"Stepping forward I’ve engineered, explored, and created at UVM. I’ve developed a multilayer extruder for 3D printing applications and I’ve engaged in Engineers without Borders to help a Nicaraguan community irrigate their crops Scholarship support has allowed me to fulfill my passion in mechanical engineering. Now, I’m thrilled to have found an amazing job with the leading aerospace company—I have accepted a position with Boeing as a structural design engineer in Seattle. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!"

Megan knew in high school she wanted to be an engineer after hearing a lecture on tissue engineering. She later chose UVM because of the strong ties between CEMS and the Larner College of Medicine. UVM's highly ranked sailing team also helped cement her decision and in her senior year she became the team's president. She advises new students to get involved with a club or a sport to round out their university experience. William Louisos was one of her most inspiring professors. "His classes truly challenged me and led me to become a more innovative thinker," she says. In 2017 Megan is taking the next step in her career and taking on new challenges. She's enrolled in the Master of Engineering Management program at Darmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering.

Alex's Mechanical Engineering experience has diverse applications. And he's keeping his career options wide open, maybe hybrid-electric vehicle power-train systems, space or nuclear technology. He is also interested in Burlington's artisanal food culture. His CEMS professors have inspired him to explore varied opportunities. "Dr. William Louisos has helped me make a ton of interdisciplinary connections through his insanely thought-provoking lectures. Professor Yves Dubief highlighted the importance of Computer Science in engineering. Both started at the fundamental level explaining the underlying phenomena, then built upon the concepts until we could solve real-world problems. Neither coddled their students," he says. Alex, assistant outreach coordinator for the UVM Society of Women Engineers student chapter, appreciates the friendliness of CEMS faculty and staff. His friendly advice for incoming CEMS students is this: "Don't blow off the introductory classes, learn computer programming, be organized, talk to the professors. Ask questions and make friends in your major," he says.