he leads his team in systems-thinking to secure and optimize networks under competitive, time-sensitive conditions. He also received CAST Tech’s C.A.S.T. Trailblazer Award for leadership and the Workforce Competency Credential Certificate in cybersecurity fundamentals. He has participated in pre-college programs at the University of California - Los Angeles, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Oxford University. All of these programs exposed him to advanced coursework in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and international relations disciplines. These opportunities also gave him hands-on experience in orbital mechanics, propulsion systems, MATLAB simulations, and rocket design.
Jason maintains a 3.8 unweighted GPA while taking multiple Honors and advanced placement courses. A member of the student government, he has contributed significantly to maintaining the school gardens, organizing literacy nights, hosting community holiday events, and running after-school programs. He also had the honor of being elected Senator in the National Hispanic Institute’s Youth Legislative program after delivering a speech at the Texas State Capitol. Additionally, Jason held an internship with the Juvenile Court. He is a varsity member of both his school’s Golf and Track & Field teams. In his free time, he volunteers with Boysville, working with homeless populations and on his church tech team. He has helped collect and distribute critical necessities like food, hygiene items, and clothing for his local homeless population, including running clothing drives at his school to help them access clothing to withstand extreme temperatures.
He plans to study aerospace engineering and has applied to Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of Texas at Austin.
High School: CAST Tech High School
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
When it comes to engineering, Jason Thomas’s proudest accomplishment is his role in NASA’s Lunar Cave Analog Test Sites (LCATS). The 3-year program positioned him as a Junior NASA Consultant, working side-by-side with aerospace professionals to solve real-world space exploration challenges in lunar mission operations, technology development, and habitation design and construction. The program gave him access to robotic technologies, terrestrial analogs for testing technology projects, and operational processes in a mission context. It also afforded him the opportunity to work alongside Air Force pilots, retired NASA scientists, and other engineers who served as guest speakers, providing participants with information that helped the projects move forward and ensured their upcoming missions would be impactful.
During the program, Jason also led his team, which was assigned the task of designing and building a rover to simulate smoothing and sifting moonrock/dust for roads and pathways for future technologies on the moon. Together, they explored various Texas caves with Arduino sensors they built to gauge and scan the size and depth of cave terrain. They created and tested their prototypes in the caves, then made notes for improvement. They also made material to replicate regolith, the moon’s surface, taking a mixture of dust, broken rock, and soil to simulate and test in their prototypes. His excellence in leadership was recognized, earning him the LCATS 2024 Lunar Pioneer Award for exhibiting outstanding leadership and teamwork skills as indicated by both peers and instructors.
LCATS is just one example of the initiative Jason takes to advance and refine his engineering skills. He is an active participant in CyberPatriot National Cyber Defense Competitions, where he leads his team in systems-thinking to secure and optimize networks under competitive, time-sensitive conditions. He also received CAST Tech’s C.A.S.T. Trailblazer Award for leadership and the Workforce Competency Credential Certificate in cybersecurity fundamentals. He has participated in pre-college programs at the University of California - Los Angeles, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Oxford University. All of these programs exposed him to advanced coursework in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and international relations disciplines. These opportunities also gave him hands-on experience in orbital mechanics, propulsion systems, MATLAB simulations, and rocket design.
Jason maintains a 3.8 unweighted GPA while taking multiple Honors and advanced placement courses. A member of the student government, he has contributed significantly to maintaining the school gardens, organizing literacy nights, hosting community holiday events, and running after-school programs. He also had the honor of being elected Senator in the National Hispanic Institute’s Youth Legislative program after delivering a speech at the Texas State Capitol. Additionally, Jason held an internship with the Juvenile Court. He is a varsity member of both his school’s Golf and Track & Field teams. In his free time, he volunteers with Boysville, working with homeless populations and on his church tech team. He has helped collect and distribute critical necessities like food, hygiene items, and clothing for his local homeless population, including running clothing drives at his school to help them access clothing to withstand extreme temperatures.
He plans to study aerospace engineering and has applied to Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of Texas at Austin.
SILVER - Ivan Rodriguez
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering
High School: Kingwood Park High School
Hometown: Porter, TX
Ivan Rodriguez’s proudest accomplishment in engineering was his selection for and participation in the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) at Johns Hopkins University. NSLC is a 9-day intensive pre-college program where students study with peers from around the country in various fields of their choosing. He was selected for the Aerospace Engineering track, where he worked on many teams alongside like-minded students on various group projects, including designing and flying gliders, motorized airplanes, drones, and even model rockets. One of the most impactful assignments was the Mars Capstone Project, in which each group worked on a specific element of a manned Mars mission, such as infrastructure, launch vehicles, life support, etc. Ivan then had the opportunity to present his ideas and work on this mission to engineers and scientists in the Aerospace industry, and to discuss how they could improve.
He thrills at the challenge of engineering and its constant requirement for innovation. In his aerospace engineering course, Ivan described the challenge of building an effective rocket prototype. In this course, he had the opportunity to design, trial, and document his findings on rocket models. The objective of the project was to send a 1-pound scientific payload to an altitude of 1 mile and safely recover the rocket. His team’s rocket did not quite meet the parameters of the assignment, but he and his peers poured their learnings into an extensive post-mission analysis.
Reflecting on his experience, Ivan wrote, “While creating a successful design is very important as an engineer, I believe that it is just as important to be able to take lessons away from your experience if your design wasn’t successful. Perseverance is a crucial skill as an engineer, and my experience in Aeroscience did a great job of helping build that perseverance.”
In addition to his engineering accomplishments, he volunteers his time with his church, assisting with community events, a local thrift shop supporting organizational needs, and fundraising events for the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Ivan is also personally invested in raising funds for Alzheimer’s research in the wake of his grandmother’s passing due to complications from the disease. He is a varsity swimmer and supports the swim team’s various fundraising events. He is a member of the Key Club and the Blue Tide Aquatics Swim Club.
Ivan maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. He has been recognized as a College Board National Hispanic Scholar of Distinction and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Science Honor Society. He has also been honored for outstanding achievements in Algebra and Aeroscience.
He plans to study aerospace engineering and has applied to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Purdue University. Ivan looks forward to becoming one of the 8-15% of Hispanic STEM workers (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation) and mentoring a future generation of Hispanics in STEM.
High School: Kingwood Park High School
Hometown: Porter, TX
Ivan Rodriguez’s proudest accomplishment in engineering was his selection for and participation in the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) at Johns Hopkins University. NSLC is a 9-day intensive pre-college program where students study with peers from around the country in various fields of their choosing. He was selected for the Aerospace Engineering track, where he worked on many teams alongside like-minded students on various group projects, including designing and flying gliders, motorized airplanes, drones, and even model rockets. One of the most impactful assignments was the Mars Capstone Project, in which each group worked on a specific element of a manned Mars mission, such as infrastructure, launch vehicles, life support, etc. Ivan then had the opportunity to present his ideas and work on this mission to engineers and scientists in the Aerospace industry, and to discuss how they could improve.
He thrills at the challenge of engineering and its constant requirement for innovation. In his aerospace engineering course, Ivan described the challenge of building an effective rocket prototype. In this course, he had the opportunity to design, trial, and document his findings on rocket models. The objective of the project was to send a 1-pound scientific payload to an altitude of 1 mile and safely recover the rocket. His team’s rocket did not quite meet the parameters of the assignment, but he and his peers poured their learnings into an extensive post-mission analysis.
Reflecting on his experience, Ivan wrote, “While creating a successful design is very important as an engineer, I believe that it is just as important to be able to take lessons away from your experience if your design wasn’t successful. Perseverance is a crucial skill as an engineer, and my experience in Aeroscience did a great job of helping build that perseverance.”
In addition to his engineering accomplishments, he volunteers his time with his church, assisting with community events, a local thrift shop supporting organizational needs, and fundraising events for the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Ivan is also personally invested in raising funds for Alzheimer’s research in the wake of his grandmother’s passing due to complications from the disease. He is a varsity swimmer and supports the swim team’s various fundraising events. He is a member of the Key Club and the Blue Tide Aquatics Swim Club.
Ivan maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. He has been recognized as a College Board National Hispanic Scholar of Distinction and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Science Honor Society. He has also been honored for outstanding achievements in Algebra and Aeroscience.
He plans to study aerospace engineering and has applied to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Purdue University. Ivan looks forward to becoming one of the 8-15% of Hispanic STEM workers (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation) and mentoring a future generation of Hispanics in STEM.
BRONZE - Victoria Velasquez Anderson
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Economics
High School: College Park High School The Woodlands
Hometown: The Woodlands, TX
Victoria Velasquez Anderson boasts more than 350 hours designing, wiring, and troubleshooting circuitry for her FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robotics team. During her time on the robotics team, she wired eight competition robots, serving as the electrical lead on five. In the 2025 season, Victoria maintained a zero electrical failure record. This feat, however, only begins to demonstrate her dedication to her discipline. She is a division finalist and winner in the FRC World Championship, President and former electrical lead of her team, and her accomplishments have landed her acceptance to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s pre-college program Intro to Technology, Engineering, and Science and internship opportunities with Rice University, the University of Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
In addition to her impressive accomplishments with the robotics team, she placed at her science fair for her research on sound energy harvesting. For this project, Victoria designed and refined electroacoustic transducer systems to harvest the electrical signals from a coil into usable voltage from simple environmental sound pollution. The multi-year project demonstrated sustained innovation and technical depth of her work and emphasizes the power of engineering in renewable energy systems research.
Her internships at multiple highly regarded universities and cultural institutions have given Victoria extensive hands-on experience in engineering. In one example, at the University of Houston Swarm Robotics Lab within the electrical engineering department, she expanded her focus to biomedical applications, researching miniature magnetic swimmers for treating blood clots within the scope of electricity and magnetism. This particular experience informed her intended career trajectory, exploring the possibilities of medical applications as an engineer and researcher, creating new robots by implementing coils, magnets, and sensors.
In a portfolio included with her application, she showcases her strong interdisciplinary foundation in electrical engineering, energy systems, robotics, design, and even visual arts. Victoria has assembled and programmed mass flow controllers, contributed to plasma research experiments, assisted with reactor and gas pipeline assembly, produced conversion tables for chemical reactions, and more.
She is motivated to advance in STEM to help address issues that impact Hispanics globally. In her application, Victoria wrote, “Through my experiences, I have identified a growing sense of alarm and frustration, motivating me to push forward in search of viable solutions for society [including addressing poor electricity infrastructure and the lack of sustainable energy]. As a Peruvian immigrant, my experiences have taught me resilience and empathy. These values inspire me to pursue innovations that connect society as someone who brings issues to the table, lays them out, and initiates change collaboratively.”
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Victoria is a member of the National and National Spanish Honor Societies, a National Merit Semifinalist, and a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction. She plans to study electrical engineering and has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.
High School: College Park High School The Woodlands
Hometown: The Woodlands, TX
Victoria Velasquez Anderson boasts more than 350 hours designing, wiring, and troubleshooting circuitry for her FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robotics team. During her time on the robotics team, she wired eight competition robots, serving as the electrical lead on five. In the 2025 season, Victoria maintained a zero electrical failure record. This feat, however, only begins to demonstrate her dedication to her discipline. She is a division finalist and winner in the FRC World Championship, President and former electrical lead of her team, and her accomplishments have landed her acceptance to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s pre-college program Intro to Technology, Engineering, and Science and internship opportunities with Rice University, the University of Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
In addition to her impressive accomplishments with the robotics team, she placed at her science fair for her research on sound energy harvesting. For this project, Victoria designed and refined electroacoustic transducer systems to harvest the electrical signals from a coil into usable voltage from simple environmental sound pollution. The multi-year project demonstrated sustained innovation and technical depth of her work and emphasizes the power of engineering in renewable energy systems research.
Her internships at multiple highly regarded universities and cultural institutions have given Victoria extensive hands-on experience in engineering. In one example, at the University of Houston Swarm Robotics Lab within the electrical engineering department, she expanded her focus to biomedical applications, researching miniature magnetic swimmers for treating blood clots within the scope of electricity and magnetism. This particular experience informed her intended career trajectory, exploring the possibilities of medical applications as an engineer and researcher, creating new robots by implementing coils, magnets, and sensors.
In a portfolio included with her application, she showcases her strong interdisciplinary foundation in electrical engineering, energy systems, robotics, design, and even visual arts. Victoria has assembled and programmed mass flow controllers, contributed to plasma research experiments, assisted with reactor and gas pipeline assembly, produced conversion tables for chemical reactions, and more.
She is motivated to advance in STEM to help address issues that impact Hispanics globally. In her application, Victoria wrote, “Through my experiences, I have identified a growing sense of alarm and frustration, motivating me to push forward in search of viable solutions for society [including addressing poor electricity infrastructure and the lack of sustainable energy]. As a Peruvian immigrant, my experiences have taught me resilience and empathy. These values inspire me to pursue innovations that connect society as someone who brings issues to the table, lays them out, and initiates change collaboratively.”
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Victoria is a member of the National and National Spanish Honor Societies, a National Merit Semifinalist, and a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction. She plans to study electrical engineering and has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.
Green Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Charles Russo
Major: Molecular Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
High School: Florida Atlantic University High School
Hometown: Weston, FL
When getting his teeth examined for braces, a conversation with his orthodontist led Charlie Russo to an unexpected opportunity. Based on his technical knowledge, he was offered an internship to help repair the office’s 3D resin printers and assist with dental mold production. However, he was not on the job very long before he began to notice inefficiencies with the “latest” 3D dental scanning technology. This inspired him to create something better: a software-centric 3D scanning system that relies solely on camera technology rather than ToF LiDAR, a radiation-emitting, expensive system currently on the market. Charlie noticed that the exorbitant pricing of dental scanning technology made certain services inaccessible to many patients. Since patients were often priced out of advanced imaging, this led to continued reliance on outdated dental plaster. Consequently, he began making strides toward addressing the critical need for affordable, accessible solutions to democratize advanced technology.
Charlie used his personal funds to develop prototypes of the product and has since pitched it at collegiate business competitions. As a result, he has already secured nearly $10,000 in funding. He also participated in Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway Venture Program (a business incubator) to gain valuable feedback and mentorship. At Florida Atlantic University, he also participates in the Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Lab, where he contributes to AI-driven robotics projects, including an emotionally responsive robotic dog interface and a 3D-animated surveillance system.
His robotics and STEM accomplishments speak for themselves, from leading his MATE team to notable wins to collecting impressive distinctions of his own. As Design Manager for a MATE ROV competition team, Charlie helped his team place seventh at a world championship by designing and 3D-printing components for an underwater robot. He also led a team in building a solar-powered four-passenger vehicle that received the Lockheed Martin Award for engineering excellence (an international top award) and the Renda Carter Award for most outstanding portfolio.
Reflecting on the discipline, he wrote, “these experiences have shown me that engineering is not only about technical mastery but also about connecting different disciplines to solve human-centered problems. Whether through medical innovation, robotics, or sustainable energy, I am motivated to create solutions that unite logic, empathy, and imagination.”
After his high school discontinued its solar car program, Charlie formed and now leads a team of students from across Broward County, mentoring public school representatives on how to launch their own Solar Car Challenge teams. Passionate about ensuring that the lack of access does not thwart students’ STEM opportunities, he also volunteers as a middle school mentor, providing guidance, hosting workshops, and introducing students to engineering and college pathways. He even founded a non-profit that unites students across Broward County to design and build solar-powered vehicles and help local schools start their own engineering teams. His relationships with the middle schools have also led him to serve as a youth consultant on STEM curricula for middle and high schools. Charlie has already mentored more than 100 students.
He maintains a 3.96 unweighted GPA while taking a completely college-level course load and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. In 2024, he was a Yale Young Global Scholar in Science & Technology. He has been admitted and will attend the University of Chicago, where he plans to study molecular engineering, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
High School: Florida Atlantic University High School
Hometown: Weston, FL
When getting his teeth examined for braces, a conversation with his orthodontist led Charlie Russo to an unexpected opportunity. Based on his technical knowledge, he was offered an internship to help repair the office’s 3D resin printers and assist with dental mold production. However, he was not on the job very long before he began to notice inefficiencies with the “latest” 3D dental scanning technology. This inspired him to create something better: a software-centric 3D scanning system that relies solely on camera technology rather than ToF LiDAR, a radiation-emitting, expensive system currently on the market. Charlie noticed that the exorbitant pricing of dental scanning technology made certain services inaccessible to many patients. Since patients were often priced out of advanced imaging, this led to continued reliance on outdated dental plaster. Consequently, he began making strides toward addressing the critical need for affordable, accessible solutions to democratize advanced technology.
Charlie used his personal funds to develop prototypes of the product and has since pitched it at collegiate business competitions. As a result, he has already secured nearly $10,000 in funding. He also participated in Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway Venture Program (a business incubator) to gain valuable feedback and mentorship. At Florida Atlantic University, he also participates in the Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Lab, where he contributes to AI-driven robotics projects, including an emotionally responsive robotic dog interface and a 3D-animated surveillance system.
His robotics and STEM accomplishments speak for themselves, from leading his MATE team to notable wins to collecting impressive distinctions of his own. As Design Manager for a MATE ROV competition team, Charlie helped his team place seventh at a world championship by designing and 3D-printing components for an underwater robot. He also led a team in building a solar-powered four-passenger vehicle that received the Lockheed Martin Award for engineering excellence (an international top award) and the Renda Carter Award for most outstanding portfolio.
Reflecting on the discipline, he wrote, “these experiences have shown me that engineering is not only about technical mastery but also about connecting different disciplines to solve human-centered problems. Whether through medical innovation, robotics, or sustainable energy, I am motivated to create solutions that unite logic, empathy, and imagination.”
After his high school discontinued its solar car program, Charlie formed and now leads a team of students from across Broward County, mentoring public school representatives on how to launch their own Solar Car Challenge teams. Passionate about ensuring that the lack of access does not thwart students’ STEM opportunities, he also volunteers as a middle school mentor, providing guidance, hosting workshops, and introducing students to engineering and college pathways. He even founded a non-profit that unites students across Broward County to design and build solar-powered vehicles and help local schools start their own engineering teams. His relationships with the middle schools have also led him to serve as a youth consultant on STEM curricula for middle and high schools. Charlie has already mentored more than 100 students.
He maintains a 3.96 unweighted GPA while taking a completely college-level course load and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. In 2024, he was a Yale Young Global Scholar in Science & Technology. He has been admitted and will attend the University of Chicago, where he plans to study molecular engineering, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
SILVER - Zanele Sanchez
Major: Bioengineering with a minor in Artificial Intelligence
High School: School for Advanced Studies, South
Hometown: Miami, FL
Zanele Sanchez has had the distinct privilege of participating in multiple pre-college programs and internships, including the competitive Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Science Institute, which has strengthened her passion for engineering. These experiences have afforded her the opportunity not just to understand advanced STEM topics in theory, but also to work with them in application.
One such research project has the potential to one day help real cancer patients. In her research with Dr. Chen at Tufts University, Zanele explored the use of PLGA nanoparticles to protect the heart from chemotherapy damage. Under Dr. Chen’s guidance, she studied how a common cancer drug causes heart damage. The research theorized that, through bioengineering, advances could be made to mitigate the damage.
While the research is still underway, she plans to continue her internship with Dr. Chen. Zanele has presented early findings at the RSI program, the 2024 Stanford Explore Lecture Series on Biomedical Research, and the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Related to the impact of cancer drugs on the heart, she has also co-authored a peer-reviewed article that was published in the American Heart Journal Plus in December 2024.
As a volunteer in the biomedical department at Nicklaus Children’s Health System, Zanele delivers, cleans, and calibrates biomedical equipment to various clinical locations. At the time of her application, she had logged more than 500 hours, earning her the Congressional Gold Medal. But unlike many, those hours were not just another item to check off her to-do list, but an opportunity to better understand her field of interest and the daily challenges professionals face at the hospital. At this time, she noted that a lack of access to proper equipment often impacted children’s health outcomes. While she believes that innovation in biomedical engineering could mitigate this, she also understands that critical need has to be addressed now. In response, Zanele launched the Aid4kids fundraiser, coordinating and rallying local donors and advertising events on social media to raise funds for the children’s hospital to swiftly clean, repair, and deliver equipment.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors, advanced placement, and dual enrollment courses. Zanele regularly pursues academic rigor, even going to the length of enrolling in a separate high school to gain access to more advanced placement courses in mathematics and sciences. Her academic excellence earned her a College Board National Merit Commendation, AP Scholar with Distinction, STEM National Recognition by the U.S. Senate, and the NASA You’ve Got Perseverance STEM Dedication. She has competed at the state and regional levels in the Debate and Ethics Bowl.
Her recommender wrote of her, “There are very few young adults with the academic and mental capacity to dedicate themselves to the highest standards, which she continues to reach. Her world and engineering mind are steadfast on her future to make a monumental difference in our world.”
She plans to study bioengineering with the longer-term goal of pursuing medical school. Zanele believes that a strong background in engineering will equip her to innovate medical technology while providing direct care. She has applied to Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard College.
High School: School for Advanced Studies, South
Hometown: Miami, FL
Zanele Sanchez has had the distinct privilege of participating in multiple pre-college programs and internships, including the competitive Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Science Institute, which has strengthened her passion for engineering. These experiences have afforded her the opportunity not just to understand advanced STEM topics in theory, but also to work with them in application.
One such research project has the potential to one day help real cancer patients. In her research with Dr. Chen at Tufts University, Zanele explored the use of PLGA nanoparticles to protect the heart from chemotherapy damage. Under Dr. Chen’s guidance, she studied how a common cancer drug causes heart damage. The research theorized that, through bioengineering, advances could be made to mitigate the damage.
While the research is still underway, she plans to continue her internship with Dr. Chen. Zanele has presented early findings at the RSI program, the 2024 Stanford Explore Lecture Series on Biomedical Research, and the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Related to the impact of cancer drugs on the heart, she has also co-authored a peer-reviewed article that was published in the American Heart Journal Plus in December 2024.
As a volunteer in the biomedical department at Nicklaus Children’s Health System, Zanele delivers, cleans, and calibrates biomedical equipment to various clinical locations. At the time of her application, she had logged more than 500 hours, earning her the Congressional Gold Medal. But unlike many, those hours were not just another item to check off her to-do list, but an opportunity to better understand her field of interest and the daily challenges professionals face at the hospital. At this time, she noted that a lack of access to proper equipment often impacted children’s health outcomes. While she believes that innovation in biomedical engineering could mitigate this, she also understands that critical need has to be addressed now. In response, Zanele launched the Aid4kids fundraiser, coordinating and rallying local donors and advertising events on social media to raise funds for the children’s hospital to swiftly clean, repair, and deliver equipment.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors, advanced placement, and dual enrollment courses. Zanele regularly pursues academic rigor, even going to the length of enrolling in a separate high school to gain access to more advanced placement courses in mathematics and sciences. Her academic excellence earned her a College Board National Merit Commendation, AP Scholar with Distinction, STEM National Recognition by the U.S. Senate, and the NASA You’ve Got Perseverance STEM Dedication. She has competed at the state and regional levels in the Debate and Ethics Bowl.
Her recommender wrote of her, “There are very few young adults with the academic and mental capacity to dedicate themselves to the highest standards, which she continues to reach. Her world and engineering mind are steadfast on her future to make a monumental difference in our world.”
She plans to study bioengineering with the longer-term goal of pursuing medical school. Zanele believes that a strong background in engineering will equip her to innovate medical technology while providing direct care. She has applied to Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard College.
BRONZE - Michael Rodriguez
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Artificial Intelligence Engineering
High School: Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Hometown: Miami, FL
Michael Rodriguez learned early on that inspiration for innovation can come from anywhere, so much so that the concept for his prize-winning invention, “The Stack,” actually came to him while looking at a LEGO while brushing his teeth. He and a partner had set out to innovate the traditional slim wallet with interchangeable backplates for use with different accessories. Previous prototypes had failed to be useful until he looked at his beloved childhood bricks and considered whether their modularity might be exactly what his wallet concept was missing. He rushed back to the drawing board and 3D printer, and sure enough, it worked. After presenting the concept at a local pitch competition, they received funding to pursue it and have even filed for a patent.
This young man is a lifelong learner with the spirit of a serial entrepreneur. Michael co-founded and runs a 3D Printing business, where he works on innovative engineering projects. P&M Prints is an impressive operation that includes sponsorships on its YouTube channel, a client network, and a patent-pending product. Clients of P&M Prints include a biomedical engineering contract developing a Eustachian tube for a biotech startup and a truck parking startup looking to develop electronic modules. To advance the business, he has worked diligently to develop his skills and knowledge in biomedical and electrical engineering to strengthen the company’s innovation. On the YouTube Channel, Michael and partners share tutorials and 3D models of their engineering innovations, inspiring viewers across the country and world to tap into their own capabilities.
Another startup in the early stages that he is leading is called 3D TurdCycle. Working with 3D printers, Michael noticed the amount of waste that builds up. While he worked to ensure he was reducing waste in his processes, he also knew there had to be a way to recycle filament waste across the industry. All existing options were unfortunately expensive for the average 3D printer user, charging lofty shipping costs while accepting very little waste. So, he dreamed up 3D TurdCycle, a closed-loop recycling program that partners with existing recycling centers to offer more affordable and sustainable 3D printing waste recycling.
Reflecting on the good engineering can do in the world, Michael wrote, “I believe engineering is about building a better world. I find purpose in solving other people’s problems. Every endeavor I have taken on, from my company to mentoring others, has shown me that service is about using your talents to give back to the world.”
He is in the top 10 of his graduating class and maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors and advanced placement courses. Michael runs a fitness and personal development YouTube channel, participates in community service initiatives with his school’s Key Club, and plays saxophone in his school’s jazz band. He is also the Vice President of his school’s chapter of DECA.
His recommender wrote of him, “What sets Michael apart is his visionary mindset, the ability to see possibilities before they exist, and the courage to bring them to life. He is disciplined yet imaginative, confident yet humble, and consistently driven to improve himself and the world around him. Michael does not wait for opportunities; he creates them.”
He plans to study electrical engineering with a minor in artificial intelligence engineering, and has applied to Georgia Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and the University of Florida.
High School: Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Hometown: Miami, FL
Michael Rodriguez learned early on that inspiration for innovation can come from anywhere, so much so that the concept for his prize-winning invention, “The Stack,” actually came to him while looking at a LEGO while brushing his teeth. He and a partner had set out to innovate the traditional slim wallet with interchangeable backplates for use with different accessories. Previous prototypes had failed to be useful until he looked at his beloved childhood bricks and considered whether their modularity might be exactly what his wallet concept was missing. He rushed back to the drawing board and 3D printer, and sure enough, it worked. After presenting the concept at a local pitch competition, they received funding to pursue it and have even filed for a patent.
This young man is a lifelong learner with the spirit of a serial entrepreneur. Michael co-founded and runs a 3D Printing business, where he works on innovative engineering projects. P&M Prints is an impressive operation that includes sponsorships on its YouTube channel, a client network, and a patent-pending product. Clients of P&M Prints include a biomedical engineering contract developing a Eustachian tube for a biotech startup and a truck parking startup looking to develop electronic modules. To advance the business, he has worked diligently to develop his skills and knowledge in biomedical and electrical engineering to strengthen the company’s innovation. On the YouTube Channel, Michael and partners share tutorials and 3D models of their engineering innovations, inspiring viewers across the country and world to tap into their own capabilities.
Another startup in the early stages that he is leading is called 3D TurdCycle. Working with 3D printers, Michael noticed the amount of waste that builds up. While he worked to ensure he was reducing waste in his processes, he also knew there had to be a way to recycle filament waste across the industry. All existing options were unfortunately expensive for the average 3D printer user, charging lofty shipping costs while accepting very little waste. So, he dreamed up 3D TurdCycle, a closed-loop recycling program that partners with existing recycling centers to offer more affordable and sustainable 3D printing waste recycling.
Reflecting on the good engineering can do in the world, Michael wrote, “I believe engineering is about building a better world. I find purpose in solving other people’s problems. Every endeavor I have taken on, from my company to mentoring others, has shown me that service is about using your talents to give back to the world.”
He is in the top 10 of his graduating class and maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors and advanced placement courses. Michael runs a fitness and personal development YouTube channel, participates in community service initiatives with his school’s Key Club, and plays saxophone in his school’s jazz band. He is also the Vice President of his school’s chapter of DECA.
His recommender wrote of him, “What sets Michael apart is his visionary mindset, the ability to see possibilities before they exist, and the courage to bring them to life. He is disciplined yet imaginative, confident yet humble, and consistently driven to improve himself and the world around him. Michael does not wait for opportunities; he creates them.”
He plans to study electrical engineering with a minor in artificial intelligence engineering, and has applied to Georgia Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and the University of Florida.
Orange Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Socrates Fonseca
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Latinx Studies
High School: Russellville High School
Hometown: Russellville, AL
For Socrates Fonseca, engineering is about resilience and innovation. He learned this firsthand when working to qualify for Rocketry Nationals. Despite hours of work, design, and building, his team failed to qualify for nationals in his freshman and sophomore years. This devastated him. They had put in the hours and tested their rocket, but despite consistent practice launches, their qualifying attempts fell short. Socrates, however, did not let his previous failures deter him. In his junior year, his team reflected and innovated on their past failures, and not only did they qualify for nationals, but they were in the top 5% of competitors that year.
He has high hopes for his engineering career. Inspired by films like Interstellar and the backdrop of the U.S. Space Command, Socrates is fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence and astronomy. He dreams of making significant contributions to space exploration. To this end, he devotes his time to rocketry and has also been pursuing quantum studies, strengthening his Python skills to learn more about neural networks, and jumping at every possible information technology and computer science course his school has to offer. He has also pursued the IT Specialist in Python Certification and the TestOut IT Fundamentals Certification.
To inspire the next generation of STEM scholars, Socrates volunteered his time during Computer Science Education Week to visit 4th-grade classes. He, along with other members of his Technology Student Association, led a block-based coding lesson for young students to spark their curiosity and interest. He feels passionately that efforts like these will go a long way toward instilling STEM confidence, and he seeks out other opportunities to mentor kids interested in STEM. He has accumulated more than 120 hours of service in efforts like this and broader commitments to remaining engaged in his community.
Socrates is deeply committed to being the best he can be. While engineering has demanded much of him, he has been unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence. For example, when first introduced to technical drawing, he struggled with precision and accuracy. He took his teacher’s feedback as motivation rather than discouragement. Determined to improve his skills, he sought advanced coursework in CAD and dedicated extra effort and time to refining them, demonstrating his determination and initiative.
He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. In addition to his involvement in rocketry and robotics, Socrates serves as a Franklin County Junior Leader and participates in Scholar’s Bowl and Upward Bound. His academic and STEM excellence has earned him recognition as Career Technical Student of the Month and recipient of the Franklin A. Lenfesty Award for placing first in the American Chemical Society's Chemistry Contest.
His recommender wrote of him, “Socrates has this innate desire to just DO more and BE more, and he is constantly looking for opportunities for self-improvement. Socrates is an exceptional student, and he embodies all the qualities of a dedicated, scholarly student who is responsible and well-rounded. His remarkable achievements, commitment to personal growth, and outstanding character should make him a top candidate for any academic or professional pursuit he chooses.”
He plans to study computer science and has applied to Stanford University, Northwestern University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
High School: Russellville High School
Hometown: Russellville, AL
For Socrates Fonseca, engineering is about resilience and innovation. He learned this firsthand when working to qualify for Rocketry Nationals. Despite hours of work, design, and building, his team failed to qualify for nationals in his freshman and sophomore years. This devastated him. They had put in the hours and tested their rocket, but despite consistent practice launches, their qualifying attempts fell short. Socrates, however, did not let his previous failures deter him. In his junior year, his team reflected and innovated on their past failures, and not only did they qualify for nationals, but they were in the top 5% of competitors that year.
He has high hopes for his engineering career. Inspired by films like Interstellar and the backdrop of the U.S. Space Command, Socrates is fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence and astronomy. He dreams of making significant contributions to space exploration. To this end, he devotes his time to rocketry and has also been pursuing quantum studies, strengthening his Python skills to learn more about neural networks, and jumping at every possible information technology and computer science course his school has to offer. He has also pursued the IT Specialist in Python Certification and the TestOut IT Fundamentals Certification.
To inspire the next generation of STEM scholars, Socrates volunteered his time during Computer Science Education Week to visit 4th-grade classes. He, along with other members of his Technology Student Association, led a block-based coding lesson for young students to spark their curiosity and interest. He feels passionately that efforts like these will go a long way toward instilling STEM confidence, and he seeks out other opportunities to mentor kids interested in STEM. He has accumulated more than 120 hours of service in efforts like this and broader commitments to remaining engaged in his community.
Socrates is deeply committed to being the best he can be. While engineering has demanded much of him, he has been unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence. For example, when first introduced to technical drawing, he struggled with precision and accuracy. He took his teacher’s feedback as motivation rather than discouragement. Determined to improve his skills, he sought advanced coursework in CAD and dedicated extra effort and time to refining them, demonstrating his determination and initiative.
He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. In addition to his involvement in rocketry and robotics, Socrates serves as a Franklin County Junior Leader and participates in Scholar’s Bowl and Upward Bound. His academic and STEM excellence has earned him recognition as Career Technical Student of the Month and recipient of the Franklin A. Lenfesty Award for placing first in the American Chemical Society's Chemistry Contest.
His recommender wrote of him, “Socrates has this innate desire to just DO more and BE more, and he is constantly looking for opportunities for self-improvement. Socrates is an exceptional student, and he embodies all the qualities of a dedicated, scholarly student who is responsible and well-rounded. His remarkable achievements, commitment to personal growth, and outstanding character should make him a top candidate for any academic or professional pursuit he chooses.”
He plans to study computer science and has applied to Stanford University, Northwestern University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
SILVER - Nicolas Aldana Huelga
Major: Applied Mathematics and Statistics with a minor in Electrical Engineering
High School: Benjamin Franklin High School
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Despite academic excellence and impressive engineering accomplishments, Nicolas Aldana Huelga is proudest of his work as a counselor for Texas State’s MathWorks Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMC), which demonstrates his humility and dedication to STEM education. He had participated in the camp years prior, crediting it in part for nurturing his own curiosity and love for STEM. When given the opportunity to return as a counselor, Nicolas jumped at the chance. He wanted to give the campers the same amazing experience others had given him, with the hope that they, too, would continue to explore their passion for STEM and learning. He describes counseling as an incredibly rewarding experience. From helping the campers with math problems to telling them his stories about his own experiences in engineering, he knows that at least in part, he helped recreate the magic of STEM camp that he had once experienced. The experience solidified not only his passion for learning but also a passion for helping and teaching others.
Nicolas credits the examples set by his father and passionate educators for his love of engineering. His father worked as an engineer, and he had the privilege of taking advanced courses in calculus, physics, and other subjects from educators deeply invested in their respective fields. Their own pleasure in their work instilled in him a sense of awe for the subjects.
He believes that educators, like his own, and programs like JSMC make a huge difference in combating the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect students of color, especially Hispanic ones, which inspire his volunteer work. Reflective of his deep investment in making education more accessible to all, Nicolas is also working with the Tulane University Department of Economics, under the direction of Professor Doug Harris, to analyze the effects of voucher programs on education. They intend to use research findings to inform policymakers about the effects of vouchers on education, as one of many ways to begin addressing disparities in education across the United States.
He is altogether passionate about how math and physics can be applied to make sense of the world around us. In his application, Nicolas wrote, “The very fact that math and physics can be used to accurately describe and explain our world is truly incredible. Beyond this, being able to use engineering principles to then solve problems that seem impossible is incredibly rewarding. It was my experiences in these classes, and the exploration of the intersection between theory and application, that have inspired me to continue to pursue not only an interest in Engineering, but also a career dedicated to using it to solve real-world challenges.”
He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors and advanced placement courses. Nicolas was honored as the Benjamin Franklin High School Student of the Year in 2025. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and was identified by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. Recognizing his academic excellence and talents in the water, Johns Hopkins University recruited him as a swimmer. This fall, he'll dive into applied mathematics and statistics with a minor in electrical engineering.
High School: Benjamin Franklin High School
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Despite academic excellence and impressive engineering accomplishments, Nicolas Aldana Huelga is proudest of his work as a counselor for Texas State’s MathWorks Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMC), which demonstrates his humility and dedication to STEM education. He had participated in the camp years prior, crediting it in part for nurturing his own curiosity and love for STEM. When given the opportunity to return as a counselor, Nicolas jumped at the chance. He wanted to give the campers the same amazing experience others had given him, with the hope that they, too, would continue to explore their passion for STEM and learning. He describes counseling as an incredibly rewarding experience. From helping the campers with math problems to telling them his stories about his own experiences in engineering, he knows that at least in part, he helped recreate the magic of STEM camp that he had once experienced. The experience solidified not only his passion for learning but also a passion for helping and teaching others.
Nicolas credits the examples set by his father and passionate educators for his love of engineering. His father worked as an engineer, and he had the privilege of taking advanced courses in calculus, physics, and other subjects from educators deeply invested in their respective fields. Their own pleasure in their work instilled in him a sense of awe for the subjects.
He believes that educators, like his own, and programs like JSMC make a huge difference in combating the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect students of color, especially Hispanic ones, which inspire his volunteer work. Reflective of his deep investment in making education more accessible to all, Nicolas is also working with the Tulane University Department of Economics, under the direction of Professor Doug Harris, to analyze the effects of voucher programs on education. They intend to use research findings to inform policymakers about the effects of vouchers on education, as one of many ways to begin addressing disparities in education across the United States.
He is altogether passionate about how math and physics can be applied to make sense of the world around us. In his application, Nicolas wrote, “The very fact that math and physics can be used to accurately describe and explain our world is truly incredible. Beyond this, being able to use engineering principles to then solve problems that seem impossible is incredibly rewarding. It was my experiences in these classes, and the exploration of the intersection between theory and application, that have inspired me to continue to pursue not only an interest in Engineering, but also a career dedicated to using it to solve real-world challenges.”
He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors and advanced placement courses. Nicolas was honored as the Benjamin Franklin High School Student of the Year in 2025. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and was identified by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. Recognizing his academic excellence and talents in the water, Johns Hopkins University recruited him as a swimmer. This fall, he'll dive into applied mathematics and statistics with a minor in electrical engineering.
BRONZE - Maria Dalton Jimenez
Major: Engineering and Business
High School: Freedom Christian Academy
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
For the past three years, Maria Dalton Jimenez has rolled up her sleeves restoring a 1996 Ford Ranger. For her, this is not a project invested in vintage car aesthetics, but one that has allowed her to apply her interests and education in engineering to a tangible, drivable outcome. With each day, she strengthened her skills and understanding of mechanics, working tirelessly to complete an almost full engine replacement, as well as the radiator, clutch, lights, brakes, gas line, and more. To her, there was no greater proof of her engineering capabilities than when she was able to hop into the driver’s seat of her near-total rebuild and pull off.
Her love of engineering was sparked by the everyday, blue-collar work of her loved ones. Day in and out, Maria witnessed the welders, body shop workers, and electricians in her family apply advanced engineering concepts to seemingly mundane work. She marveled at their ability to build and rebuild the world around her. They, often without knowing, were applying the advanced concepts she would go on to learn in the classroom, despite having already experienced them hands-on. She sees trades like those of her loved ones as essential roles in her community that are losing skilled craftsmen.
Describing the significance of blue-collar work to her and society, she wrote, “I’ve watched my family work together to fix just about anything, which taught me that no skill is too small to matter. This mindset helps me approach engineering challenges with persistence and respect for everyone’s role. Diverse backgrounds in engineering are important because they bring new ways of thinking. Everyone’s experiences shape how they solve problems and connect with others. Growing up around different trades and perspectives has taught me to value that diversity: it makes teams stronger and ideas better.”
To preserve the respect owed to these tradesmen and empower others to hold onto these valuable skills, Maria dreams of opening an auto repair shop that not only offers repairs but also provides community education. She believes this model will help preserve the discipline, raise awareness of advanced concepts applied to daily repairs, and empower people to work on cars themselves. She hopes her own passion and an endeavor like this one will also help engage more women in the historically male-dominated trades.
Her family’s example not only inspires her pursuit of engineering but also her dedication to community service. She volunteers regularly with Catholic Charities, a local animal shelter, and as a tutor to elementary school students. With Catholic Charities, Maria helps to distribute clothing and food to families in need. At the shelter, she works with dogs to help socialize them in preparation for adoption. As a tutor, she assisted teachers with in-class instruction and administrative tasks in addition to her responsibility of supporting fifth graders with homework.
Maria maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses as an accomplished, all-conference student athlete in Soccer and Basketball. She plans to study engineering and business while attending Shaw University, Guilford College, or Barton College.
High School: Freedom Christian Academy
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
For the past three years, Maria Dalton Jimenez has rolled up her sleeves restoring a 1996 Ford Ranger. For her, this is not a project invested in vintage car aesthetics, but one that has allowed her to apply her interests and education in engineering to a tangible, drivable outcome. With each day, she strengthened her skills and understanding of mechanics, working tirelessly to complete an almost full engine replacement, as well as the radiator, clutch, lights, brakes, gas line, and more. To her, there was no greater proof of her engineering capabilities than when she was able to hop into the driver’s seat of her near-total rebuild and pull off.
Her love of engineering was sparked by the everyday, blue-collar work of her loved ones. Day in and out, Maria witnessed the welders, body shop workers, and electricians in her family apply advanced engineering concepts to seemingly mundane work. She marveled at their ability to build and rebuild the world around her. They, often without knowing, were applying the advanced concepts she would go on to learn in the classroom, despite having already experienced them hands-on. She sees trades like those of her loved ones as essential roles in her community that are losing skilled craftsmen.
Describing the significance of blue-collar work to her and society, she wrote, “I’ve watched my family work together to fix just about anything, which taught me that no skill is too small to matter. This mindset helps me approach engineering challenges with persistence and respect for everyone’s role. Diverse backgrounds in engineering are important because they bring new ways of thinking. Everyone’s experiences shape how they solve problems and connect with others. Growing up around different trades and perspectives has taught me to value that diversity: it makes teams stronger and ideas better.”
To preserve the respect owed to these tradesmen and empower others to hold onto these valuable skills, Maria dreams of opening an auto repair shop that not only offers repairs but also provides community education. She believes this model will help preserve the discipline, raise awareness of advanced concepts applied to daily repairs, and empower people to work on cars themselves. She hopes her own passion and an endeavor like this one will also help engage more women in the historically male-dominated trades.
Her family’s example not only inspires her pursuit of engineering but also her dedication to community service. She volunteers regularly with Catholic Charities, a local animal shelter, and as a tutor to elementary school students. With Catholic Charities, Maria helps to distribute clothing and food to families in need. At the shelter, she works with dogs to help socialize them in preparation for adoption. As a tutor, she assisted teachers with in-class instruction and administrative tasks in addition to her responsibility of supporting fifth graders with homework.
Maria maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses as an accomplished, all-conference student athlete in Soccer and Basketball. She plans to study engineering and business while attending Shaw University, Guilford College, or Barton College.
Pink Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Daniel Carrillo
Major: Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering
High School: Lafayette High School
Hometown: Wildwood, MO
Daniel Carrillo led his robotics team to a 1st place Design Award at the FIRST Championship, an honor that recognized his and his teammates' long hours of design and innovation. For months, they worked through countless design iterations, sketching, 3D printing, and even tossing countless failed parts. For a moment, he faced wall after wall of failures. But Daniel never lost hope, because despite the challenge, it was also the most fulfilling work he had ever done. He beamed at his ability to turn his ideas into reality, and while it was not yet helping those around him, it gave him the foundational skills to turn a simple sketch into a complex engineering marvel.
Describing the work it took to build the robot, he wrote, “What also made this project meaningful was the fact that I could guide my team of new members through the process. Many of them had never touched design software or assembled a drivetrain before, but I made it my priority to teach them everything I knew. Watching them gain confidence and learn to take ownership of the team was more rewarding than any prize. Of course, there were times where things did not go well, matches lost, parts broken, and entire spaghettis of tangled wires But nevertheless, we powered through it all, and I lifted their hopes when all seemed lost.”
Robotics gave Daniel a sense of belonging after moving to a new school in a new district. At this new school, the robotics team had been on hiatus for years due to COVID-19 and its still-looming effects on education. While there had once been a strong team, staff transitions left both students and teachers in uncharted territory. Passionate about robotics, he took it upon himself to lead the way. Using online resources to learn programming and even earning his educator certification, Daniel worked diligently to master robotics principles so he could teach them to his peers. Soon enough, he had a confident team ready to compete.
Alas, many in-person competitions had yet to resume. Again, moved to action, he reached out to the St. Louis Student Robotics Association to create the opportunity for students to compete again. With their support, they identified a venue and gathered teens once again to share their passion for robotics. After months of social distancing and isolation, Daniel was proud to have organized this opportunity for people with shared interests to connect.
To facilitate access to robotics and STEM programming to youth, he has also cultivated a strong philanthropic arm to his robotics team. Daniel strongly believes that early exposure to STEM is key to developing the next generation of engineers. Recognizing the lack of access to these opportunities at his district’s middle school, he rallied his team to coordinate outreach events to provide mentoring to these younger students. Seeing their faces of accomplishment and joy as they build their own robots continues to reignite his own love for robotics.
In addition to his robotics accomplishments, Daniel has interned at CHROME Labs at Saint Louis University, where he designed a puck enclosure for blind members of the hockey community. He leveraged his skills in CAD and engineering to develop a durable design using modular shell structures, building multiple working prototypes.
He plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Washington University in St. Louis, and Saint Louis University.
High School: Lafayette High School
Hometown: Wildwood, MO
Daniel Carrillo led his robotics team to a 1st place Design Award at the FIRST Championship, an honor that recognized his and his teammates' long hours of design and innovation. For months, they worked through countless design iterations, sketching, 3D printing, and even tossing countless failed parts. For a moment, he faced wall after wall of failures. But Daniel never lost hope, because despite the challenge, it was also the most fulfilling work he had ever done. He beamed at his ability to turn his ideas into reality, and while it was not yet helping those around him, it gave him the foundational skills to turn a simple sketch into a complex engineering marvel.
Describing the work it took to build the robot, he wrote, “What also made this project meaningful was the fact that I could guide my team of new members through the process. Many of them had never touched design software or assembled a drivetrain before, but I made it my priority to teach them everything I knew. Watching them gain confidence and learn to take ownership of the team was more rewarding than any prize. Of course, there were times where things did not go well, matches lost, parts broken, and entire spaghettis of tangled wires But nevertheless, we powered through it all, and I lifted their hopes when all seemed lost.”
Robotics gave Daniel a sense of belonging after moving to a new school in a new district. At this new school, the robotics team had been on hiatus for years due to COVID-19 and its still-looming effects on education. While there had once been a strong team, staff transitions left both students and teachers in uncharted territory. Passionate about robotics, he took it upon himself to lead the way. Using online resources to learn programming and even earning his educator certification, Daniel worked diligently to master robotics principles so he could teach them to his peers. Soon enough, he had a confident team ready to compete.
Alas, many in-person competitions had yet to resume. Again, moved to action, he reached out to the St. Louis Student Robotics Association to create the opportunity for students to compete again. With their support, they identified a venue and gathered teens once again to share their passion for robotics. After months of social distancing and isolation, Daniel was proud to have organized this opportunity for people with shared interests to connect.
To facilitate access to robotics and STEM programming to youth, he has also cultivated a strong philanthropic arm to his robotics team. Daniel strongly believes that early exposure to STEM is key to developing the next generation of engineers. Recognizing the lack of access to these opportunities at his district’s middle school, he rallied his team to coordinate outreach events to provide mentoring to these younger students. Seeing their faces of accomplishment and joy as they build their own robots continues to reignite his own love for robotics.
In addition to his robotics accomplishments, Daniel has interned at CHROME Labs at Saint Louis University, where he designed a puck enclosure for blind members of the hockey community. He leveraged his skills in CAD and engineering to develop a durable design using modular shell structures, building multiple working prototypes.
He plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Washington University in St. Louis, and Saint Louis University.
SILVER - Mia Castro
Major: Chemical Engineering
High School: Waukee High School
Hometown: Waukee, IA
Mia Castro burned with curiosity about clean energy, a buzzy topic that she had yet to see progress in. Pursuing this interest, she began conducting research to explore how renewable fuels could work in the real world and make our energy dependency cleaner. She spent months reading research articles, digging into how chemistry and engineering turn things like corn and soybeans into biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Mia took it upon herself to learn about thermochemical and biological processes and how tiny details, like reaction efficiency and distribution, can make or break whether a fuel is practical. She even took her research to the field, visiting a biodiesel plant, where she was able to see how her academic research worked in practice. Her research only affirmed the urgency for clean energy and the significant potential for innovation. After poring over her findings, she submitted her article on the U.S. Biofuel Supply Chain to Curieux Academic Journal, where it has been accepted for future publication.
Growing up in cities like Balikpapan and Kuwait, she has a unique perspective on fossil fuels. Mia witnessed firsthand what happens to communities where oil refineries shape everything from the air to the economy. She recalls scrubbing away at oily tars that clung to her body after a swim and days when she was not even allowed to play outside because of the poor air quality. These early, visceral experiences with the negative impacts of fossil fuels shaped her desire to innovate and pursue a more sustainable vision for energy.
Reflecting on this, she wrote, “These experiences drive my commitment to engineering affordable green energy solutions that can uplift entire communities and protect our planet for future generations. The path to cleaning up our environment begins with us. This can be accomplished by empowering young people with knowledge of the different resources and opportunities available in our energy sector. We can inspire the next generation to lead the way, through engineering, toward a more sustainable future.”
This deep investment inspired her literature review. In this pursuit, Mia also interned with Chevron. She is passionate about raising community awareness about energy and hopes to champion cleaner, renewable sources.
She maintains a strong GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. Her academic achievements have earned her a place in the National Honor Society and the Trustee Scholar designation. Mia is also a varsity tennis player.
Her recommender wrote, “Mia is an exceptionally dedicated and formidable student of the physical sciences with an incredible work ethic. While her impressive ACT score of 31 suggests strong academic aptitude, it is her persistence that truly sets her apart in my eyes. Mia’s future goals are clear, ambitious, and align perfectly with her aptitude… Her desire to design chemical processes that reduce waste and create solutions that have a positive impact on the environment and society demonstrates a maturity and purpose that hopefully sets her application apart.”
She has applied to the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Washington University in St. Louis, and plans to study chemical engineering.
High School: Waukee High School
Hometown: Waukee, IA
Mia Castro burned with curiosity about clean energy, a buzzy topic that she had yet to see progress in. Pursuing this interest, she began conducting research to explore how renewable fuels could work in the real world and make our energy dependency cleaner. She spent months reading research articles, digging into how chemistry and engineering turn things like corn and soybeans into biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Mia took it upon herself to learn about thermochemical and biological processes and how tiny details, like reaction efficiency and distribution, can make or break whether a fuel is practical. She even took her research to the field, visiting a biodiesel plant, where she was able to see how her academic research worked in practice. Her research only affirmed the urgency for clean energy and the significant potential for innovation. After poring over her findings, she submitted her article on the U.S. Biofuel Supply Chain to Curieux Academic Journal, where it has been accepted for future publication.
Growing up in cities like Balikpapan and Kuwait, she has a unique perspective on fossil fuels. Mia witnessed firsthand what happens to communities where oil refineries shape everything from the air to the economy. She recalls scrubbing away at oily tars that clung to her body after a swim and days when she was not even allowed to play outside because of the poor air quality. These early, visceral experiences with the negative impacts of fossil fuels shaped her desire to innovate and pursue a more sustainable vision for energy.
Reflecting on this, she wrote, “These experiences drive my commitment to engineering affordable green energy solutions that can uplift entire communities and protect our planet for future generations. The path to cleaning up our environment begins with us. This can be accomplished by empowering young people with knowledge of the different resources and opportunities available in our energy sector. We can inspire the next generation to lead the way, through engineering, toward a more sustainable future.”
This deep investment inspired her literature review. In this pursuit, Mia also interned with Chevron. She is passionate about raising community awareness about energy and hopes to champion cleaner, renewable sources.
She maintains a strong GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. Her academic achievements have earned her a place in the National Honor Society and the Trustee Scholar designation. Mia is also a varsity tennis player.
Her recommender wrote, “Mia is an exceptionally dedicated and formidable student of the physical sciences with an incredible work ethic. While her impressive ACT score of 31 suggests strong academic aptitude, it is her persistence that truly sets her apart in my eyes. Mia’s future goals are clear, ambitious, and align perfectly with her aptitude… Her desire to design chemical processes that reduce waste and create solutions that have a positive impact on the environment and society demonstrates a maturity and purpose that hopefully sets her application apart.”
She has applied to the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Washington University in St. Louis, and plans to study chemical engineering.
BRONZE - Alexander Chavez
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Spanish
High School: Linn Mar High School
Hometown: Marion, IA
Alexander Chavez may look back on many of his robotics performances with great pride, but it was his first-ever year competing that solidified a zest for innovation in engineering. He entered the season without any technical experience in computer-aided design (CAD), programming, or assembly. With teammates just as new to the program, they had to learn most concepts independently. While the initial lack of knowledge was a disadvantage, it also freed him from any preconceived biases against methods and designs. Therefore, they were able to investigate a wide range of designs, many of which a more experienced team would have merely ignored in favor of more well-known methods.
Alexander stepped up as the team’s main CAD designer and helped develop an unconventional manipulator system that led them to become one of the best teams in the state. The team would earn a League Championship victory and take first place in the Innovate Award. They earned another Innovate Award at the Super Qualifiers event and advanced to the Iowa State Championship, where they competed in the tournament semifinals. He is proudest of this debut season not simply for their performance and placement, but also for the continual challenge of learning and growing in CAD and robotics.
Engineering runs in the family. Alexander was encouraged in mathematics and the sciences from a young age, as the son and grandson of engineers. With their guidance, he excelled in engineering, calculus, and computer science. This academic aptitude lent itself to an impressive run in robotics. He applied theory from his advanced coursework to advance his CAD skills to his and his team’s success.
He is particularly grateful for the influence of his family on his education and engineering interests, but knows that many young people attend schools with limited or no access to the engineering opportunities he has had. Within the robotics community, it is often apparent which teams are better resourced, given their access to advanced technology or prestigious mentors. Alexander believes opportunities could be made more equitable through larger-scale mentorship and sponsorship programs, and he also does his part to work with younger STEM scholars. He volunteers at an robotics summer camp where he teaches concepts in CAD. He helps them brainstorm their own design and guides them in bringing it to life from design to assembly.
In addition to the summer camp, Alexander devotes consistent time to a local food pantry, where he leads a group of 10 other students in sorting, packing, and distributing emergency response boxes of food to crisis areas. help restore homes for community members unable to make repairs on their own.
He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Alexander is a National Merit Semifinalist. In addition to his involvement with the robotics team, he is a member of the programming club, the National Honor Society, the First Lutheran Church Growing Young Task Force, and the men’s soccer team. He has applied to Iowa State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison and plans to study electrical engineering.
High School: Linn Mar High School
Hometown: Marion, IA
Alexander Chavez may look back on many of his robotics performances with great pride, but it was his first-ever year competing that solidified a zest for innovation in engineering. He entered the season without any technical experience in computer-aided design (CAD), programming, or assembly. With teammates just as new to the program, they had to learn most concepts independently. While the initial lack of knowledge was a disadvantage, it also freed him from any preconceived biases against methods and designs. Therefore, they were able to investigate a wide range of designs, many of which a more experienced team would have merely ignored in favor of more well-known methods.
Alexander stepped up as the team’s main CAD designer and helped develop an unconventional manipulator system that led them to become one of the best teams in the state. The team would earn a League Championship victory and take first place in the Innovate Award. They earned another Innovate Award at the Super Qualifiers event and advanced to the Iowa State Championship, where they competed in the tournament semifinals. He is proudest of this debut season not simply for their performance and placement, but also for the continual challenge of learning and growing in CAD and robotics.
Engineering runs in the family. Alexander was encouraged in mathematics and the sciences from a young age, as the son and grandson of engineers. With their guidance, he excelled in engineering, calculus, and computer science. This academic aptitude lent itself to an impressive run in robotics. He applied theory from his advanced coursework to advance his CAD skills to his and his team’s success.
He is particularly grateful for the influence of his family on his education and engineering interests, but knows that many young people attend schools with limited or no access to the engineering opportunities he has had. Within the robotics community, it is often apparent which teams are better resourced, given their access to advanced technology or prestigious mentors. Alexander believes opportunities could be made more equitable through larger-scale mentorship and sponsorship programs, and he also does his part to work with younger STEM scholars. He volunteers at an robotics summer camp where he teaches concepts in CAD. He helps them brainstorm their own design and guides them in bringing it to life from design to assembly.
In addition to the summer camp, Alexander devotes consistent time to a local food pantry, where he leads a group of 10 other students in sorting, packing, and distributing emergency response boxes of food to crisis areas. help restore homes for community members unable to make repairs on their own.
He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Alexander is a National Merit Semifinalist. In addition to his involvement with the robotics team, he is a member of the programming club, the National Honor Society, the First Lutheran Church Growing Young Task Force, and the men’s soccer team. He has applied to Iowa State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison and plans to study electrical engineering.
Purple Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Saoirse Price Sagastume
Major: Cellular & Molecular Biology with a minor in Neuroscience
High School: El Camino High School
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
As a competitive academic, Saoirse Price Sagastume revels in the possibility for her competitive work to make a difference in the real world. Her proudest accomplishments in engineering have received recognition at bioengineering competitions, and she has also made valuable contributions to gene-editing technology. For example, she and her team placed first at the University of California, San Francisco Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) competition, but, more importantly to Saoirse, they explored how CRISPR gene-editing technology could be used to treat coronary heart disease. Together, they built a 3D model to demonstrate their concept and got invaluable feedback on how it might work in the world.
Building on their success, Saoirse and her team competed in the UC Berkeley Bioengineering High School Competition, placing fourth out of over 50 teams statewide in the research video category. Their project explored how CRISPR-Cas9 could be used to create universal O-negative blood, addressing critical donation shortages. The experience affirmed Saoirse's commitment to leading innovation in healthcare.
She credits her early interest in STEM to a young fascination with educational programming like The Magic School Bus. Her fascination with the topics covered on the show led her to take courses in biotechnology, which only deepened her curiosity. A burgeoning professional, Saoirse has interned with Skyline College to master lab procedures and plasmid DNA extraction, successfully producing plasmid products that were donated to local schools, contributing to science education. The experience was so valuable that the following summer, she returned as a Lab Technician supporting the next cohort of students exploring biotechnology. In this role, she was also able to earn industry-recognized credentials in aseptic technique and small-volume metrology.
As a woman and Latina in STEM, she hopes to address critical research gaps that often fail to consider women and minorities and set an example for others like her. One of the ways Saoirse works to diversify her field is through her work with Women in Bio, where she serves as a national ambassador representing California. In conjunction with the organization, she spent weeks planning and preparing for a Youth Biotech workshop for local teens. In this workshop, she taught a fruit DNA extraction lab, guided students as they visualized DNA under a microscope, and coordinated with local biotech companies to secure material donations. She also recruited a career panel of STEM professionals, ensuring participants could see diverse role models in the field. By the end of the program, the students not only gained hands-on lab experience, but many expressed newfound excitement about pursuing science, especially biotechnology. Though this was a big, worthwhile undertaking, Saoirse believes in showing up in the smaller, regular ways too.She also leads after-school study sessions to support students navigating challenging lab experiments.
Reflecting on the importance of the workshops and peer tutoring, she wrote, “Ultimately, my commitment to service is driven by a desire to expand access and representation in STEM. Sharing knowledge, mentorship, and resources not only helps others succeed but also deepens my own understanding and appreciation for the field. Through these efforts, I hope to continue fostering curiosity, confidence, and inclusivity for generations of aspiring scientists.”
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and college-level courses. Saoirse is the President of her Science Bowl club, has attended the UCSF Brain Camp, and participated in the Stanford Neuroscience Clinical Experience (CNIX). She plans to study cellular and molecular biology and has applied to the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, San Diego, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
High School: El Camino High School
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
As a competitive academic, Saoirse Price Sagastume revels in the possibility for her competitive work to make a difference in the real world. Her proudest accomplishments in engineering have received recognition at bioengineering competitions, and she has also made valuable contributions to gene-editing technology. For example, she and her team placed first at the University of California, San Francisco Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) competition, but, more importantly to Saoirse, they explored how CRISPR gene-editing technology could be used to treat coronary heart disease. Together, they built a 3D model to demonstrate their concept and got invaluable feedback on how it might work in the world.
Building on their success, Saoirse and her team competed in the UC Berkeley Bioengineering High School Competition, placing fourth out of over 50 teams statewide in the research video category. Their project explored how CRISPR-Cas9 could be used to create universal O-negative blood, addressing critical donation shortages. The experience affirmed Saoirse's commitment to leading innovation in healthcare.
She credits her early interest in STEM to a young fascination with educational programming like The Magic School Bus. Her fascination with the topics covered on the show led her to take courses in biotechnology, which only deepened her curiosity. A burgeoning professional, Saoirse has interned with Skyline College to master lab procedures and plasmid DNA extraction, successfully producing plasmid products that were donated to local schools, contributing to science education. The experience was so valuable that the following summer, she returned as a Lab Technician supporting the next cohort of students exploring biotechnology. In this role, she was also able to earn industry-recognized credentials in aseptic technique and small-volume metrology.
As a woman and Latina in STEM, she hopes to address critical research gaps that often fail to consider women and minorities and set an example for others like her. One of the ways Saoirse works to diversify her field is through her work with Women in Bio, where she serves as a national ambassador representing California. In conjunction with the organization, she spent weeks planning and preparing for a Youth Biotech workshop for local teens. In this workshop, she taught a fruit DNA extraction lab, guided students as they visualized DNA under a microscope, and coordinated with local biotech companies to secure material donations. She also recruited a career panel of STEM professionals, ensuring participants could see diverse role models in the field. By the end of the program, the students not only gained hands-on lab experience, but many expressed newfound excitement about pursuing science, especially biotechnology. Though this was a big, worthwhile undertaking, Saoirse believes in showing up in the smaller, regular ways too.She also leads after-school study sessions to support students navigating challenging lab experiments.
Reflecting on the importance of the workshops and peer tutoring, she wrote, “Ultimately, my commitment to service is driven by a desire to expand access and representation in STEM. Sharing knowledge, mentorship, and resources not only helps others succeed but also deepens my own understanding and appreciation for the field. Through these efforts, I hope to continue fostering curiosity, confidence, and inclusivity for generations of aspiring scientists.”
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and college-level courses. Saoirse is the President of her Science Bowl club, has attended the UCSF Brain Camp, and participated in the Stanford Neuroscience Clinical Experience (CNIX). She plans to study cellular and molecular biology and has applied to the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, San Diego, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
SILVER - Crystal Echeverria
Major: Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry
High School: Carpinteria High School
Hometown: Carpinteria, CA
Crystal Echeverria revels in the challenge and growth of engineering. Some of her proudest accomplishments actually come from the hurdles she has overcome in the field, helping her become a distinguished competitive engineer. In her application, she opens with countless setbacks she faced early on, like the servo car she built failed to move in class, or having to pursue a HAAS Certification before she could even start her advanced engineering assignment. These “failures” only motivated her to work harder to learn advanced concepts and apply them effectively. Hard work, which quickly paid off.
As part of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and Achievement (MESA) program at her school, Crystal enrolled in the Bio-Breakthrough competition. Toward this end, she worked with another teammate to design and create a CRISPR model using a laser, a 3D printer, and a CNC machine. She researched its potential to treat genetic diseases such as Tay-Sachs disease, which she and her teammate later presented on. Their hard work earned them 1st place in the preliminary round against other teams across the county. Their project went on to take 1st place in modelling and 3rd overall in the Los Angeles Area competition.
Beyond her competitive accomplishments, she interned at Freudenberg Medical. In this role, Crystal learned how each department works to help engineer products safely and efficiently. By the end of her internship, she had developed a workplace medical device that facilitated employee access to band-aids. She is especially interested in pursuing a career in medical device equipment to address the affordability crisis. Crystal hopes that future research will keep affordability in mind at the design and modelling level to mitigate the issue. She has seen firsthand people make the difficult choice between their healthcare and other basic needs, and hopes that medical innovation could change this reality.
She has a civic-minded approach to her professional accomplishments and volunteers her time and energy to improve her community. As a member of Future Leaders of America, Crystal helped pass a smoke-free housing ordinance that impacted over 5,000 residents. The ordinance would significantly reduce exposure to and negative health outcomes from secondhand smoke. The successful passage of the ordinance followed three years of collecting surveys, attending city council meetings, and leading community education initiatives.
In her work with Future Leaders of America, she also regularly mentors students as part of the annual leadership conference. At the annual camp, Crystal leads campers and provides guidance on college access, leadership, and advocacy skills through group discussions and educational workshops.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Crystal is also dually enrolled at Santa Barbara City College, a decision she made after her school made clear there would be no physics offerings and limited opportunities for advanced mathematics and sciences. She has been recognized as a Carpinteria High School Distinguished Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honor, and as a part of the College Board’s National Recognition Program. She is the Co-Founder and President of her Mathlete Club and Secretary for her Engineering Club.
She plans to study biomedical engineering and has applied to Tufts University, the University of California, San Diego, and Santa Clara University.
High School: Carpinteria High School
Hometown: Carpinteria, CA
Crystal Echeverria revels in the challenge and growth of engineering. Some of her proudest accomplishments actually come from the hurdles she has overcome in the field, helping her become a distinguished competitive engineer. In her application, she opens with countless setbacks she faced early on, like the servo car she built failed to move in class, or having to pursue a HAAS Certification before she could even start her advanced engineering assignment. These “failures” only motivated her to work harder to learn advanced concepts and apply them effectively. Hard work, which quickly paid off.
As part of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and Achievement (MESA) program at her school, Crystal enrolled in the Bio-Breakthrough competition. Toward this end, she worked with another teammate to design and create a CRISPR model using a laser, a 3D printer, and a CNC machine. She researched its potential to treat genetic diseases such as Tay-Sachs disease, which she and her teammate later presented on. Their hard work earned them 1st place in the preliminary round against other teams across the county. Their project went on to take 1st place in modelling and 3rd overall in the Los Angeles Area competition.
Beyond her competitive accomplishments, she interned at Freudenberg Medical. In this role, Crystal learned how each department works to help engineer products safely and efficiently. By the end of her internship, she had developed a workplace medical device that facilitated employee access to band-aids. She is especially interested in pursuing a career in medical device equipment to address the affordability crisis. Crystal hopes that future research will keep affordability in mind at the design and modelling level to mitigate the issue. She has seen firsthand people make the difficult choice between their healthcare and other basic needs, and hopes that medical innovation could change this reality.
She has a civic-minded approach to her professional accomplishments and volunteers her time and energy to improve her community. As a member of Future Leaders of America, Crystal helped pass a smoke-free housing ordinance that impacted over 5,000 residents. The ordinance would significantly reduce exposure to and negative health outcomes from secondhand smoke. The successful passage of the ordinance followed three years of collecting surveys, attending city council meetings, and leading community education initiatives.
In her work with Future Leaders of America, she also regularly mentors students as part of the annual leadership conference. At the annual camp, Crystal leads campers and provides guidance on college access, leadership, and advocacy skills through group discussions and educational workshops.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Crystal is also dually enrolled at Santa Barbara City College, a decision she made after her school made clear there would be no physics offerings and limited opportunities for advanced mathematics and sciences. She has been recognized as a Carpinteria High School Distinguished Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honor, and as a part of the College Board’s National Recognition Program. She is the Co-Founder and President of her Mathlete Club and Secretary for her Engineering Club.
She plans to study biomedical engineering and has applied to Tufts University, the University of California, San Diego, and Santa Clara University.
BRONZE - Pilar Rendon
Major: Civil Engineering with a minor in Business
High School: St. Mary’s Academy
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
As an engineering career pathway student, Pilar Rendon has cultivated her interest in civil engineering since her freshman year. Collaborating with mentors and peers to design low-income housing complexes and community recreational centers, she was eager to take on the challenge of applying her skills to a real-world project. She achieved this goal when she landed an operations internship with Hensel Phelps, working on the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 5 (T5) renovation. As a Los Angeles resident, Pilar was thrilled at the opportunity to support the renovation, recalling the overwhelming traffic at the airport. At T5, she learned to navigate construction management software and efficiently analyze technical drawings, streamlining project organization and workflow. By organizing project modifications and materials, she helped keep the renovation on schedule. While the experience strengthened her technical skills, its true value lay in the confidence it instilled in her as a Latina pursuing civil engineering.
In her first high school engineering course, the experience of building an automata from scratch, handling a woodworking machine and designing complex gear systems, motivated her to explore engineering beyond the classroom. In 2023, Pilar attended SoCalNOMA's Summer Architecture Program for an immersive week of workshops and seminars, shadowing architects. She learned how architects improve user experience, using a virtual reality headset to tour a digital model of an apartment complex. She was thrilled to see the real-world applications of advanced technology in engineering and design. The experience complemented the SketchUp skills she was developing for her team's ACE projects.
As President of her school’s ACE Mentor Program, Pilar applied her learnings to her team’s climate resiliency center project. Under her leadership, she has helped her team keep innovation at the forefront of their human-centered projects. In one instance, they 3D-printed sloped roofs to conserve water and incorporated lush, organic facades. Responding to other requests for proposals, they work to identify specific needs of the communities affected by the project. In another example, one low-income neighborhood lacked organic produce, and another lacked access to STEM education for Hispanic youth. So, she led her team in allocating space within the community engagement center for community gardens and versatile rooms for educational workshops.
As a team, their designs have been honored with “Best in Show,” especially for their focus on collaboration and service. Pilar has also been honored with the ACE Mentor Program All Schools Day - Most Creative. And this commitment to service and innovation in design does not begin or end with their competition proposals. Just recently, the team constructed and painted a vibrant, wooden playhouse to donate to under-resourced communities through Habitat for Humanity.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors and advanced placement courses. Pilar is an AP Scholar with Distinction and part of College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. In addition to her ACE leadership, she is a member of the Key Club and the National Honor Society, where she serves as a peer tutor. She plans to study civil engineering and has applied to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Berkeley.
High School: St. Mary’s Academy
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
As an engineering career pathway student, Pilar Rendon has cultivated her interest in civil engineering since her freshman year. Collaborating with mentors and peers to design low-income housing complexes and community recreational centers, she was eager to take on the challenge of applying her skills to a real-world project. She achieved this goal when she landed an operations internship with Hensel Phelps, working on the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 5 (T5) renovation. As a Los Angeles resident, Pilar was thrilled at the opportunity to support the renovation, recalling the overwhelming traffic at the airport. At T5, she learned to navigate construction management software and efficiently analyze technical drawings, streamlining project organization and workflow. By organizing project modifications and materials, she helped keep the renovation on schedule. While the experience strengthened her technical skills, its true value lay in the confidence it instilled in her as a Latina pursuing civil engineering.
In her first high school engineering course, the experience of building an automata from scratch, handling a woodworking machine and designing complex gear systems, motivated her to explore engineering beyond the classroom. In 2023, Pilar attended SoCalNOMA's Summer Architecture Program for an immersive week of workshops and seminars, shadowing architects. She learned how architects improve user experience, using a virtual reality headset to tour a digital model of an apartment complex. She was thrilled to see the real-world applications of advanced technology in engineering and design. The experience complemented the SketchUp skills she was developing for her team's ACE projects.
As President of her school’s ACE Mentor Program, Pilar applied her learnings to her team’s climate resiliency center project. Under her leadership, she has helped her team keep innovation at the forefront of their human-centered projects. In one instance, they 3D-printed sloped roofs to conserve water and incorporated lush, organic facades. Responding to other requests for proposals, they work to identify specific needs of the communities affected by the project. In another example, one low-income neighborhood lacked organic produce, and another lacked access to STEM education for Hispanic youth. So, she led her team in allocating space within the community engagement center for community gardens and versatile rooms for educational workshops.
As a team, their designs have been honored with “Best in Show,” especially for their focus on collaboration and service. Pilar has also been honored with the ACE Mentor Program All Schools Day - Most Creative. And this commitment to service and innovation in design does not begin or end with their competition proposals. Just recently, the team constructed and painted a vibrant, wooden playhouse to donate to under-resourced communities through Habitat for Humanity.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various honors and advanced placement courses. Pilar is an AP Scholar with Distinction and part of College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. In addition to her ACE leadership, she is a member of the Key Club and the National Honor Society, where she serves as a peer tutor. She plans to study civil engineering and has applied to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Red Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Jaylynn Perez
Major: Chemical Engineering with a minor in Computing, Society & Policy
High School: New Utrecht High School
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Jaylynn Perez had the privilege of being a Finalist in the Veterans Appreciation Challenge by Future Engineers, sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). The challenge required students to design a 3D-printed wearable pin to honor veterans. The opportunity positioned her to learn and refine her 3D modelling skills and use of CAD software. While creating the model was an exciting technical challenge, what made this project truly meaningful to Jaylynn was the story behind it.
For her, this achievement underscored her motivation to pursue engineering. She wrote, “This achievement is particularly significant because it reflects how mentorship and gratitude can inspire innovation. It reminded me why I pursue engineering: to create designs that not only solve problems but also tell stories that honor those who inspire us to keep moving forward.”
Her interest in engineering is profoundly inspired by her curiosity to explore how technology can be used to protect the environment and people. That question became the foundation of her MIT THINK proposal, where Jaylynn designed a concept for a catch-basin robot capable of detecting and collecting waste before it entered New York City’s waterways. Although she had limited coding and engineering experience at the time, she spent months researching OpenCV, ROS, and sensor integration to create a realistic model. Recognizing the importance of data science to her goals, Jaylynn earned a full scholarship to NYU's GSTEM Data Science program, where she learned to build data classifiers with machine learning and apply algorithms to real environmental data. She further explored how data science and engineering intersect with ethics and equity in the MITES Semester's Mapping Justice course. By using geospatial tools, such as ArcGIS Online, to analyze environmental disparities, she began to see how technology can be used not only to innovate but also to advocate.
For Jaylynn, diversity is critical to technological innovation. To foster a future of diverse STEM professionals, she, along with peers, created The Makers of Tomorrow, an app designed to bridge this gap by encouraging students, especially those from minority backgrounds, to explore STEM through simple, hands-on projects using materials from home. Their slogan, “For the youth, by the youth,” captures their mission to make STEM approachable and inclusive. Users can upload their projects, receive feedback, and celebrate one another’s creativity. She and her partners spent countless hours brainstorming, troubleshooting, and refining every feature. Their work earned them the Congressional App Challenge win for New York's 11th District in 2024. Jaylynn also volunteers with ChallengHers, where she mentors students. She is proud to not only mentor the next generation but also to create opportunities she wishes she had access to.
In that same spirit of service, she joined Snapchat’s Digital Well-Being Council. The council’s primary purpose stems from its mantra, “Teens Helping Shape the Future of Online Life.” Collaborating with Snapchat’s Global Advisory Board, Jaylynn helped design a campaign to reduce stigma around online reporting, creating posters, videos, and an educational website. She later had the privilege of sharing these insights in Washington, D.C., speaking before policymakers and the D.C. Attorney General. Now, as an Alumni mentor, she also helps guide burgeoning councils in Australia and Europe.
Beyond her STEM contributions, Jaylynn also volunteers with the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC). In her service with the organization, she leads weekly HIV/AIDS awareness workshops, advocates for CPC’s initiatives during State Advocacy Week in Albany, and meets directly with council members to secure funding for community programs. Her story was featured in CPC’s Spring Campaign, helping increase recurring donors by 200% for programs serving more than 60,000 New Yorkers each year.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. Jaylynn is otherwise involved in Emerging Leaders in Technology & Engineering, Applied Research in Science and Engineering (ARISE), Engineering the Next Generation (Columbia ENG), One Catalyst Research Club as President, and the Robotics Club as Founder & President. She plans to study chemical engineering and has applied to Princeton University, Vanderbilt University, and Stony Brook University.
High School: New Utrecht High School
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Jaylynn Perez had the privilege of being a Finalist in the Veterans Appreciation Challenge by Future Engineers, sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). The challenge required students to design a 3D-printed wearable pin to honor veterans. The opportunity positioned her to learn and refine her 3D modelling skills and use of CAD software. While creating the model was an exciting technical challenge, what made this project truly meaningful to Jaylynn was the story behind it.
For her, this achievement underscored her motivation to pursue engineering. She wrote, “This achievement is particularly significant because it reflects how mentorship and gratitude can inspire innovation. It reminded me why I pursue engineering: to create designs that not only solve problems but also tell stories that honor those who inspire us to keep moving forward.”
Her interest in engineering is profoundly inspired by her curiosity to explore how technology can be used to protect the environment and people. That question became the foundation of her MIT THINK proposal, where Jaylynn designed a concept for a catch-basin robot capable of detecting and collecting waste before it entered New York City’s waterways. Although she had limited coding and engineering experience at the time, she spent months researching OpenCV, ROS, and sensor integration to create a realistic model. Recognizing the importance of data science to her goals, Jaylynn earned a full scholarship to NYU's GSTEM Data Science program, where she learned to build data classifiers with machine learning and apply algorithms to real environmental data. She further explored how data science and engineering intersect with ethics and equity in the MITES Semester's Mapping Justice course. By using geospatial tools, such as ArcGIS Online, to analyze environmental disparities, she began to see how technology can be used not only to innovate but also to advocate.
For Jaylynn, diversity is critical to technological innovation. To foster a future of diverse STEM professionals, she, along with peers, created The Makers of Tomorrow, an app designed to bridge this gap by encouraging students, especially those from minority backgrounds, to explore STEM through simple, hands-on projects using materials from home. Their slogan, “For the youth, by the youth,” captures their mission to make STEM approachable and inclusive. Users can upload their projects, receive feedback, and celebrate one another’s creativity. She and her partners spent countless hours brainstorming, troubleshooting, and refining every feature. Their work earned them the Congressional App Challenge win for New York's 11th District in 2024. Jaylynn also volunteers with ChallengHers, where she mentors students. She is proud to not only mentor the next generation but also to create opportunities she wishes she had access to.
In that same spirit of service, she joined Snapchat’s Digital Well-Being Council. The council’s primary purpose stems from its mantra, “Teens Helping Shape the Future of Online Life.” Collaborating with Snapchat’s Global Advisory Board, Jaylynn helped design a campaign to reduce stigma around online reporting, creating posters, videos, and an educational website. She later had the privilege of sharing these insights in Washington, D.C., speaking before policymakers and the D.C. Attorney General. Now, as an Alumni mentor, she also helps guide burgeoning councils in Australia and Europe.
Beyond her STEM contributions, Jaylynn also volunteers with the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC). In her service with the organization, she leads weekly HIV/AIDS awareness workshops, advocates for CPC’s initiatives during State Advocacy Week in Albany, and meets directly with council members to secure funding for community programs. Her story was featured in CPC’s Spring Campaign, helping increase recurring donors by 200% for programs serving more than 60,000 New Yorkers each year.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking multiple advanced placement courses. Jaylynn is otherwise involved in Emerging Leaders in Technology & Engineering, Applied Research in Science and Engineering (ARISE), Engineering the Next Generation (Columbia ENG), One Catalyst Research Club as President, and the Robotics Club as Founder & President. She plans to study chemical engineering and has applied to Princeton University, Vanderbilt University, and Stony Brook University.
SILVER - Yiseul Lee
Major: Mechanical Engineering
High School: Plymouth Regional High School
Hometown: Plymouth, NH
Yiseul Lee is passionate about growing her technological and engineering skills to make the world more inclusive and accessible. One project that particularly emphasized this for her was her GoBabyGo project. In this effort, she collaborated with a few friends to provide pediatric adaptive equipment to children with disabilities for mobility, participation, fun, and socialization. Together, they made adjustments to accommodate the child’s needs, modifying the ride-on car with the additions of a more comfortable, cushioned headrest, a larger button to move the car forward, and a cushioned safety belt along the front.
Describing the experience, Yiseul wrote, “It felt incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to use the engineering skills we had been learning to make a real-life impact on this family’s life. Moving forward, I envision myself continuing to combine my love for engineering, making a lasting impact on others’ lives.”
She takes pride in using her skills for good and hopes to do so over the course of her career. In the meantime, Yiseul is working diligently to strengthen her skills and learn as much as possible. She has had the opportunity to test circuitry arrangements, install breadboards, and rewire Arduino parts, among other skills. Pursuing advanced training, she applied to and took part in St. Paul’s five-week engineering program. This experience challenged her through hands-on projects, including coding a Onebot to move while maneuvering around obstacles.
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Yiseul is a student-athlete who plays soccer and regularly volunteers. She exercises excellence and leadership in all extracurricular activities. Noticing the disparity in skill, she even worked with her soccer coach to grow her team from a seasonal program to a year-round one. Under her initiative, Yiseul identified and secured an indoor training facility so the team could train and condition through the winter. Since then, the team has improved, increasing its win record and game-to-game performance.
As a member of the National Technical and Spanish Honor Societies, she also prioritizes community service in her everyday life. As President of the Technical Honor Society, Yiseul organized a food drive that collected more than $2,000 worth of food for the local food pantry. She has also organized trash clean-ups and fundraisers for multiple causes. With the Spanish Honor Society, her efforts have focused on celebrating Hispanic culture in the community. For example, their Pulsera Project raised funds for Latin American artisans, and their Immersion Dinner invited their local community to experience traditional Hispanic cuisine.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. Yiseul has won multiple first-place awards at Technology Student Association competitions. She was also honored with the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and the Outstanding Achievement in AP Calculus AB. In addition to these accomplishments, she is the Captain of her Varsity Girls Soccer team, where she was voted 2023 Player of the Year. A member of the Youth Advocacy and Advisory Council, Yiseul has participated in campaigns raising awareness about the harms of substance abuse and vaping. In her spare time, she even runs a small handmade jewelry and accessories business.
She plans to study mechanical engineering while attending the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
High School: Plymouth Regional High School
Hometown: Plymouth, NH
Yiseul Lee is passionate about growing her technological and engineering skills to make the world more inclusive and accessible. One project that particularly emphasized this for her was her GoBabyGo project. In this effort, she collaborated with a few friends to provide pediatric adaptive equipment to children with disabilities for mobility, participation, fun, and socialization. Together, they made adjustments to accommodate the child’s needs, modifying the ride-on car with the additions of a more comfortable, cushioned headrest, a larger button to move the car forward, and a cushioned safety belt along the front.
Describing the experience, Yiseul wrote, “It felt incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to use the engineering skills we had been learning to make a real-life impact on this family’s life. Moving forward, I envision myself continuing to combine my love for engineering, making a lasting impact on others’ lives.”
She takes pride in using her skills for good and hopes to do so over the course of her career. In the meantime, Yiseul is working diligently to strengthen her skills and learn as much as possible. She has had the opportunity to test circuitry arrangements, install breadboards, and rewire Arduino parts, among other skills. Pursuing advanced training, she applied to and took part in St. Paul’s five-week engineering program. This experience challenged her through hands-on projects, including coding a Onebot to move while maneuvering around obstacles.
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Yiseul is a student-athlete who plays soccer and regularly volunteers. She exercises excellence and leadership in all extracurricular activities. Noticing the disparity in skill, she even worked with her soccer coach to grow her team from a seasonal program to a year-round one. Under her initiative, Yiseul identified and secured an indoor training facility so the team could train and condition through the winter. Since then, the team has improved, increasing its win record and game-to-game performance.
As a member of the National Technical and Spanish Honor Societies, she also prioritizes community service in her everyday life. As President of the Technical Honor Society, Yiseul organized a food drive that collected more than $2,000 worth of food for the local food pantry. She has also organized trash clean-ups and fundraisers for multiple causes. With the Spanish Honor Society, her efforts have focused on celebrating Hispanic culture in the community. For example, their Pulsera Project raised funds for Latin American artisans, and their Immersion Dinner invited their local community to experience traditional Hispanic cuisine.
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. Yiseul has won multiple first-place awards at Technology Student Association competitions. She was also honored with the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and the Outstanding Achievement in AP Calculus AB. In addition to these accomplishments, she is the Captain of her Varsity Girls Soccer team, where she was voted 2023 Player of the Year. A member of the Youth Advocacy and Advisory Council, Yiseul has participated in campaigns raising awareness about the harms of substance abuse and vaping. In her spare time, she even runs a small handmade jewelry and accessories business.
She plans to study mechanical engineering while attending the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
BRONZE - Emily Adriana Lozano
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering
High School: The Bronx High School of Science
Hometown: Oakland Gardens, NY
When Emily Adriana Lozano began building a working BB-8 robot from scratch, it was not to recreate a movie icon, but to demonstrate that even with limited resources, she could make it a reality. She engineered the robot using an Arduino R4, Wi-Fi control, and 3D-printed parts. Emily describes the process as messy and full of trial and error. Despite pouring hours into the project, her first prototype could not even move. But with each redesign, she got closer to the end goal. In due time, she had her very own BB-8 roaming her halls.
Reflecting on the experience, she came to the conclusion that “while technology runs on power, innovation runs on people.”
For as long as she can remember, Emily has been building. Her parents regularly encouraged her to explore her curiosities. Now, instead of finding LEGO bricks strewn on her desk, you will often find circuits. In joining her high school’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, she solidified her fascination. As a youth programmer in Emerging Leaders of Technology, she learned Arduino and C++. This helped her start constructing circuits that used fundamental components, such as LEDs, pushbuttons, and potentiometers, to create more complex systems, like a number-guessing game with an attached OLED display. Emily now melds her technological savvy with her interest in biological sciences. She dreams of working at the intersection of both to develop medical applications that truly serve the patients.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, she prioritizes service. Seeing her hardworking parents and grandparents, Emily learned early on the importance of generosity and selflessness. In addition to supporting recycling and food drive efforts, she is proudest of her role in revitalizing the Beacon after-school program at her former middle school with a STEM emphasis. She brought together lesson plans and support for the middle schoolers who jumped at the chance to build and code. Empty classrooms became hubs for discussions like designing the snake game or rocket launchers. She still checks in with students who have come through the program to keep up to date on their robotics journeys. These experiences proved how even modest group efforts can have a significant impact.
Emily is continually moved to innovate through collaboration. Reflecting on her overall philosophy on innovation, she wrote, “Curiosity introduces innovation, but community sustains it. Whether it be one circuit at a time, we will shape a future, not just as engineers, but as a community that understands how diversity is essential to the evolution of STEM.”
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Emily is additionally involved with the Emerging Leaders in Technology at Columbia, the New York University College and Career Lab, and Girls Who Code. She has also conducted research on granular materials. She plans to study electrical engineering and has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Maryland, College Park.
High School: The Bronx High School of Science
Hometown: Oakland Gardens, NY
When Emily Adriana Lozano began building a working BB-8 robot from scratch, it was not to recreate a movie icon, but to demonstrate that even with limited resources, she could make it a reality. She engineered the robot using an Arduino R4, Wi-Fi control, and 3D-printed parts. Emily describes the process as messy and full of trial and error. Despite pouring hours into the project, her first prototype could not even move. But with each redesign, she got closer to the end goal. In due time, she had her very own BB-8 roaming her halls.
Reflecting on the experience, she came to the conclusion that “while technology runs on power, innovation runs on people.”
For as long as she can remember, Emily has been building. Her parents regularly encouraged her to explore her curiosities. Now, instead of finding LEGO bricks strewn on her desk, you will often find circuits. In joining her high school’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, she solidified her fascination. As a youth programmer in Emerging Leaders of Technology, she learned Arduino and C++. This helped her start constructing circuits that used fundamental components, such as LEDs, pushbuttons, and potentiometers, to create more complex systems, like a number-guessing game with an attached OLED display. Emily now melds her technological savvy with her interest in biological sciences. She dreams of working at the intersection of both to develop medical applications that truly serve the patients.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, she prioritizes service. Seeing her hardworking parents and grandparents, Emily learned early on the importance of generosity and selflessness. In addition to supporting recycling and food drive efforts, she is proudest of her role in revitalizing the Beacon after-school program at her former middle school with a STEM emphasis. She brought together lesson plans and support for the middle schoolers who jumped at the chance to build and code. Empty classrooms became hubs for discussions like designing the snake game or rocket launchers. She still checks in with students who have come through the program to keep up to date on their robotics journeys. These experiences proved how even modest group efforts can have a significant impact.
Emily is continually moved to innovate through collaboration. Reflecting on her overall philosophy on innovation, she wrote, “Curiosity introduces innovation, but community sustains it. Whether it be one circuit at a time, we will shape a future, not just as engineers, but as a community that understands how diversity is essential to the evolution of STEM.”
She maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking various advanced placement courses. Emily is additionally involved with the Emerging Leaders in Technology at Columbia, the New York University College and Career Lab, and Girls Who Code. She has also conducted research on granular materials. She plans to study electrical engineering and has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Maryland, College Park.
Tan Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Cristina Isabel Garcia Irene
Major: Chemical Engineering with a minor in Political Science
High School: Escuela Especializada Central de Artes Visuales
Hometown: Carolina, PR
Cristina Isabel Garcia is proudest of her participation in the development of a drug-delivery system alongside a research team at Dr. Rolando Oyola-Martínez’s Spectros lab at the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao. Working in an undergraduate laboratory as a high school student, she studied how effectively methylene blue, a medically used dye, could be encapsulated inside a cubosome nanocarrier, a tiny lipid-based particle designed to transport drugs through the body. Cristina independently analyzed data and ran wet-lab experiments to test the nanoparticle’s effectiveness and the strength of its lipid components and stabilizers. Dr. Oyola-Martínez praised her work ethic and curiosity, noting that “when she encountered a problem, she took time to read scientific papers, something that is very strange at the high school level.” He called her research report “impressive,” highlighting how she “presented the results with excellent graphs and discussed the problems encountered, offering possible recommendations based on scientific literature.” He ultimately observed in Cristina a “high potential for research.” This hands-on experience positioned her to apply the pharmaceutical and materials engineering skills she had only ever studied before. The lab gave her tools and boosted her confidence in her STEM future and ability to engineer solutions that benefit healthcare and the well-being of society.
Cristina’s interest in engineering stemmed from her participation in the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Experimenta con PREM research camp, where she had the opportunity to immerse herself in Materials Science and Engineering through the analysis of distinct polymers across different fields of application. The wide range of applications included biotechnology, nanomaterials, microfluid devices, aromatic aldehydes, 3d printing, and computer science, through which she completed four distinct research projects. Along with her participation in PREM, she completed an engineering immersion program at the UPR Rio Piedras. There, Cristina learned about the distinct paths the engineering field offers and worked on various structural engineering projects with a team of like-minded young engineers. One project even went on to win three of four of the camp’s structural health monitoring competitions. She has moreover been able to present research from these experiences to professors and peers to gain valuable feedback, which she is using to refine the work.
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Cristina is incredibly proud of her advocacy work related to speech impediments. She recognized that a common misconception in Puerto Rico was that speech impediments, like stutters, were simply matters of nervousness, insecurity, or shyness. This stigma can and often does lead to miscommunication, discrimination, and a lack of adequate and appropriate resources for supporting individuals, especially children, with their speech challenges. To address this, Cristina developed a video and public relations campaign to create awareness while participating in a camp at UPR. She spotlighted young children with stutters and helped them to tell their own stories. The campaign garnered attention from a local newspaper.
Cristina’s writing has also been recognized at the international level. This past year, she submitted a paper to the John Locke International essay contest, earning her a place among the top essayists worldwide, competing against 63,000+ other entrants. Through its mission to present never-before-argued standpoints, this competition enabled her to develop new solutions drawing on a diverse background in the humanities, exemplifying the importance of having distinct educational foundations.
Cristina maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking college-level courses. Beyond her academic and STEM excellence, she is the secretary for her chapter of the National Honor Society, a participant in Latinas in STEAM, an active member of her church, and even runs a Wedding Card Business. A true advocate not just for STEM, but also for STEAM, Cristina is an accomplished visual artist, painting realist portraits and still lifes. In 2025, she exhibited her work in the Capitol. She plans to study chemical engineering and has applied to the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and Columbia University.
High School: Escuela Especializada Central de Artes Visuales
Hometown: Carolina, PR
Cristina Isabel Garcia is proudest of her participation in the development of a drug-delivery system alongside a research team at Dr. Rolando Oyola-Martínez’s Spectros lab at the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao. Working in an undergraduate laboratory as a high school student, she studied how effectively methylene blue, a medically used dye, could be encapsulated inside a cubosome nanocarrier, a tiny lipid-based particle designed to transport drugs through the body. Cristina independently analyzed data and ran wet-lab experiments to test the nanoparticle’s effectiveness and the strength of its lipid components and stabilizers. Dr. Oyola-Martínez praised her work ethic and curiosity, noting that “when she encountered a problem, she took time to read scientific papers, something that is very strange at the high school level.” He called her research report “impressive,” highlighting how she “presented the results with excellent graphs and discussed the problems encountered, offering possible recommendations based on scientific literature.” He ultimately observed in Cristina a “high potential for research.” This hands-on experience positioned her to apply the pharmaceutical and materials engineering skills she had only ever studied before. The lab gave her tools and boosted her confidence in her STEM future and ability to engineer solutions that benefit healthcare and the well-being of society.
Cristina’s interest in engineering stemmed from her participation in the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Experimenta con PREM research camp, where she had the opportunity to immerse herself in Materials Science and Engineering through the analysis of distinct polymers across different fields of application. The wide range of applications included biotechnology, nanomaterials, microfluid devices, aromatic aldehydes, 3d printing, and computer science, through which she completed four distinct research projects. Along with her participation in PREM, she completed an engineering immersion program at the UPR Rio Piedras. There, Cristina learned about the distinct paths the engineering field offers and worked on various structural engineering projects with a team of like-minded young engineers. One project even went on to win three of four of the camp’s structural health monitoring competitions. She has moreover been able to present research from these experiences to professors and peers to gain valuable feedback, which she is using to refine the work.
In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Cristina is incredibly proud of her advocacy work related to speech impediments. She recognized that a common misconception in Puerto Rico was that speech impediments, like stutters, were simply matters of nervousness, insecurity, or shyness. This stigma can and often does lead to miscommunication, discrimination, and a lack of adequate and appropriate resources for supporting individuals, especially children, with their speech challenges. To address this, Cristina developed a video and public relations campaign to create awareness while participating in a camp at UPR. She spotlighted young children with stutters and helped them to tell their own stories. The campaign garnered attention from a local newspaper.
Cristina’s writing has also been recognized at the international level. This past year, she submitted a paper to the John Locke International essay contest, earning her a place among the top essayists worldwide, competing against 63,000+ other entrants. Through its mission to present never-before-argued standpoints, this competition enabled her to develop new solutions drawing on a diverse background in the humanities, exemplifying the importance of having distinct educational foundations.
Cristina maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking college-level courses. Beyond her academic and STEM excellence, she is the secretary for her chapter of the National Honor Society, a participant in Latinas in STEAM, an active member of her church, and even runs a Wedding Card Business. A true advocate not just for STEM, but also for STEAM, Cristina is an accomplished visual artist, painting realist portraits and still lifes. In 2025, she exhibited her work in the Capitol. She plans to study chemical engineering and has applied to the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and Columbia University.
SILVER - Kaleo Ian Fleming
Major: Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business
High School: Punahou School
Hometown: Kailua, HI
Kaleo Fleming started 2025 off by designing an electric go-kart from scratch, by himself, using CAD. Once he and his team began to start the project, Kaleo took on a leadership role, challenging and motivating his teammates. For him, engineering is not just an academic pursuit but an activity that seeps into his personal life. His back patio is now a small workshop, where he and a friend are building their second e-go-kart. This time, they are adding a full roll cage, stronger brakes, and a more powerful motor. “We’re only halfway done,” he shared, “but every step, cutting metal, revising CAD files, and fixing the mistakes we didn’t expect, reminds me why I love engineering.”
Over four years in the Engineering program at his school, Kaleo has built a full portfolio of hands-on projects, including a Formula-1 RC-car and his Senior Capstone, a vermicompost focused on sustainability. These projects taught him how to take an idea from conception to testing, and how to redesign when things do not go as planned. His portfolio was later showcased to faculty, and he earned the Engineering Excellence Award.
Kaleo’s perseverance in engineering comes from his move from Brazil to Hawai’i, which taught him how to adapt quickly. As a result, he expanded his interests into various activities, which have all influenced how he approaches engineering. As Student Body President, Kaleo learned to communicate clearly and lead large groups. Designing spreads for the Oahuan Yearbook taught him precision and attention to detail. Track, cross-country, and coaching younger athletes taught him discipline, patience, and how to motivate a team. “All these experiences: building, leading, failing, and trying again, have shaped my commitment to engineering and made me excited for what I’ll build next,” Kaleo said. “Sports became my way forward. Whether in track or cross-country, I learned to push through discomfort and keep going even when I felt out-of-place. That persistence carried over into engineering, where problems rarely work the first time and solutions often come from staying patient and trying again.”
“Kaleo is not only an excellent and intellectually capable student, but also a humble, creative, and engaging young man whose presence inspires those around him,” Cindy Murillo Fonseca, his junior year Spanish IV Honors teacher, shared in her recommendation letter. “He has the maturity, curiosity, and drive to excel in a rigorous college environment and to make meaningful contributions to society. I am certain that he will thrive academically and personally wherever he goes next.”
Kaleo maintains a 3.88 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement and honors-level courses. He is a recipient of the Dolores Furtado Martin Merit Scholarship, selected to receive full tuition for two years in a row. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, Kaleo has been the Punahou Student Body President for two years, the Oahuan Yearbook Editor, a varsity track sprinter and varsity cross country runner, and an employee at the Pa’ia Fish Market Restaurant. He is a volunteer at Ikaika Waterman Academy, where he has given over 250 hours coaching kids in paddling, ocean safety, and basic water skills.
Kaleo plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in business and has applied to the University of Michigan, the University of Southern California, and Yale University.
High School: Punahou School
Hometown: Kailua, HI
Kaleo Fleming started 2025 off by designing an electric go-kart from scratch, by himself, using CAD. Once he and his team began to start the project, Kaleo took on a leadership role, challenging and motivating his teammates. For him, engineering is not just an academic pursuit but an activity that seeps into his personal life. His back patio is now a small workshop, where he and a friend are building their second e-go-kart. This time, they are adding a full roll cage, stronger brakes, and a more powerful motor. “We’re only halfway done,” he shared, “but every step, cutting metal, revising CAD files, and fixing the mistakes we didn’t expect, reminds me why I love engineering.”
Over four years in the Engineering program at his school, Kaleo has built a full portfolio of hands-on projects, including a Formula-1 RC-car and his Senior Capstone, a vermicompost focused on sustainability. These projects taught him how to take an idea from conception to testing, and how to redesign when things do not go as planned. His portfolio was later showcased to faculty, and he earned the Engineering Excellence Award.
Kaleo’s perseverance in engineering comes from his move from Brazil to Hawai’i, which taught him how to adapt quickly. As a result, he expanded his interests into various activities, which have all influenced how he approaches engineering. As Student Body President, Kaleo learned to communicate clearly and lead large groups. Designing spreads for the Oahuan Yearbook taught him precision and attention to detail. Track, cross-country, and coaching younger athletes taught him discipline, patience, and how to motivate a team. “All these experiences: building, leading, failing, and trying again, have shaped my commitment to engineering and made me excited for what I’ll build next,” Kaleo said. “Sports became my way forward. Whether in track or cross-country, I learned to push through discomfort and keep going even when I felt out-of-place. That persistence carried over into engineering, where problems rarely work the first time and solutions often come from staying patient and trying again.”
“Kaleo is not only an excellent and intellectually capable student, but also a humble, creative, and engaging young man whose presence inspires those around him,” Cindy Murillo Fonseca, his junior year Spanish IV Honors teacher, shared in her recommendation letter. “He has the maturity, curiosity, and drive to excel in a rigorous college environment and to make meaningful contributions to society. I am certain that he will thrive academically and personally wherever he goes next.”
Kaleo maintains a 3.88 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement and honors-level courses. He is a recipient of the Dolores Furtado Martin Merit Scholarship, selected to receive full tuition for two years in a row. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, Kaleo has been the Punahou Student Body President for two years, the Oahuan Yearbook Editor, a varsity track sprinter and varsity cross country runner, and an employee at the Pa’ia Fish Market Restaurant. He is a volunteer at Ikaika Waterman Academy, where he has given over 250 hours coaching kids in paddling, ocean safety, and basic water skills.
Kaleo plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in business and has applied to the University of Michigan, the University of Southern California, and Yale University.
BRONZE - Estefania Lopez
Major: Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering
High School: Escuela Especializada en Ciencias Matemáticas y Tecnología
Hometown: Caguas, PR
For Estefania Lopez, engineering is more than a passion; it is also a way to break barriers and inspire others in a field dominated by male peers. After convincing her professor to create a tenth-grade robotics team, she was selected as the driver, the first female driver in her school’s history since its foundation in 2009. At her team’s first PRIOR competition, they advanced to finals and won.
“Winning wasn’t what mattered most,” Estefania shared. “It was what came after; the proud smile of my professor, the realization that perseverance could break barriers. For the rest of the season, I continued as driver and mechanic, still the only girl. But by the following year, I began to see other women step up as drivers and lead their teams with confidence. Knowing I helped open that door for others made it all worth it.”
Among Estefania’s achievements are the Excellence Award, Tournament Champion, Tournament Finalist, Sportsmanship, and Inspire Award. She has also worked as a mentor to her technology professor’s weeklong summer program “Hello Girls,” introducing middle school girls in Caguas, Puerto Rico to basic coding. “[She] possesses various strengths,” Prof. Dorimar Benjamín-Castrillo, Estefania’s computer science professor, stated in her recommendation letter. “She has also demonstrated leadership, respect for others, commitment, courageous, determined, serviceable, empathetic, responsibility, and excellent communications skills. She is also very capable working in groups and is always willing to help others.” [sic]
This past year, Estefania attended Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) for six weeks, the only Puerto Rican scholar in attendance. The young women and mentors at SAMS showed her that pursuing a career in engineering is possible. She saw how math and science could be tools for solving real-world problems in her Abstract Algebra and Biomedical Devices courses, and she developed a group project that designed a foot sole to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. In those moments, finally seeing the result of their work, Estefania felt like she was capable of something greater.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, every member of her family has a role within their unit. They all come together to create something meaningful, which has taught her the power of collaboration. This sense of connection and union influences her approach to engineering. She has learned that complex problems are best solved with the help of peers, every person bringing unique ideas and strengths to the table. Whether working with her robotics team or developing a research project, she approaches every challenge with the mindset that coordinating efforts leads to better outcomes. "Even small differences can spark innovation," she stated, "just as my family contributes to loving and helping each other."
Estefania maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement and college-level courses. In addition to her accomplishments in engineering, she is a member of the 420 Sailing - Crew team and the National Honor Society. She plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering and has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Johns Hopkins University.
High School: Escuela Especializada en Ciencias Matemáticas y Tecnología
Hometown: Caguas, PR
For Estefania Lopez, engineering is more than a passion; it is also a way to break barriers and inspire others in a field dominated by male peers. After convincing her professor to create a tenth-grade robotics team, she was selected as the driver, the first female driver in her school’s history since its foundation in 2009. At her team’s first PRIOR competition, they advanced to finals and won.
“Winning wasn’t what mattered most,” Estefania shared. “It was what came after; the proud smile of my professor, the realization that perseverance could break barriers. For the rest of the season, I continued as driver and mechanic, still the only girl. But by the following year, I began to see other women step up as drivers and lead their teams with confidence. Knowing I helped open that door for others made it all worth it.”
Among Estefania’s achievements are the Excellence Award, Tournament Champion, Tournament Finalist, Sportsmanship, and Inspire Award. She has also worked as a mentor to her technology professor’s weeklong summer program “Hello Girls,” introducing middle school girls in Caguas, Puerto Rico to basic coding. “[She] possesses various strengths,” Prof. Dorimar Benjamín-Castrillo, Estefania’s computer science professor, stated in her recommendation letter. “She has also demonstrated leadership, respect for others, commitment, courageous, determined, serviceable, empathetic, responsibility, and excellent communications skills. She is also very capable working in groups and is always willing to help others.” [sic]
This past year, Estefania attended Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) for six weeks, the only Puerto Rican scholar in attendance. The young women and mentors at SAMS showed her that pursuing a career in engineering is possible. She saw how math and science could be tools for solving real-world problems in her Abstract Algebra and Biomedical Devices courses, and she developed a group project that designed a foot sole to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. In those moments, finally seeing the result of their work, Estefania felt like she was capable of something greater.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, every member of her family has a role within their unit. They all come together to create something meaningful, which has taught her the power of collaboration. This sense of connection and union influences her approach to engineering. She has learned that complex problems are best solved with the help of peers, every person bringing unique ideas and strengths to the table. Whether working with her robotics team or developing a research project, she approaches every challenge with the mindset that coordinating efforts leads to better outcomes. "Even small differences can spark innovation," she stated, "just as my family contributes to loving and helping each other."
Estefania maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement and college-level courses. In addition to her accomplishments in engineering, she is a member of the 420 Sailing - Crew team and the National Honor Society. She plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering and has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Johns Hopkins University.
Teal Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Matthew Quintero
Major: Mechanical Engineering
High School: Caldwell Senior High School
Hometown: Caldwell, ID
Matthew Quintero’s role as the builder for his team’s robot led to hundreds of hours spent researching designs and developing methods of scoring that worked effectively for the convenience of the game, the team’s driver, and their coder. In the end, Matthew and his high school team won the State Championship and qualified for the Vex Robotics World Championship, playing alongside 800 of the best robots in the world.
Matthew’s interest in engineering started with his father, who had studied computer engineering but did not graduate. After hearing this, Matthew became interested in engineering and enrolled in Pre-Engineering at his middle school, where he learned to assemble simple components like gears. From here, he was fascinated by the mechanical aspects of engineering and enrolled in Intro to Engineering at his high school, where, after doing exceptionally well in the class, his instructor, Mr. Z, saw potential in him and encouraged him to enroll in his Competitive Robotics class/club. Over the course of two and a half years in Competitive Robotics, Matthew helped his team bring home 11 awards, including a state championship and a state design award, which qualified them to compete in Worlds in Dallas. Aside from being the team’s builder, he also took on a leadership role, ensuring his teammates stayed on track and helping younger students who were new to robotics.
While Matthew dedicates time to helping his peers, he also mentors middle school students for Academic Bowl as the assistant coach, helping them study and prepare for their competitions. In his community, he has found a downtrend in enrollment in STEM-related classes and activities, and a lack of student interest in pursuing this field. As a member of the Senior Robotics Team at his high school, and having completed the entire engineering pathway, Matthew presents to students and parents at STEM nights held at middle and elementary schools around the city. He has also participated in his school’s SkillsUSA program, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, and has coached and judged science fairs.
Matthew’s community engagement does not stop with the STEM field but also extends to being a pantry worker at the Salvation Army and a chair for the treasury committee in his high school’s National Honor Society, where the main goal is to give back to the community by going to events and participating in community services. “All of these experiences are ones that I hold dear to my heart because when I help the people of my community, I feel like I am helping make a difference for the better and contributing to the common good,” Matthew shared. “I also feel better about myself, and I truly believe that if more people volunteered, communities around the world would be better off.”
“He demonstrates a willingness to solve problems, persevere, manage and complete projects on his own time, help others, and push himself whenever possible,” Matthew’s former high school engineering teacher, Dennis Zattiero, stated in his recommendation letter. “I have also seen Matthew help others in class, volunteer in our school, and perform public service in our town. As an adult, I believe he will give back to his country and community.”
A 2025 AP Scholar Award recipient, Matthew maintains a 3.94 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement courses. He plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University.
High School: Caldwell Senior High School
Hometown: Caldwell, ID
Matthew Quintero’s role as the builder for his team’s robot led to hundreds of hours spent researching designs and developing methods of scoring that worked effectively for the convenience of the game, the team’s driver, and their coder. In the end, Matthew and his high school team won the State Championship and qualified for the Vex Robotics World Championship, playing alongside 800 of the best robots in the world.
Matthew’s interest in engineering started with his father, who had studied computer engineering but did not graduate. After hearing this, Matthew became interested in engineering and enrolled in Pre-Engineering at his middle school, where he learned to assemble simple components like gears. From here, he was fascinated by the mechanical aspects of engineering and enrolled in Intro to Engineering at his high school, where, after doing exceptionally well in the class, his instructor, Mr. Z, saw potential in him and encouraged him to enroll in his Competitive Robotics class/club. Over the course of two and a half years in Competitive Robotics, Matthew helped his team bring home 11 awards, including a state championship and a state design award, which qualified them to compete in Worlds in Dallas. Aside from being the team’s builder, he also took on a leadership role, ensuring his teammates stayed on track and helping younger students who were new to robotics.
While Matthew dedicates time to helping his peers, he also mentors middle school students for Academic Bowl as the assistant coach, helping them study and prepare for their competitions. In his community, he has found a downtrend in enrollment in STEM-related classes and activities, and a lack of student interest in pursuing this field. As a member of the Senior Robotics Team at his high school, and having completed the entire engineering pathway, Matthew presents to students and parents at STEM nights held at middle and elementary schools around the city. He has also participated in his school’s SkillsUSA program, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, and has coached and judged science fairs.
Matthew’s community engagement does not stop with the STEM field but also extends to being a pantry worker at the Salvation Army and a chair for the treasury committee in his high school’s National Honor Society, where the main goal is to give back to the community by going to events and participating in community services. “All of these experiences are ones that I hold dear to my heart because when I help the people of my community, I feel like I am helping make a difference for the better and contributing to the common good,” Matthew shared. “I also feel better about myself, and I truly believe that if more people volunteered, communities around the world would be better off.”
“He demonstrates a willingness to solve problems, persevere, manage and complete projects on his own time, help others, and push himself whenever possible,” Matthew’s former high school engineering teacher, Dennis Zattiero, stated in his recommendation letter. “I have also seen Matthew help others in class, volunteer in our school, and perform public service in our town. As an adult, I believe he will give back to his country and community.”
A 2025 AP Scholar Award recipient, Matthew maintains a 3.94 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement courses. He plans to study mechanical engineering and has applied to the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University.
SILVER - David Saenz Barragan
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Materials Engineering
High School: Capital High School
Hometown: Olympia, WA
During his sophomore year of high school, David Saenz Barragan’s robot made it to the FIRST Robotics World Championship. Holding the mechanical lead position on his FRC team, he gained experience designing, prototyping, and manufacturing the robot with a small group of around ten students. This led to performing well at local competitions, making the semifinals at regionals, and landing in the world championships, where David and his team competed alongside some of the best teams in the world.
Learning from others motivates David when it comes to engineering, and recently, he participated in a program run by the Washington Aerospace Scholars at the Seattle Museum of Flight. From November to March, he worked through a rigorous curriculum from the University of Washington, learning about air and space vehicles and the history behind them. His involvement in this program led to his invitation to their weeklong summer residency. During this residency, David was placed alongside about 50 students to develop a plan for a future Mars mission. He worked alongside professionals in the aerospace field at companies such as Blue Origin, NASA, and Boeing Phantom Works. David toured facilities such as Blue Origin and Boeing; the content from these tours, paired with the curriculum from before the residency, allowed him to research in depth the Sabatier process and other fundamental resources required for life, including how oxygen and power would be generated for this mission.
Feeling that access to information regarding higher-level education is hard to find and often inaccurate in his community, David has dedicated time to helping others gain access to it. He works as a STEM tutor for mathematics, physics, and chemistry at his community college. Working at the college’s STEM center, he also assists students with class registration or community college paperwork. In seeking to make STEM more accessible to others, David has helped direct and manage several Girls Gen events that introduced middle school girls to STEM through a weeklong after-school workshop. During these workshops, the students learned to program a LEGO EV3 with block coding and learned to use machine shop equipment to construct a small box. Additionally, he worked with a small group to create a weeklong summer camp dedicated to introducing STEM to elementary and middle schoolers. The camp was successful and has become an annual event, attracting more volunteers and students each year. David has also volunteered for FIRST Robotics, serving in the audiovisual department at the 2024 FRC PNW championships, managing cameras for games, and being one of only two student volunteers.
David maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while being a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he is involved in the Latin Heritage Club and DECA, and he is on the tennis team. He plans to study aerospace engineering with a minor in materials engineering and has applied to the University of Washington, Florida Polytechnic University, and the Colorado School of Mines.
High School: Capital High School
Hometown: Olympia, WA
During his sophomore year of high school, David Saenz Barragan’s robot made it to the FIRST Robotics World Championship. Holding the mechanical lead position on his FRC team, he gained experience designing, prototyping, and manufacturing the robot with a small group of around ten students. This led to performing well at local competitions, making the semifinals at regionals, and landing in the world championships, where David and his team competed alongside some of the best teams in the world.
Learning from others motivates David when it comes to engineering, and recently, he participated in a program run by the Washington Aerospace Scholars at the Seattle Museum of Flight. From November to March, he worked through a rigorous curriculum from the University of Washington, learning about air and space vehicles and the history behind them. His involvement in this program led to his invitation to their weeklong summer residency. During this residency, David was placed alongside about 50 students to develop a plan for a future Mars mission. He worked alongside professionals in the aerospace field at companies such as Blue Origin, NASA, and Boeing Phantom Works. David toured facilities such as Blue Origin and Boeing; the content from these tours, paired with the curriculum from before the residency, allowed him to research in depth the Sabatier process and other fundamental resources required for life, including how oxygen and power would be generated for this mission.
Feeling that access to information regarding higher-level education is hard to find and often inaccurate in his community, David has dedicated time to helping others gain access to it. He works as a STEM tutor for mathematics, physics, and chemistry at his community college. Working at the college’s STEM center, he also assists students with class registration or community college paperwork. In seeking to make STEM more accessible to others, David has helped direct and manage several Girls Gen events that introduced middle school girls to STEM through a weeklong after-school workshop. During these workshops, the students learned to program a LEGO EV3 with block coding and learned to use machine shop equipment to construct a small box. Additionally, he worked with a small group to create a weeklong summer camp dedicated to introducing STEM to elementary and middle schoolers. The camp was successful and has become an annual event, attracting more volunteers and students each year. David has also volunteered for FIRST Robotics, serving in the audiovisual department at the 2024 FRC PNW championships, managing cameras for games, and being one of only two student volunteers.
David maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while being a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he is involved in the Latin Heritage Club and DECA, and he is on the tennis team. He plans to study aerospace engineering with a minor in materials engineering and has applied to the University of Washington, Florida Polytechnic University, and the Colorado School of Mines.
BRONZE - Tristan Enjuto
Major: Aerospace Engineering
High School: Lincoln High School
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Tristan Enjuto's passion for engineering has led him to seek out real-world experience, most notably securing an internship at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) this past summer. He had the opportunity to work alongside Wichita State University students and senior engineers at NIAR. His internship began with researching composite material qualification through FAA guidance materials before transitioning to hands-on laboratory work in support of several NIAR projects on composite materials and structures. His tasks included preparing composite structures for autoclave curing using resin infusion and hand lay-up methods, working on specialized tooling for composite curing, and post-curing operations.
Dr. Waruna Seneviratne, Director of the Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) at NIAR, interviewed Tristan and recommended his acceptance into the program. “Tristan demonstrated work ethic, professionalism, diligence in his work, eagerness to learn, independent learning skills, and ability to clearly communicate with and learn from senior engineers,” Dr. Seneviratne wrote in his recommendation letter. “His performance during the internship was impressive by itself and even more considering his recent major knee surgery.”
Tristan’s parents are aerospace engineers and have inspired his interest in engineering, exposing him to aerospace concepts and materials from a young age. They supported his interests and encouraged him to pursue a college-level engineering course offered by the University of Washington’s Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS). During WAS, he was tasked with many self-guided lessons, labs, and research papers.
In his high school's aerospace program, Tristan learned about airfoils through an improvised wind tunnel test, built his own glider using a laser cutter, and 3D-printed his own rocket design. These hands-on experiences taught him about the research and development process, while the more flexible structure of WAS allowed him to pursue topics that truly interested him. His parents, both aerospace engineers, have instilled in him two guiding principles. Learn from your mistakes, and give your all no matter what. He has made countless mistakes in aerospace, but each one has refined his engineering approach. He values learning from educators with diverse backgrounds, believing it leads to stronger problem-solving. "Engineering thrives on creativity," he stated, "and creativity thrives when different perspectives come together."
Having experienced academic struggles in subjects such as English and science throughout elementary and middle school, Tristan was inspired to help others when he reached high school. Understanding how intimidating it can be to reach out for help, he eagerly joined his school's tutoring program. Throughout his time as a tutor at his school’s Before and After School Help (BASH) program, he has helped his peers with their classwork. Additionally, he has extended his assistance to his school's middle school program, working with students from Hamilton Middle School, which has allowed him to serve as a role model and show them that learning is empowering.
Tristan maintains a 3.96 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement courses and was a 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he received the 2024 Leadership Award from Global Leadership Adventures, is a volunteer tutor, a member of Club Soccer at the Emerald City Football Club (ECFC), and an assistant coach for ECFC. He plans to study aerospace engineering and has applied to Saint Louis University, Madrid, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
High School: Lincoln High School
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Tristan Enjuto's passion for engineering has led him to seek out real-world experience, most notably securing an internship at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) this past summer. He had the opportunity to work alongside Wichita State University students and senior engineers at NIAR. His internship began with researching composite material qualification through FAA guidance materials before transitioning to hands-on laboratory work in support of several NIAR projects on composite materials and structures. His tasks included preparing composite structures for autoclave curing using resin infusion and hand lay-up methods, working on specialized tooling for composite curing, and post-curing operations.
Dr. Waruna Seneviratne, Director of the Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) at NIAR, interviewed Tristan and recommended his acceptance into the program. “Tristan demonstrated work ethic, professionalism, diligence in his work, eagerness to learn, independent learning skills, and ability to clearly communicate with and learn from senior engineers,” Dr. Seneviratne wrote in his recommendation letter. “His performance during the internship was impressive by itself and even more considering his recent major knee surgery.”
Tristan’s parents are aerospace engineers and have inspired his interest in engineering, exposing him to aerospace concepts and materials from a young age. They supported his interests and encouraged him to pursue a college-level engineering course offered by the University of Washington’s Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS). During WAS, he was tasked with many self-guided lessons, labs, and research papers.
In his high school's aerospace program, Tristan learned about airfoils through an improvised wind tunnel test, built his own glider using a laser cutter, and 3D-printed his own rocket design. These hands-on experiences taught him about the research and development process, while the more flexible structure of WAS allowed him to pursue topics that truly interested him. His parents, both aerospace engineers, have instilled in him two guiding principles. Learn from your mistakes, and give your all no matter what. He has made countless mistakes in aerospace, but each one has refined his engineering approach. He values learning from educators with diverse backgrounds, believing it leads to stronger problem-solving. "Engineering thrives on creativity," he stated, "and creativity thrives when different perspectives come together."
Having experienced academic struggles in subjects such as English and science throughout elementary and middle school, Tristan was inspired to help others when he reached high school. Understanding how intimidating it can be to reach out for help, he eagerly joined his school's tutoring program. Throughout his time as a tutor at his school’s Before and After School Help (BASH) program, he has helped his peers with their classwork. Additionally, he has extended his assistance to his school's middle school program, working with students from Hamilton Middle School, which has allowed him to serve as a role model and show them that learning is empowering.
Tristan maintains a 3.96 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement courses and was a 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he received the 2024 Leadership Award from Global Leadership Adventures, is a volunteer tutor, a member of Club Soccer at the Emerald City Football Club (ECFC), and an assistant coach for ECFC. He plans to study aerospace engineering and has applied to Saint Louis University, Madrid, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Yellow Region
GOLD
Massimo Mansueto
College: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics
High School: St Joseph High School
Hometown: Linden, NJ
Zip Code: 007036
Hispanic Heritage: Argentine
“Do you know what this is?” Massimo Mansueto’s father used to ask him while teaching him the ins and outs of different tools and electronics they’d have at his house. It was through these moments where Massimo’s love for engineering started, and where he began to dream about what was possible for his future.
As he grew, Massimo discovered Youtube and now cites the platform as being integral to discovering his favorite engineering speciality—aerospace. “[I spent] hours learning facts about new aircrafts and their history,” he says. This sparked his interest into a particular area of physics that’s quintessential to aerospace engineering. Soon, Massimo’s pastime activity turned into adding extra classes, like AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, to his schedule. Seeking counsel from his professor, this class fueled his excitement for college where he hopes to start a career in aerospace engineering.
As a proud Argentine, he recognizes that not all Latinx/Hispanic youth have the opportunity to attend college, and believes college prep classes and mentorship programs are necessary to stop this disparity. Inspired by his grandmother, who often spent her time at local food pantries and kitchens, Massimo was motivated to join the Saint Joseph High’s Falcon and Friends program. As a senior, he now leads the program, which focuses on ways to create connection and opportunity for children with disabilities.
As the captain of his school’s robotics club, one of his proudest achievements was seeing his team’s FRC robot perform well during its first competition. “I was anxious because the CAD software (Fusion 360) user interface was intimidating and I only knew the basics of this software for a few months, “ he recalls. But through determination and self-study, he took this uncertainty and transformed it into something both him and his team could be proud of.
Determined to see the robotics program continue to thrive, Massimo worked relentlessly with his school administration in hopes of creating a drone club at his school. After countless emails and donations from friends, he was able to start the club to further his and his peer’s interest in aviation. Now, co-leading the group, they’ve become an integral part of the school, collaborating with the sports program and the social media team to take photography and videography at games. The club also furthers the development of engineering-minded students at the school through education-based meetings and research. This includes studying and learning about different drone variants like FPV drones and quadcopters, as well as showcasing the features and characteristics of the club’s two DJI drones.
In the fall, he hopes to continue his studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Purdue University.
Massimo Mansueto
College: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics
High School: St Joseph High School
Hometown: Linden, NJ
Zip Code: 007036
Hispanic Heritage: Argentine
“Do you know what this is?” Massimo Mansueto’s father used to ask him while teaching him the ins and outs of different tools and electronics they’d have at his house. It was through these moments where Massimo’s love for engineering started, and where he began to dream about what was possible for his future.
As he grew, Massimo discovered Youtube and now cites the platform as being integral to discovering his favorite engineering speciality—aerospace. “[I spent] hours learning facts about new aircrafts and their history,” he says. This sparked his interest into a particular area of physics that’s quintessential to aerospace engineering. Soon, Massimo’s pastime activity turned into adding extra classes, like AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, to his schedule. Seeking counsel from his professor, this class fueled his excitement for college where he hopes to start a career in aerospace engineering.
As a proud Argentine, he recognizes that not all Latinx/Hispanic youth have the opportunity to attend college, and believes college prep classes and mentorship programs are necessary to stop this disparity. Inspired by his grandmother, who often spent her time at local food pantries and kitchens, Massimo was motivated to join the Saint Joseph High’s Falcon and Friends program. As a senior, he now leads the program, which focuses on ways to create connection and opportunity for children with disabilities.
As the captain of his school’s robotics club, one of his proudest achievements was seeing his team’s FRC robot perform well during its first competition. “I was anxious because the CAD software (Fusion 360) user interface was intimidating and I only knew the basics of this software for a few months, “ he recalls. But through determination and self-study, he took this uncertainty and transformed it into something both him and his team could be proud of.
Determined to see the robotics program continue to thrive, Massimo worked relentlessly with his school administration in hopes of creating a drone club at his school. After countless emails and donations from friends, he was able to start the club to further his and his peer’s interest in aviation. Now, co-leading the group, they’ve become an integral part of the school, collaborating with the sports program and the social media team to take photography and videography at games. The club also furthers the development of engineering-minded students at the school through education-based meetings and research. This includes studying and learning about different drone variants like FPV drones and quadcopters, as well as showcasing the features and characteristics of the club’s two DJI drones.
In the fall, he hopes to continue his studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Purdue University.
GOLD - Andres De La Cruz
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Santa Teresa High School
Hometown: Santa Teresa, NM
Andres De La Cruz led his high school team in 2023’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge, winning the state engineering/computer science competition, placing top ten in the nation, and having the opportunity to represent New Mexico by presenting their invention to Samsung board members in Washington D.C. Their invention: “Living Lumbre,” a portable solar-powered heating mattress designed to prevent deaths from hypothermia among the homeless and migrant population along the US-Mexico Border near Andres’s home in Southern New Mexico. Since his start entering science competitions in kindergarten, he has led successful teams in local (ESTEMos Unidos), state (Governors STEM Challenge), and national (Samsung Solve for Tomorrow) competitions.
Andres was selected to participate in New Mexico State University’s STEM Mavericks Camp this past summer. In this two-week course for high school students, he designed and built a self-stabilization device that could be used to improve the guidance systems of aircraft, missiles, and tomorrow’s self-driving vehicles. Andres presented his device to New Mexico State University engineering faculty during the camp’s Final Showcase Exhibition. This experience allowed him to expand his computer programming skills by learning Linux and Python, and to strengthen his understanding of engineering principles and how programming affects machines.
Andres’s interest in engineering began with his father, who earned a degree in civil engineering after his service in the Marines. He developed a great passion for STEM, creativity, and exploration, leading him to participate in a variety of clubs, including MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Art/Architecture), the Computer Science Honors Society, and SkillsUSA. In the latter club, Andres’s team built a temperature-differential electricity generator that produced energy from the heat difference between two surfaces. “Seeing our generator work was an incredible experience,” he shared. “[I]t showed me how creative thinking and science could lead to sustainable solutions.”
Andres has also been inspired by his mother to give back to his community. His mother is the creator and director of the grassroots community-led project “Mamacítas Cibernéticas of Southern Doña Ana County,” established in 2022, to offer free digital literacy classes to Spanish-speaking senior residents at the City of Sunland Park Senior Citizen Center and Housing Authority. He has volunteered during the summer months, assisting the instructors. Andres, along with four other students, plans to document the program for his computer graphics/video editing class, interviewing senior learners, volunteer instructors, and key city staff. The completed video will be posted on various websites, including Santa Teresa High School, Borderplex Connect, and the City of Sunland Park.
Andres maintains a 3.9 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement and dual-enrollment courses. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he is a member of his school’s Student Council, a Library/Audio Visual Aide, and an Athletic Event Assistant. He plans to study aerospace engineering with a minor in computer science and has applied to New Mexico State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Colorado School of Mines.
High School: Santa Teresa High School
Hometown: Santa Teresa, NM
Andres De La Cruz led his high school team in 2023’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge, winning the state engineering/computer science competition, placing top ten in the nation, and having the opportunity to represent New Mexico by presenting their invention to Samsung board members in Washington D.C. Their invention: “Living Lumbre,” a portable solar-powered heating mattress designed to prevent deaths from hypothermia among the homeless and migrant population along the US-Mexico Border near Andres’s home in Southern New Mexico. Since his start entering science competitions in kindergarten, he has led successful teams in local (ESTEMos Unidos), state (Governors STEM Challenge), and national (Samsung Solve for Tomorrow) competitions.
Andres was selected to participate in New Mexico State University’s STEM Mavericks Camp this past summer. In this two-week course for high school students, he designed and built a self-stabilization device that could be used to improve the guidance systems of aircraft, missiles, and tomorrow’s self-driving vehicles. Andres presented his device to New Mexico State University engineering faculty during the camp’s Final Showcase Exhibition. This experience allowed him to expand his computer programming skills by learning Linux and Python, and to strengthen his understanding of engineering principles and how programming affects machines.
Andres’s interest in engineering began with his father, who earned a degree in civil engineering after his service in the Marines. He developed a great passion for STEM, creativity, and exploration, leading him to participate in a variety of clubs, including MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Art/Architecture), the Computer Science Honors Society, and SkillsUSA. In the latter club, Andres’s team built a temperature-differential electricity generator that produced energy from the heat difference between two surfaces. “Seeing our generator work was an incredible experience,” he shared. “[I]t showed me how creative thinking and science could lead to sustainable solutions.”
Andres has also been inspired by his mother to give back to his community. His mother is the creator and director of the grassroots community-led project “Mamacítas Cibernéticas of Southern Doña Ana County,” established in 2022, to offer free digital literacy classes to Spanish-speaking senior residents at the City of Sunland Park Senior Citizen Center and Housing Authority. He has volunteered during the summer months, assisting the instructors. Andres, along with four other students, plans to document the program for his computer graphics/video editing class, interviewing senior learners, volunteer instructors, and key city staff. The completed video will be posted on various websites, including Santa Teresa High School, Borderplex Connect, and the City of Sunland Park.
Andres maintains a 3.9 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement and dual-enrollment courses. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he is a member of his school’s Student Council, a Library/Audio Visual Aide, and an Athletic Event Assistant. He plans to study aerospace engineering with a minor in computer science and has applied to New Mexico State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Colorado School of Mines.
SILVER - Sarah Lazaritt
Major: Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Spanish
High School: Desert Vista High School
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
For the past seven years, Sarah Lazaritt has competed in VEX Robotics at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In these competitions, she and her teams have qualified for the World Championship six times. In May, Sarah and her team competed at the World Championship in Dallas and were awarded the Innovate Award. This award is presented to the team with the most innovative approach to a problem; her team’s innovation was their autonomous routine and the way they implemented distance sensors.
A major component of the competition is for teams to document their entire engineering design process and have it reviewed by judges. Sarah collaborated with a teammate to redesign the format and layout of the engineering notebook, ensuring it could be as detailed as possible. She and her team won several regional, state, and World Championship awards for their engineering notebook, which had grown to 400 pages by the end of the season. Between 2024 and 2025, Sarah has won the VEX Robotics World Championship Innovate Award, the VEX Robotics State Championship Innovate Award, the VEX Robotics Design Award, the VEX Robotics Excellence Award, and is a VEX Robotics Tournament Champion.
Sarah is committed to growing as an engineer and helping others do the same. She completed an internship at Honeywell, where she applied her problem-solving skills in real-world settings and gained valuable professional experience that strengthened her academic goals. As President of her high school's Robotics Club, she demonstrates remarkable leadership in guiding her peers through complex problem-solving and design challenges. Instead of competing in this year's VEX Robotics competition, she is mentoring three of her high school's teams. These teams have attended their first competition, with one team winning the Innovate Award. "I am proud of the fact that I have been able to lead not only my own team to success but also guide other teams to their own success," she shared.
Aside from assisting students interested in engineering, Sarah has dedicated her time to various community service organizations since middle school. She worked as a student tutor in her high school’s Summer Education Academy and, since her sophomore year, has been a member of her high school’s Peer Tutoring Organization. Through tutoring, she has seen how important it is to dedicate time to community and service, particularly through her experience working with one algebra student. “[A]s I was walking to my car, I got a text message from [my student] stating that she got her first A on a math test,” Sarah remembered. “I was elated when I read this since not only was she doing well in her class now, but she was able to realize her true potential after a little guidance.”
Sarah maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement courses and was awarded the 2025 AP Scholar Award. In addition to her accomplishments in engineering, she is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, and Link Crew. She plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in Spanish and has applied to Arizona State University, the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Berkeley.
High School: Desert Vista High School
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
For the past seven years, Sarah Lazaritt has competed in VEX Robotics at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In these competitions, she and her teams have qualified for the World Championship six times. In May, Sarah and her team competed at the World Championship in Dallas and were awarded the Innovate Award. This award is presented to the team with the most innovative approach to a problem; her team’s innovation was their autonomous routine and the way they implemented distance sensors.
A major component of the competition is for teams to document their entire engineering design process and have it reviewed by judges. Sarah collaborated with a teammate to redesign the format and layout of the engineering notebook, ensuring it could be as detailed as possible. She and her team won several regional, state, and World Championship awards for their engineering notebook, which had grown to 400 pages by the end of the season. Between 2024 and 2025, Sarah has won the VEX Robotics World Championship Innovate Award, the VEX Robotics State Championship Innovate Award, the VEX Robotics Design Award, the VEX Robotics Excellence Award, and is a VEX Robotics Tournament Champion.
Sarah is committed to growing as an engineer and helping others do the same. She completed an internship at Honeywell, where she applied her problem-solving skills in real-world settings and gained valuable professional experience that strengthened her academic goals. As President of her high school's Robotics Club, she demonstrates remarkable leadership in guiding her peers through complex problem-solving and design challenges. Instead of competing in this year's VEX Robotics competition, she is mentoring three of her high school's teams. These teams have attended their first competition, with one team winning the Innovate Award. "I am proud of the fact that I have been able to lead not only my own team to success but also guide other teams to their own success," she shared.
Aside from assisting students interested in engineering, Sarah has dedicated her time to various community service organizations since middle school. She worked as a student tutor in her high school’s Summer Education Academy and, since her sophomore year, has been a member of her high school’s Peer Tutoring Organization. Through tutoring, she has seen how important it is to dedicate time to community and service, particularly through her experience working with one algebra student. “[A]s I was walking to my car, I got a text message from [my student] stating that she got her first A on a math test,” Sarah remembered. “I was elated when I read this since not only was she doing well in her class now, but she was able to realize her true potential after a little guidance.”
Sarah maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement courses and was awarded the 2025 AP Scholar Award. In addition to her accomplishments in engineering, she is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, and Link Crew. She plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in Spanish and has applied to Arizona State University, the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Berkeley.
BRONZE - Andrew Procter
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: East Mountain High School
Hometown: Tijeras, NM
Andrew Procter participated in the 2025 Governor’s STEM Challenge, the only engineer in his team of four. Andrew and his team’s plan was “Alert,” a pair of glasses that would scan a driver’s brainwaves to detect sleep patterns and combat drowsy driving, meeting the challenge’s theme of transportation. He soldered hundreds of electrical connections and worked with over 2000 lines of code. Despite his team winning the competition, Andrew is most proud of what he learned while working on Alert, an experience that has changed how he views engineering.
For Andrew, engineering is not about simply completing tasks and getting good grades. It is a field that solves problems, invites creativity, and allows him to always learn something new. Frustrated with how engineering is taught in public schools, he pitched an idea in his junior year of high school: teach a group of fourth graders how to build a cookie-baking robot over a semester. With this idea, EMHS STEM Outreach was established, and Andrew traveled to San Antonito Elementary School weekly to teach students, or, as he stated, “re-[teach] the magic of engineering.” STEM Outreach will be continuing this year with new students and teachers.
Andrew’s interest in engineering has allowed him to experiment in his other classes, such as building light-up, environmentally responsive comb jelly models and gyroscopically stabilized bird statues for art assignments. In his clubs, he has built robots that can dance the cupid shuffle and autonomous forest navigation rovers. “For each of these projects, I make a conscious decision to acknowledge the normal limitations of the assignment, then scale them up to something I found interesting,” he shared. Andrew has been awarded 5th place in the 2025 State VEX Robotics Competition and won the 2025 VEX Robotics Sportsmanship Award. He also garnered the New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge Selection in 2024 and 2025.
Andrew is inspired by his grandparents, who run a construction company out of their home in Albuquerque. His grandfather employs recovering addicts, immigrants, and sometimes strangers on street corners, trying to offer help and support within their community. New Mexico, with the nickname “Land of Entrapment,” suffers from generational poverty. “Engineering is a field that solves problems,” Andrew said. “Spanish has two words for knowing: Saber and Conocer. Saber means to know information, conocer means to know something intimately and experientially. My grandparents’ courage to understand and solve a problem is why I care about engineering: solving problems. When our educators in engineering understand (conocer) the marginalized problems facing our world, they inspire a generation to solve them and put out the fire instead of running from it.”
Andrew maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking honors and college-level courses. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he participates in Speech and Debate and was a 2025 US Extemporaneous Speaking New Mexico State Champion, as well as a three-time National NSDA Tournament Competitor in 2023. He is also on the cross country team.
Andrew plans to study electrical engineering with a minor in computer science and has applied to the University of New Mexico, Northern Arizona University, and New Mexico Tech.
High School: East Mountain High School
Hometown: Tijeras, NM
Andrew Procter participated in the 2025 Governor’s STEM Challenge, the only engineer in his team of four. Andrew and his team’s plan was “Alert,” a pair of glasses that would scan a driver’s brainwaves to detect sleep patterns and combat drowsy driving, meeting the challenge’s theme of transportation. He soldered hundreds of electrical connections and worked with over 2000 lines of code. Despite his team winning the competition, Andrew is most proud of what he learned while working on Alert, an experience that has changed how he views engineering.
For Andrew, engineering is not about simply completing tasks and getting good grades. It is a field that solves problems, invites creativity, and allows him to always learn something new. Frustrated with how engineering is taught in public schools, he pitched an idea in his junior year of high school: teach a group of fourth graders how to build a cookie-baking robot over a semester. With this idea, EMHS STEM Outreach was established, and Andrew traveled to San Antonito Elementary School weekly to teach students, or, as he stated, “re-[teach] the magic of engineering.” STEM Outreach will be continuing this year with new students and teachers.
Andrew’s interest in engineering has allowed him to experiment in his other classes, such as building light-up, environmentally responsive comb jelly models and gyroscopically stabilized bird statues for art assignments. In his clubs, he has built robots that can dance the cupid shuffle and autonomous forest navigation rovers. “For each of these projects, I make a conscious decision to acknowledge the normal limitations of the assignment, then scale them up to something I found interesting,” he shared. Andrew has been awarded 5th place in the 2025 State VEX Robotics Competition and won the 2025 VEX Robotics Sportsmanship Award. He also garnered the New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge Selection in 2024 and 2025.
Andrew is inspired by his grandparents, who run a construction company out of their home in Albuquerque. His grandfather employs recovering addicts, immigrants, and sometimes strangers on street corners, trying to offer help and support within their community. New Mexico, with the nickname “Land of Entrapment,” suffers from generational poverty. “Engineering is a field that solves problems,” Andrew said. “Spanish has two words for knowing: Saber and Conocer. Saber means to know information, conocer means to know something intimately and experientially. My grandparents’ courage to understand and solve a problem is why I care about engineering: solving problems. When our educators in engineering understand (conocer) the marginalized problems facing our world, they inspire a generation to solve them and put out the fire instead of running from it.”
Andrew maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking honors and college-level courses. In addition to his accomplishments in engineering, he participates in Speech and Debate and was a 2025 US Extemporaneous Speaking New Mexico State Champion, as well as a three-time National NSDA Tournament Competitor in 2023. He is also on the cross country team.
Andrew plans to study electrical engineering with a minor in computer science and has applied to the University of New Mexico, Northern Arizona University, and New Mexico Tech.