Student Highlights

Brandyn Nutter graduated with an AA in Environmental Science from Indian River State College before transferring to Florida Atlantic University to pursue a BS in Environmental Engineering. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and is now a first-year graduate student pursuing the new PhD in Transportation and Environmental Engineering from the department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering. He is currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Masoud Jahandar Lashaki and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Dr. Peng Yi’s Environmental Science and Engineering class In his free time, Brandyn enjoys playing video games, tabletop games, reading, cooking, and watching Star Trek or visiting art galleries with his wife, Katherine. Brandyn’s research interests include air quality control, carbon capture and sequestration, climate change, and biogas production and treatment. Brandyn has a passion for finding knowledge and for solving problems. His dream job is to work for NASA designing environmental systems for crew modules and potentially for future permanent habitations in space. He hopes to at least contribute to the research that will lead to such innovations.

Kayla Tapscott: My name is Kayla Tapscott, I started at Florida Atlantic University in Fall 2018 and graduated in May 2022. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and graduated Summa Cum Laude. My interests are in the field of transportation. I worked for early 2 withs with Michael Baker International doing airport design work under the tutelage for John Neff, an FAU civil engineering alum. For my senior design team, I led my group's redesign of the southern half of SW 4th Ave. The concept desired by the City was to 4 lane the road. My group developed a full traffic simulation of the roadway, developed solutions for dealing the school traffic and engineered new intersections. Our design was provided the City and its consultants who seemed very happy with the results. People liked the before and after simulation we developed from the plan sets. While at FAU I was a member of ASCE, on the executive board of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and participated in many intramural sports. I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and am now a certified Engineer in Training. I am currently working as a highway engineering associate at RS&H back in my home town of Orlando, FL. One a the thing I like to do most is travel - I go anywhere I can whenever time allows.
 

In May 2022, I graduated from FAU, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geomatics Engineering. In my junior year at FAU, I was accepted into the joint Bachelor of Science/Master of Science degree program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. My graduate studies are in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Transportation and Geomatics Engineering. I am expecting to graduate with my Master of Science Degree in August 2023. Currently I am working on a research project at FAU building a portable sensing system using visible, infrared and Lidar sensors. My academic achievements include Presidents List and Deans List at FAU. My senior year I was awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and the Faculty Award for Outstanding Academic Leadership from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering. I am a member of Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society) and Phi Kappa Phi (National Honor Society). ​Currently I am the President, for a 2nd term, of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society (FSMS) FAU Student Chapter. As president I have been working hard to increase awareness and enrollment of the FSMS student chapter on campus. Since my senior year, I have been working at WGI, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida as a Geospatial Intern. I am looking forward to a career in the field of Geomatics Engineering and/or real estate development and planning. I am particularly interested in GIS, Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry. I hope to do research in the development of new technologies in Geomatics and possibly teach at the university level.

Meet Ayush Gowda, a bright Florida Atlantic engineer whose journey is as inspiring as it is impressive. From a young age, Ayush loved figuring out how things worked. This curiosity led him to dive into engineering clubs during middle and high school, where he didn't just participate—he led.One standout moment was when Ayush led a team to create a renewable energy device for a competition. Their invention won first place, showing not just his skills, but his ability to bring people together. Ayush's passion for engineering extends beyond accolades. His research focuses on using optical flow to help detect and avoid objects in the real world, using only a single 2D camera as input. This innovative work showcases his dedication to finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

Not stopping there, Ayush is also a Double Major in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, demonstrating his diverse interests and commitment to expanding his knowledge base. In recognition of his exceptional work, Ayush was awarded the prestigious title of 2024 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year. This accolade highlights his outstanding contributions to the field of engineering and underscores his potential for future success.

Set to graduate in December 2024, Ayush is poised to make a significant impact in the field of engineering. His combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and innovative thinking sets him apart as a true trailblazer in the making.

To other students interested in engineering, Ayush's advice is simple: keep asking questions and learn from your mistakes.

In Ayush Gowda, we see a student who embodies the spirit of engineering, a passion for learning, a drive for innovation, and a belief in the power of curiosity. As he continues his journey, Ayush inspires us all to reach for the stars in our own pursuits.

Annabella Victoria Zamora, a dedicated Computer Engineering student at Florida Atlantic University is a shining example of leadership and passion in the field of engineering. Since joining Florida Atlantic in 2019, Annabella has immersed herself in the world of robotics, automation, and mechatronics, finding her true calling in these innovative fields. Her journey has been marked by numerous achievements and experiences, including her role as President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) during the 2022-2023 academic year.In this capacity, Annabella utilized her platform to inspire and support fellow Latino students to pursue careers in STEM, leveraging her network of connections to provide opportunities for underrepresented minorities in the field.

Annabella's commitment to diversity was further highlighted by her selection as a female student representative at the grand opening of the WIECS Center, where she had the honor of cutting the ribbon—an achievement that symbolizes her dedication to breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female engineers.

One of Annabella's most notable engineering experiences was her internship at Boston Scientific Corporation, secured after attending the SHPE National Conference in 2022. As a Control System Engineering Intern, she played a pivotal role in deploying and maintaining robotic arms on the production floor, demonstrating her technical expertise and innovation in the field. Her success at Boston Scientific led to an offer to return for another summer—an opportunity she eagerly anticipates.

Annabella's motivation to pursue a career in engineering stems from her supportive family and her early exposure to STEM through programs like SECME and school electives. She credits her upbringing for instilling in her a sense of curiosity, open-mindedness, and passion for innovation—an ethos that continues to drive her forward in her academic and professional endeavors. Reflecting on her engineering experiences, Annabella emphasizes the importance of professional development and involvement in university activities. Through internships, leadership roles, and extracurricular projects, she has honed her skills, broadened her horizons, and forged valuable connections that will serve her well in her future career.

For aspiring engineers, Annabella offers words of wisdom: embrace the highs and lows of the engineering journey, seek out supportive communities like SHPE, and actively engage in opportunities to expand your skills and network. By showing up, standing out, and taking on leadership roles, students can unlock their full potential and make a meaningful impact in the world of engineering. Annabella Victoria Zamora's story is one of resilience, leadership, and dedication to diversity, inspiring future generations to follow their hearts and pursue their passions in engineering and beyond.

Sadie Shank, a graduating senior at Florida Atlantic is a remarkable student with a diverse range of talents and experiences that have shaped her journey in engineering. Since beginning her academic journey at Florida Atlantic in 2018 at the age of 14 as a dual-enrolled student, Sadie has demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for problem-solving and innovation. Pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science alongside a B.A. in History, a minor in Mathematics, a Data Science Certificate, and an Undergraduate Research Certificate, Sadie embodies the interdisciplinary spirit of modern engineering. Throughout her time at Florida Atlantic, Sadie has been deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. She found her passion for computer science through her experiences in middle school programming, which led her to delve into web development before discovering her true calling in computational problem-solving. Embracing the challenges of her field, Sadie particularly enjoys designing 3D models and graphical user interfaces, showcasing her creativity and technical skills. Sadie's dedication to her field was further exemplified through her internship with the Department of Defense, where she worked on real-world missions, applying her expertise in C# programming and gaining invaluable insights into the practical applications of her knowledge. Her internship not only honed her technical skills but also fostered essential qualities such as time management, communication, and leadership. Looking towards the future, Sadie sees her engineering experiences as instrumental in achieving her aspirations. Beyond the technical skills she has acquired, Sadie emphasizes the importance of problem-solving abilities cultivated through her engineering education, which she believes will be invaluable in any career path she chooses to pursue. For aspiring engineering students, Sadie offers sage advice based on her own journey. She encourages them to actively engage with student clubs, leverage available resources, and seek out internship opportunities early on to gain real-world experience. She emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community within their field and seizing scholarship opportunities to support their academic pursuits. Sadie Shank's story is one of perseverance, passion, and innovation. As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, her dedication to engineering serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference in the world through the power of technology and innovation.
 

My name is Emily Chamberlain, I am originally from Orlando, FL and moved to the area when I was 15. I have always had a passion for engineering and knew when I was around 14 that I wanted to go into an engineering field, as new technologies and developments never ceased to excite me and I have always hoped to one day play a role in bringing those new ideas and developments into reality as an engineer. In the Fall of 2019, I began my collegiate journey at Florida Atlantic University after graduating high school. I decided to major in Computer Science during my undergrad as I had a strong interest in programming and learning all of the numerous things one can achieve, and solve, with code. Then, in Spring 2021, the college announced the availability of a new minor program in Artificial Intelligence, I enrolled in that minor as soon as I became aware of it because I had always had an interest in the potential that Artificial Intelligence has to transform, and improve, our way of life. A few semesters later, in Fall 2021, I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Computer Science with the minor in Artificial Intelligence. Nearing graduation, I became interested in learning more about hardware/electrical engineering concepts, and am currently pursuing a masters in Computer Engineering with a minor in Artificial Intelligence as well as completing the prerequisites for a second masters in Electrical Engineering. I am also currently involved in many different organizations on campus such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE), Women in Engineering and Computer Science (WIE/CS), and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
 

Natasha started as a freshman, majoring in the Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering (BSEE) program in the summer of 2019. Natasha is motivated, driven, and determined to succeed. She was part of our SOAR in 4 Scholars program. The program requires that students complete their bachelor’s degree within four years. Natasha completed her degree in a little over three years. Natasha is one of those students who not only came to see me for advising once per semester, but she would often come to our office and visit with me and the other advisors just to say hello and to let us know the exciting engineering things she was doing. She was one of those students who always wanted to plan ahead. She would request to meet with me in advance, to ask about what classes she should take in the upcoming semesters. Natasha also has a heart to serve others. She has frequently volunteered to help our college with many different events, like open houses, new student orientation, and helping us as a tour guide, etc. Her help was very much appreciated and needed. She was an active member of Women in Engineering and has helped many new students get acclimated to FAU. Natasha has a passion to be an engineer. There is no doubt in my mind that she will make our world a better place in the near future with her skillsets, knowledge, and kindness. She is unstoppable we are proud to have been able to guide her and to know her.
 

Nicki Russo is a senior at FAU pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with hopes to graduate by Spring of 2024. She is the current Internal Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers. With her passion for helping people, she plans to work overseas to help normalize clean water in third world countries in hope to make the world a better place for all.

Victor Zauder: My name is Victor Zauder, I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Florida in 2017. For most of my life I thought I wanted to be a doctor, then I took AP Physics in high school and now I'm doing my fourth year in Mechanical Engineering at FAU. I am also the current president of the Jewish Owls RSO on campus ("wait you are Jewish? But I thought you were Brazilian?" Yes, there are jews in Brazil), but I have been involved in other clubs in the past, such as BRASA and STEM Entrepreneurship.