Meet a Husker: Noha Algahimi
Chemical Engineering Major
“UNL has an incredibly welcoming and diverse STEM community, especially within the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, so during my time here I’ve been fortunate enough to feel like I belong.”
Read Noha's Story
Read Noha's Story
Q&A with Andrea Paola Arguelles
Ph.D. 2016, Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, UNL
Assistant Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanic, Penn State University
Assistant Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanic, Penn State University
"My heritage is an integral part of my identity. I did not realize how much until I left my home country [Venezuela] to pursue higher education in the U.S. The biggest lesson I carry with me from my Hispanic upbringing is the importance of family."
Read Andrea's Story
Read Andrea's Story
Q&A with Shannon Bartelt-Hunt
Donald R. Voelte, Jr. and Nancy A. Keegan Chair of Engineering and Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
“I think engineering is a wonderful career. The most important attributes for being an engineer are being creative, a good communicator and being curious. It's not important to be at the top of your math and science classes. Be inquisitive and ask a lot of questions about how and why things work!”
Read Shannon's Story
Read Shannon's Story
Read Kelly's Story
Senior, Biological Systems Engineering
“It’s important for teams to include all the voices present at the table, and notice if someone isn’t sitting down at the table or is left standing out in the hallway.”
Read Kelly's Story
Read Kelly's Story
Read Seth's Story
Junior, Biological Systems Engineering
“Whether it be through my classes, the McNair scholars program, my research positions, being a TA, or through ASUN I try to ensure that I pull from my background to understand problems that people like me may face in and out of the classroom to ensure that others feel more welcome at UNL.”
Read Seth's Story
Read Seth's Story
Q&A with Brittany Duncan
Associate Professor, School of Computing
“Any student wanting to pursue computing or engineering as a career should know that they belong.”
Read Brittany's Story
Read Brittany's Story
Q&A with Alisa Gilmore
Associate Professor of Practice, Electrical and Computer Engineering
“Take advantage of the Complete Engineer competencies. These will serve you well throughout life. It is no longer viable for engineers to be one-dimensional technicians. Become well rounded so that you can address the complex issues of the present and future with social insight, inclusiveness, and effectiveness.”
Read Alisa's Story
Read Alisa's Story
Read Sydney's Story
Graduate student in Civil Engineering / B.S. in Civil Engineering from UNL, 2019
“One piece of advice I would give anyone considering or pursuing a career in engineering would be, why not you? You belong here. No one shows up to the first day of Calculus as a pro at deriving and integrating. The skills required for an engineering career take practice, determination, and grit. Every engineering student has had that moment when they thought it was too hard. Don’t quit, you belong here.”
Read Sydney's Story
Read Sydney's Story
Q&A with Courtney Keiser
Graduate Research Assistant, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Ph.D., Materials Engineering
“Find a group of people that will support you professionally and personally. You are not on this journey alone, and these people will be your reminder that you are smart and capable of anything put in your way.”
Read Courtney's Story
Read Courtney's Story
Q&A with Sadie Khalil
Student, Civil Engineering
“I am proud to be apart of the Multicultural Engineering Program where I get to interact with other diverse engineering students that have the same aspirations that I do.”
Read Sadie's Story
Read Sadie's Story
Read Xuan's Story
Student: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
“Cultural celebration fosters respect and open-mindedness. It is important to celebrate my heritage because I get to commemorate the events and traditions that have made me who I am today. Celebrating heritage doesn’t need to be huge; it can be as little as enjoying a home cooked meal with your family or dressing up in your traditional clothes.”
Read Xuan's Story
Read Xuan's Story
Meet a Husker: Yajaira Lopez-Villa
Academic Advisor
“I hope that during this month and the other heritage months folks take time to learn more about other cultures and attend different events and celebrate with their peers how beautiful diversity is.”
Meet Yajaira
Meet Yajaira
Read Yongfeng's Story
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
“From my own heritage and the different cultures I experienced in the four countries I have lived, I learned the importance and value of the diversity. Cultures and religions are cultivated through thousands of years by millions or billions of people. Through respect and mutual understanding, we can build strong bonds with colleagues and collaborators.”
Read Yongfeng's Story
Read Yongfeng's Story
Meet a Husker: Alexis Martinez
Student, Civil Engineering Major
“As an underrepresented group in the engineering field, I am blessed to lead and work with many amazing people on a daily basis. I hope to see more minority groups be represented in engineering in the future.”
Meet Alexis
Meet Alexis
Read Sidney's Story
Student, Civil Engineering
“Pride to me is about uplifting the people around you. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I learned one of the most powerful things you can do for other people is to support them unconditionally.”
Read Sidney's Story
Read Sidney's Story
Q&A with Sussan Moussavi
PhD Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering
“I try to constantly promote women in engineering by attending different events like "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" and the "Women in Science Conference." My mom (an Environmental Engineer) continues to serve as a great role model for me, and I strive to do the same for other women in the field.”
Read Sussan's Story
Read Sussan's Story
Q&A with Dr. Francisco Munoz-Arriola
Associate Professor, Hydroinformatics and Predictive Analytics, Department of Biological Systems Engineering /
Associate Professor, Integrated Hydroclimate and Geospatial Analytics, School of Natural Resources
Associate Professor, Integrated Hydroclimate and Geospatial Analytics, School of Natural Resources
"In my lab, as in the classroom, I create a welcoming environment that extols the virtues of diversity, inclusiveness, and equity as a means to civic and intellectual advancement."
Read Francisco's Story
Read Francisco's Story
Q&A with Noelle Atieno Mware
Graduate student, Civil and Environmental Engineering
“Remember, if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go with others. In this marathon (not a sprint) having a sense of support from like-minded individuals is beneficial to your success. Also, being open to other perspectives is vital for growth. Always stick to your values and stand up for yourself and others.”
Read Noelle's Story
Read Noelle's Story
Read oSTEM @ Nebraska’s Story
Ryan Olsen, Vice President, oSTEM
“Pride is incredibly important to our oSTEM chapter. We believe in the power of coming together and showing support for all people, regardless of their identity.”
Learn More About oSTEM
Learn More About oSTEM
Q&A with Stephanie Perez
Civil Engineering major, College of Engineering
"I have always held the belief that my heritage is what keeps me, and my family grounded and allows us to have a unique outlook on life that we otherwise would not have."
Read Stephanie's Story
Read Stephanie's Story
Q&A with Alma Ramirez-Rodgers
Senior assistant director of student development, College of Engineering
"As a first-generation female of Mexican descent, I believe I’m a living testimonial that although there may be several challenges one might face in life, these can be overcome with perseverance (or “ganas” as my dad would say)."
Read Alma's Story
Read Alma's Story
Read Emily's Story
Student: Architectural Engineering
“Celebrating one's heritage is important to my family and me because although our blood isn't the same we can still honor the people and traditions from the past. This diversity of my upbringing has allowed me a unique outlook on life and realize that people are not that different from one another.”
Read Emily's Story
Read Emily's Story
Q&A with Aspen Schoenrock-Hockersmith
Student, Biomedical & Environmental Engineering
Read Leen-Kiat's Story
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
“Be persistent and invest time and effort. Be inquisitive and ask questions. Be mindful and think about your learning and acquiring new knowledge. Be open-minded and appreciate different viewpoints. Be caring and consider the impacts of your work. Seek help if you are doubtful.”
Read Leen-Kiat's Story
Read Leen-Kiat's Story
Read Lily's Story
Director, Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction Charles W. and Margre H. Durham Distinguished Professor
“Beware and don't fall for the stereotypes about engineering! Working as an engineer is powerful and fulfilling. Engineers solve problems to improve people's lives, and we need more diverse perspectives to continue doing that equitably and impactfully.”
Read Lily's Story
Read Lily's Story
Q&A with Aaron Young
Undergraduate student, Architectural Engineering
“Remember to give back to the community that you have come from in order to support the aspirations of our future generations. Engage in on-campus organizations, connect with like-minded achievers, and be the student that engages with teachers on a deeper level. The work we do is hard, but it is worth it. God blesses the hand of the diligent.”
Read Aaron's Story
Read Aaron's Story
Meet a Husker: Tessa Yackley
Civil Engineering Major
“I want to show future generations that just because you look a certain way in no way determines how successful you will be, it in no way changes how much of an impact you will have on a project, and it in no way makes your ideas lesser than the majority sitting around you.”
Read Tessa's Story
Read Tessa's Story
Q&A with Courtney Young
Computer Engineering Student
“Your dreams aren’t waiting for you, so if there’s something you really want to do, do it now. No one should be more motivated than you when it comes to your dreams and what you want for your future.”
Read Courtney's Story
Read Courtney's Story