Cohort Certificate Program

Cohort 13 was established during the 2024-2025 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Kaleb Amirpour

I am from West Chester, Ohio studying Games + Simulation, co-majoring in Entrepreneurship, and minoring in Computer Science. My goal is to run my own interactive/immersive media studio that uses its work to further social causes, so majoring in Games + Simulation and co-majoring in Entrepreneurship was a natural fit. I hope that my work is able to drive positive change, and it is why I challenge myself as much as I do.

I chose to join the institute as an opportunity to help prepare myself for eventually leading my own company. While my other classes equip me with the mindsets and tools required to succeed in entrepreneurship and interactive media, there is no area focusing exclusively on leadership and soft skills other than the institute. I believe that these leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and handling difficult conversations are vital to the success of my career, and will help empower me to be both a better teammate and leader.

Outside of the institute, you will often find me reading, teaching myself new skills, or practicing current ones by developing new interactive and immersive experiences, both for clients and myself.

Boyd Ensley

Hello! My name is Boyd Ensley and I am from Greencastle, Indiana. At Miami, I am pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering with a Premedical Studies Co-Major. Initially, I chose Biomedical Engineering to learn more about the complex system of the human body and how to develop the instruments that enhance it. After my first semester and some shadowing experiences, I found that I am also interested in becoming a physician. I hope to integrate my studies, to have a unique engineering approach for solving problems in the medical field.

I am honored and excited to be a part of the Lilly Leadership Institute. My biggest passion lies in people, especially the relationships I foster and the impact I leave. Originally, one of my many mentors here on campus recommended that I apply to the institute. The institute has already placed me amongst truly amazing individuals, and I can’t wait to learn about improving my leadership skills. 

On campus, I am involved in the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau, the Dean of Libraries Student Advisory Council, and the Government Relations Network. All of these organizations have helped build strong and diverse connections all across Miami.

Rachael Harff 

Hi, my name is Rachael Harff. I am from Enon, Ohio, and am majoring in Mechanical Engineering here at Miami University. I chose to study engineering because I’ve loved building and creating ever since I was little. I also enjoy thinking of creative ways to solve problems, so engineering was a good fit. So far throughout college, I’ve developed a particular interest in water systems, renewable energy, and robotics. I hope to go into one of these fields and work with water or large systems in the future.

I was interested in the Lilly Leadership Institute because of the emphasis on personal and professional development. The institute also focuses on bringing people of all backgrounds and majors together, and I believe that those differences create a unique collaborative environment. Additionally, learning how to become a better leader while staying true to myself has helped improve my confidence when it comes to professional development as a whole.

Aside from the institute, I’m also trying to become more involved in engineering-based clubs on campus. I’m hoping to gain more experience through club projects and help my community by volunteering through my residence hall’s Community Leadership Team and the Society of Women Engineers. When I’m not in class I like to draw, be outside in nature, sing, and read. I’ve always loved creating and expressing myself through art, and it helps me to balance out the subject material typical of an engineering course load. 

Reese Hausman

Hello, I’m Reese Hausman from Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, located about an hour north of Philadelphia. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Games + Simulation with a minor in Studio Art. I have always had a passion for art and was curious about how that field could overlap with technology. It wasn’t until I experimented with Python code in high school that I realized I wanted to work in the games industry.
When I learned about the Lilly Leadership Institute, I was immediately drawn to the intensive workshops and classes. Developing strong professional skills is crucial for the transition into a career after college. Even still in school, the Institute has granted me the opportunity to meet and work with a great group of intelligent, driven people!

When not working in the Lilly Leadership Institute's Idea Kitchen, I am involved in the Scholar Leaders residential service-based community, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Honors College, and Emerging Technology Leaders. I am also a teacher’s assistant for an introductory website programming class. Outside of academics, I enjoy creating and drawing character designs. 

Andrew Horton

Hello! My name is Andrew Horton, and I am an honors student pursuing a double major in Computer Science as well as Game + Simulation for game development. I am completing degrees in these majors because they both have a large focus on coding, which I have enjoyed doing since I first started doing it in my freshman year of high school. I learned through my coding experiences in high school that completing coding problems ends up feeling a lot like puzzles to me, and it feels great when I finally find the solution that makes everything work.
I decided to enroll in the Lilly Leadership Institute for the opportunities this program will give me to further develop my soft skills that I wouldn’t learn directly in most other college classes. The Lilly Leadership Institute also gives plenty of helpful advice on how to build professional profiles and connections that greatly increase the chances of finding employment during and after college.
Outside of my academic career, I enjoy going on walks on the nature trails surrounding Miami to take breaks from my college life. I also like to spend my free time video editing as well as planning large game nights that I host with my friends every year. 

Zachary Klaassen

Hello. My name is Zachary Klaassen, and I am from West Chester, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. I am double majoring in computer science and finance at Miami University. During high school, my favorite classes were in computer science. I’ve always been fascinated by current events, particularly those in business and global markets. I am now pursuing my interests in computer science and finance to prepare me to create and track complex financial products and services.

I am honored to be a member of the Lilly Leadership Institute’s Cohort XIII. Upon learning about this opportunity, I was eager to join because I was aware that there were many elements to becoming an effective leader, and I was excited to expand those skills. I am enthusiastic about collaborating with fellow cohort members, expanding my skill set, and broadening my professional network.

In addition to my involvement with the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am an active member of Miami University’s Honors College and the service fraternity Epsilon Tau Pi. Through these organizations, I engage in community service by volunteering at local events and providing tutoring in computer science and economics. Outside of college, I have a passion for exploring the world. I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures by trying new cuisines, visiting diverse locations, and engaging with people from various backgrounds. Ideally, I’d like to work in a career that allows me to give back to those around me while exploring much of what the world offers.

Brian Mackintosh

Hello! My name is Brian Mackintosh, and I am from Macomb, MI. I am studying Computer Science here at Miami University. The reason I chose computer science was due to its ability to be used in many problems in the world. I’ve always been interested in solving problems and computer science allows me to explore this passion.
I knew that I wanted to become a member of the Lilly Leadership Institute due to its emphasis on leadership, professionalism, and the development of personal skills. I appreciate the Institute’s focus on emotional intelligence and self-improvement, as these are important skills for a good leader.

In addition to the Institute, I am involved with Epsilon Tau Pi, the Eagle Scout service fraternity, and Zeta Rho, the professional engineering fraternity. I work as an Undergraduate Teacher Assistant through the College of Engineering and Computing at Miami University. I am an avid cyclist and programmer, and I like to create mods, bike, and go camping in my free time. 

Morgan Moon

My name is Morgan Moon and I am from Berlin Heights, Ohio, a small town near Cedar Point. I am a computer science major and am pursuing a minor in management.  I chose computer science because I have a passion for solving complex problems and challenging myself. I am particularly fascinated by artificial intelligence and aspire to work in AI development in the future.

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute to further develop my professional and leadership skills.  Strong leadership is essential in driving innovation and progress, especially in the rapidly evolving field of technology. I believe in continually striving to become the best version of myself, and the institute provides a platform for me to grow as a leader and innovator in the technology field. I can refine my ability to lead diverse teams, communicate effectively, and make strategic decisions under pressure. By honing these skills, I aim to become a leader and innovator in the technology field, where I can create meaningful impact and inspire others to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

In addition to the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am actively involved in various organizations on campus. I serve as a Philanthropy and Community Service Team Lead for the Honors Student Advisory Board (HSAB), where I have helped plan events such as fundraisers and Make a Difference Day. I am also a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where I participate in outreach programs at local schools to encourage students to explore STEM fields—a cause I am passionate about.

Beyond my leadership roles, I enjoy playing intramural soccer and serving as a Resident Assistant in a residence hall. Off-campus, I coach a youth soccer team in my hometown, which has been a rewarding experience that further develops my leadership skills while allowing me to give back to my community.  If I’m not in class or at a club meeting, you can find me watching football or spending time with my friends.

Garrett Moore

Hi, my name is Garrett Moore. I am from Lake Villa, Illinois, and I am majoring in Physics, Computer Science, and Data Science/Statistics with a minor in Mathematics. Ever since I was a kid, I have always had a passion for learning, especially within the fields of science and mathematics. Therefore, my three majors and minor allow me to explore various areas within the STEM field. My passions lie within quantum computing and how emerging artificial intelligence can further the development and efficiency of the industry.

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute because I wanted to become a more well-rounded individual. I firmly believe that each and every person has their own unique qualities, and the Leadership Institute allows me to explore this idea. The ability to discover myself and my leadership capabilities was an opportunity that I was immediately drawn towards.

Outside of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am a member and current Brotherhood Chair of the Tau Delta chapter of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity here at Miami. I love being able to provide and plan social spaces for our brothers to build connections as well as the service opportunities that are provided to me through this organization. In addition, I am involved in several other clubs and activities, including Society of Physics Students, Astronomy Club, and Intramural Sports. In my free time, I enjoy everything related to sports. Whether it is playing intramurals or fantasy football, sports have always been a space for me to relieve stress and be active.  

Liam O’Grady-Walsh

Hello there! My name is Liam O'Grady-Walsh and I am from Burke Virginia which is just south of Washington D.C. I am studying Electrical Engineering with a Minor in Disability Studies. I come from a long line of military family members, which is why I plan to work in the private government engineering industry. Curiosity of unknown knowledge is what initially led me to study engineering. I owe my passion for math and science to my high school physics teacher and mentor, who recognized a potential in me that I hadn't yet discovered.

I decided to become involved in the Lilly Leadership Institute to understand myself in ways I would have never imagined. This organization also aligns with the leadership goals I have set for my future career. Some other extracurriculars I am a part of are Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity and Miami Club Baseball.

Julianne Sweet

My name is Julianne Sweet and I'm a biomedical engineering student at Miami University with a pre-medical studies co-major. I would like to pursue dental or medical school after undergrad. I chose the engineering field because I am passionate about creativity, innovation, and teamwork.

I am also an entrepreneur who designs and sells unique jewelry. My business, Sweet Jewels, started in fourth grade, and ever since I have participated in multiple craft shows. Most recently, I’ve sold my jewelry in two shops in Chardon, Ohio. I am currently working to sell my jewelry in the College Artisans Shop in Oxford. I love being creative and designing new pieces. This has inspired me to become an engineer and hopefully, one day, create a new product for others to enjoy. I aspire to design artificial organs, surgical robots, or advanced prosthetics which is why I plan to pursue medicine and biomedical engineering. These fields will allow me to apply my academic passions, math, and science.

Throughout college, I set the goal to continue to serve others, make a difference, get involved, and seize opportunities. Lily Leadership Institute provides an opportunity to strengthen interpersonal skills, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and leadership in all engineering careers. Outside of the institute, I run and stay active, tutor students in chemistry and calculus, work as a student assistant for the Honors College, and participate in the Miami side hustle club and the Chi Omega Sorority. These extracurriculars have provided me with a strong support system, lasting friendships, and have truly made the start of my Miami experience rewarding. 

Gael Tafolla

Hello! My name is Gael Tafolla, and I am from Franklin Park, IL. I’m a sophomore Physics major here at Miami. It’s always been fascinating to learn about how to numericalize events in the real world and form predictions based on what’s known. Plus, I find that physics is entertaining to use in everyday life, from something as simple as finding the ideal launch angle to throw a ball, to helping my dad out with home electronics.

I heard about the Lilly Leadership Institute through an upperclassman in Cohort XII, and I decided to apply to broaden my field of opportunities. Here, I learn about the business world and get to work on my interpersonal and leadership skills with all these amazing people.

Additionally, I’m involved in SPS (Society of Physics Students) and I currently play trumpet for Miami’s marching and pep bands. Outside of classes, I love to cook and am attempting to teach myself piano.

Ahkar Min (Eddie) Thant

Hello! My name is Ahkar Min Thant (Eddie) and I am from Mandalay, Myanmar. I am an Honors and a Presidential Fellows student. I am currently pursuing a Mechanical Engineering major with a Paper Engineering minor at Miami University. I have a passion for critical thinking and solving complex problems, which is why I chose to pursue an engineering degree. I hope to be a lifelong learner who helps solve the problems that we face in our daily lives.

I am very grateful to be part of the Lilly Leadership Institute because the institute greatly supplements my academic learning. The Institute offers me a unique opportunity to rigorously develop my professional skills. The intense multi-year nature of the program allows me to continuously work on my professional development.

Outside of the institute, I am part of Engineers Without Borders - Miami University where I calculate truss calculations, organize travel logistics, and facilitate communications between our mentor and volunteers. I am currently working on my undergraduate research project under Dr Muhammad Jahan where we study the dynamic and static stress of different lattice structures. I am also involved in RedHawks Racing where we are currently designing a Formula car. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, reading books, and playing sports. 

Matthew Valachek

Hello! My name is Matthew Valachek. I am a Computer Science and Information Technology co-major from Sylvania, OH. For as long as I can remember, I've had a knack for using computers to solve problems, whether it was programming or regular everyday use. However, it was the AP Computer Science course I took during my senior year of High School that led me to pursue Computer Science as my major. I have always enjoyed engineering, building things, and taking things apart to see how they work. I am passionate about learning more about emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity, as all of these areas have so many valuable applications in many different contexts.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Cohort 13 of the Lilly Leadership Institute. I am excited to grow in my personal, strategic, and people leadership as a part of the leadership institute and look forward to growing and enhancing my leadership style. I am truly thankful and excited to have the opportunity to learn from my peers and take advantage of the resources that the Leadership Institute has to offer. Having the opportunity to apply the technical skills I am learning in my major with the leadership and organizational skills provided by the Institute is a unique opportunity that I am excited to pursue.

Prior to my involvement with the Institute, I served as a Board Member for Leadership Toledo, Northwest Ohio’s largest leadership development nonprofit. On campus, I am involved as a Resident Assistant, where I am able to create community and help others achieve success in their academic journeys here at Miami. In my free time, I like to write, code, be outside, and am always open to learning new things.

Natalie Vela

My name is Natalie Vela. I am a Biomedical Engineering major from Waukegan, IL. I chose to study engineering because of an engineering class I took in my sophomore year of high school. This class helped me discover my strengths, weaknesses, and my passions for problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.

Growing up, I knew I wanted a career where I could help others and make a positive impact on the world. Having family members with chronic illnesses and frequently attending medical appointments myself, I became determined to contribute to advancements in the medical field. Biomedical Engineering stood out to me as the perfect way to combine my interest in healthcare with my love for innovation and technology.

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute to strengthen my leadership and communication skills. The institute has already given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader, not only in my future career but also in my community. The Lilly Leadership Institute has been an invaluable experience, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

Outside of the institute, I am an Evans Scholar, serving on the committee of New Scholars, and I am a proud member of the Lantié Student Alliance.

Lucas Williams-Heim

Hello, my name is Lucas Williams-Heim, and I am from Powell, Ohio. I am currently pursuing a Computer Science undergraduate degree at Miami University. I've always been passionate about STEM subjects, especially for the problem-solving skills they foster. Although I had never taken a computer science class before arriving at Miami, I was confident that my passion for problem-solving and a strong background in other STEM fields would make computer science the ideal choice for me. This has proven true, and since beginning my studies, my interest and passion for computer science have only deepened.

One of the most transformative decisions I’ve made at Miami was joining the Lilly Leadership Institute. I joined because I am committed to becoming the best version of myself, both as a leader and a collaborator. What impressed me most about Lilly is its dedication to providing growth opportunities for all members and cultivating a close-knit, supportive community. The Institute’s focus on personal and professional development has been pivotal, providing me with the tools to challenge myself, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections with like-minded peers.

In addition to my involvement with Lilly, I now serve as the event coordinator for the Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE) Leadership Council, where I will enjoy organizing events and connecting with my peers in the computer science community. I am also a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) at Miami, where I participate in engaging activities while expanding my knowledge of various computer science topics. I also am a big-time Green Bay Packers fan and enjoy being part of Fantasy Football at Miami.

Alex Wrobbel

My name is Alex Wrobbel and I am a Mechanical Engineering major from Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Outside of the classroom, I take an interest in music and baseball, and attending live events such as concerts and games is one of my favorite ways to connect with others.

Growing up, I always enjoyed building things out of LEGOs and had envisioned a career in engineering from a young age. Over the years, I began to foster a love for hands-on design, utilizing engineering as a way to showcase my creativity. Using problem-solving skills I was able to focus my time on seeking a future in which I can create detail-oriented solutions and provide help to those in need.

The Lilly Leadership Institute became of interest to me due to its highly professional nature. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to grow my network, fostering lasting connections along the way. In increasing my scope of connections, I hope to expand my repertoire of leadership skills. Overall, I’m excited for this opportunity to dive deeper, experiencing what leadership looks like at the professional level, and how I can apply it to my studies now.

Apart from the Leadership Institute, I’m involved in a few organizations here on campus. I’ve been heavily involved with Orientation and Transition Programs as both a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader (SOUL) and an Orientation Student Coordinator (SAM). As part of the Honors College, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Honors Student Advisory Board, where I’ve specifically helped on the Philanthropy Team. Lastly, I am a part of Cru and serve as a Community Group Leader within the organization.

Anthony Zatelli 

Hi, I am Anthony Zatelli. I am from Brecksville, Ohio and I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Finance. I want to go into the mechanical engineering field because I am very passionate about the automotive industry and want to turn my passion into a career.

I love learning new skills, which has helped me stay interested in the mechanical engineering field and opened me up to numerous opportunities. One of these opportunities was the Lilly Leadership Institute. By joining this program, I will be able to develop much better personal leadership skills as well as further my academic and professional growth. It’s also an amazing opportunity to connect with peers and professionals who already work in the industry.

Outside of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am the Vice-President of the Miami Motorsports Club and a member of the Miami University Real Estate Club. I have used time-management skills to balance a strenuous schedule, giving large time commitments to my extracurriculars while leaving enough time to complete school work and have fun.

Alex Zurkowski

Hi, my name is Alex Zurkowski. I am from Chicago, Il, and I am majoring in Engineering Management: Environmental Engineering. Ever since I was young, I watched my dad redesign and build almost everything in our house today, ranging from remodeling our garage and laying bricks in our backyard to installing new flooring in almost every room in the house. This greatly facilitated my interest in problem-solving and building things and pushed me towards engineering so that I could do the same on a much larger scale. Through Environmental Engineering, I hope to make a positive impact on the environment and work to improve energy sustainability for a better future.

I chose to apply to the Lilly Leadership Institute to learn more about leadership, develop my professionalism, and build meaningful connections. To me, being a good leader is about providing direction and constantly learning from and guiding those around you, which I hope to learn more about in the institute. I’d like to develop my professionalism because I think it is important to know how to communicate and present yourself to other professionals in your field. Lastly, I think the institute is a very good opportunity to build meaningful connections with like-minded yet very different individuals from all walks of life to gain perspective and develop teamwork skills.

Outside of the Lilly Leadership Institute and studying to be an Engineer, I am a Miami University Evans Scholar which I have been fortunate enough to become through my focus on education and years spent working as a golf caddy. I was a member of the Miami University wrestling club and attended events for Mission 34, which is a mental health awareness organization with locations at universities all over the United States. I also enjoy exercising, playing pool, golfing, being in nature, and watching movies. 

Cohort 12 was established during the 2023-2024 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Ultan Black

Hello. My name is Ultan Black, and I am a Computer Science major from Glencoe, Illinois, a suburb 40 minutes north of Chicago. I chose to pursue Computer Science at Miami University because I have always been interested in programming from a very young age. At that time, I had always been good at math and incorporated it in my hobby of programming. Eventually, I got the hang of it and would turn that hobby into my career. Now, I enjoy making small projects of my own that slowly grow my knowledge in my field. I plan to go into the Supply Chain and Logistics industries or the Cybersecurity industry after pursuing graduate school.

I chose to become involved in the Lilly Leadership Institute because I wanted to develop my soft and professional skills. It is also related to a lot of my career goals for the future. A club that I am involved in is the Miami University Rowing Club where I am a member of the Equipment Committee.

Sam Bowers

My name is Sam Bowers, and I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science here at Miami University. I am currently looking at going into software development, preferably something to do with back-end web development or database management. I have previously worked as a Teaching Assistant for Systems I, a class on C++, SQL, and computer networking.

Since I was very young, I have always been very passionate about problem-solving. I have also found that it is something I have excelled at. This combined with my passion for creating led me to pursue a career somewhere in engineering. From a young age, I also took quite a fascination with computers, and I have desired to learn more about them. Because I want to take these skills to the next level in the industry, I realized that I will need to work on my professional leadership skills. That is the main reason I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute, as it has proven to be a great resource to refine my leadership and communication skills.

Other than the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am involved on campus through my social fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, where I am our Vice President for Alumni Relations. This job entails communicating with our vast alumni network, as well as planning events such as Homecoming and our Mom’s and Dad’s weekends. This position has helped me by allowing me to apply my leadership skills. It has taught me about professional communication and event planning.

Allen Cotton

Hi, my name is Allen Cotton. I am from Portage, Michigan and I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Management. I want to go into the mechanical engineering field because I love the idea of translating my technical skills into a tangible final product.

I am always interested in learning new things, which has helped me to stay curious and motivated to explore new projects and opportunities. One of those opportunities was the Lilly Leadership Institute. Joining this program allows me to develop my personal leadership skills, in addition to furthering my academic and professional growth. It’s also a great opportunity to network with peers and professionals.

Outside of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am a member of the Miami University swim team. I’ve learned to balance my academics while also dedicating over 20 hours weekly to training and competition. I hope to translate my learning with the Lilly Leadership Institute into positive results for my team by becoming a better leader.

Akanksha Dabas

My name is Akanksha Dabas and I am from Singapore. I am a sophomore at Miami University pursuing a B.S in Computer Science. I am part of Cohort 12 of the Lilly Leadership Certificate Program. I am also the Vice-President of the Association for Computing and Machinery for Women. I have always had a keen interest in helping others and doing my part to contribute to society. I was first introduced to coding in high school. During the time of covid, we had all resorted to online learning and remote work timings. As a result, I stayed home all day and I used to sit behind my father when he was in meetings. I started actively listening to the topics he would discuss and got curious about the technical field. My brother was in college pursuing a major in computer science as well and he would often ask me to be the user of the programs he coded. All these experiences piqued my interest in the world of computers and technology. In university, I decided to take up a major in computer science to develop my knowledge on this topic. I am currently learning something new about coding programs everyday. 

I am a very sociable and active person and love to challenge myself. My greatest passion is dancing. I grew up doing various types of dance forms and challenged myself in various ways. I thoroughly enjoy playing all sports, reading books and giving back to society. I am a knowledge seeker and enjoy engaging in discussion with people about various topics. I have participated in multiple Model United Nations (MUN) Conferences ranging from local to international debates. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, trying out new food delicacies and spending time with my family.

My passions and my interests have led me to be who I am today. My father once told me to follow my heart and my mind will figure out the way. He often asks me to do that thing that sets my soul on fire and keeps me going everyday. My dream is to combine my knowledge in computer science with my interest in helping others to create solutions to modern-day issues and engage in research and intelligence to make a difference in today's world. Being part of the Lilly Leadership Institute is in line with my goals and is a step towards my dream. It provides me with the knowledge and skills for me to present myself in the real world.

Lorelei Huber

Hi, my name is Lorelei Huber, and I’m from Ottawa Hills, Ohio. I’m studying chemical engineering with a co-major in fashion design. My greatest passion is projects. I love to design everything from electrochemical biosensors, to coats made from second hand fabrics. I love bringing ideas to life. When I was five, I built a jack-in-the-box from a cottage cheese container, and was set on a path to become an engineer ever since. 

My passion to create novel therapeutics, materials, and consumer products led me to chemical engineering. Chemical engineering combines my passion for chemistry, research and material science into an incredibly versatile major. After my undergraduate studies, I plan on pursuing a graduate degree in chemical engineering, material science or pharmaceutical science. 

I was drawn to the Lilly Leadership Institute because I want to further my personal and professional development. The Lilly Leadership Institute’s focus on teamwork, interpersonal and  communication skills, and the language of business will prepare me to enter industry, and, hopefully, become a leader in my field. 

Aside from the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am on the Design Team of Miami University Fashion & Design (MUFD), where I am designing a collection to be shown at the MUFD 18th Annual Fashion Show in Spring 2024, as well as Undergraduate Research in Dr. Berberich’s Lab and the Honors College. 

Demetrius Hullum Scott

Hi, my name is Demetrius Hullum Scott and I am a Computer Science and Mathematics double major here at Miami University. I have been fascinated by computers ever since I was a kid. When I had written my first line of code in middle school, I knew even then that the art of computer programming would be my true calling. My passion for computer science would only grow from that point, as I began to delve deeper into the intricacies of the field and into the unique and interesting problems that computer science can often present.

I knew I wanted to pursue membership into the Lilly Leadership Institute because of my personal drive to inspire others with the same passion and drive that I have in my field. I enjoy seeing others excel and succeed in their pursuits in kind. Thus far, the Leadership Institute has been an amazing resource for me to develop my soft skills and leadership abilities to achieve my goals as well as prepare me for my future career. 

I have been involved in several other positions on campus, such as secretary of a photography club, being a part of the Scholar Leaders - a one-year intensive leadership development program, and a student manager at a store on campus. I also love to play and watch sports, go out on hikes, and travel the country.

Colden Kadlic

Hi! My name is Colden Kadlic, I am a Mechanical Engineering Major studying at Miami University. I am from a small town 35 minutes east of Columbus, Ohio called Granville. The reason I chose to study engineering was due to its endless opportunities for innovation and the complex problem-solving. I've always been fascinated with finding solutions and engineering allows me to explore this passion. 

Beyond the realm of engineering; I love Mixed Martial Arts (especially UFC), exploring National Parks, and going on adventures with my friends. Trying new things excites me and this is why traveling is one of my biggest hobbies. I am aiming to visit as many countries as I can before I die. 

The decision to enroll in the Lilly Leadership Institute stems from my aspiration to prepare myself and cultivate skills essential for a successful career. The institute's reputation for growing effective leaders aligns seamlessly with my goals of personal and professional growth.

Beyond academic endeavors, I am actively engaged in campus life here at Miami. I am a member of the Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity and the Delta Chi Social Fraternity. In addition to Lilly Leadership Institute, these fraternities have provided me some of the best experiences while at Miami. These extracurricular involvements complement my academic pursuits, shaping me into a well-rounded individual. I am excited for what life has in store for me!

Ainsley Lemon

Hello! My name is Ainsley Lemon. I am from Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Here at Miami University, I am majoring in Emerging Technology in Business + Design and Media and Communication with a minor in digital marketing. I have a passion for design, writing, and technology and enjoy looking for opportunities to combine my skills in a creative way. After college, I plan to pursue a career in social media marketing or UI/UX design. 

I am honored to join the Lilly Leadership Institute due to its strong emphasis on leadership and personal development in addition to assisting with the transition from college to a professional career. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet and collaborate with like-minded individuals as I develop professional skills and grow as a leader. 

Outside of the Institute, I am involved with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Miami University's Community for Creativity and Innovation (MUCCI). In addition, I am a teaching assistant for IMS 354 Intermed Interaction Design. I am excited to continue my growth in innovation and leadership as a member of Cohort XII in the Lilly Leadership Institute.

Beau Luke

Hello! My name is Michael (Beau) Luke and I am from Lebanon, OH. I am studying Chemical Engineering with a Paper Engineering minor here at Miami University. I was inspired to pursue an engineering degree after encouragement from mentors in high school who are familiar with my love of STEM subjects and hands-on learning. I have participated in undergraduate research and a process control/automation program at Miami University, both of which have solidified my love for engineering. I am passionate about improving sustainability and community involvement in my future career.

When I heard about the Lilly Leadership Institute from members of Cohort XI, I knew that it would be a great place to work on my personal and professional development skills. I appreciate that the Institute does not overlook emotional intelligence and self-improvement, since I believe that these are crucial elements of a well-rounded leader. The Institute is preparing me for emerging technologies and shifts in industry expectations so that I can become an effective leader who is prepared for new developments in the workplace.

In addition to the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am involved in the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity and Engineers Without Borders. I work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant through the College of Engineering and Computing at Miami University, as well as a Climbing Instructor at the Miami University Outdoor Pursuit Center. I am an avid musician and outdoorsman, and in my free time I enjoy producing songs, hiking and rock climbing.

Jacob Malibiran

Hi! My name is Jacob Malibiran. I am a Computer Science major from Mentor, Ohio, which is about 30 minutes from Cleveland. Some things that I enjoy doing are going to the gym, playing video games, trying new things, and hanging out with my friends. 

I chose computer science because of my fascination with technology and my curiosity to find out how computers work. Some of my initial interest in this field came from watching movies such as Iron Man, where the main character builds and develops world-changing technology and artificial intelligence, and uses it to help others. I was also inspired from growing up playing video games, such as Minecraft and Fallout, which are games that you can add modifications to in order to change the game to make it more interesting. I always thought that adding mods to the game made the experience more enjoyable, and this led me to having a curiosity and interest in learning how to program.

I was drawn to join the Lilly Leadership Institute because of my passion for self-improvement, where as part of Cohort XII, I build leadership skills and I can develop myself more professionally. As a member, I have met many people throughout the College of Engineering and Computing, engaged with guest speakers from the industry, and learned a lot about myself, others, leadership, and much more.

Danish Malik

Hello, I am from West Chester, Ohio, a suburb about 30 minutes north of Cincinnati. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering while pursuing minors in Clinical Engineering and Arabic. I aspire to design cutting-edge instrumentation aimed at advancing patient care.

Choosing to pursue a major in biomedical engineering was a deliberate decision fueled by my passion for applying academic knowledge to address tangible challenges and contribute positively to the world and its inhabitants. My aspiration is to enhance medical devices, particularly those catering to patient rehabilitation, ultimately leading to improved outcomes. This field of study empowers me to engage in critical thinking, applying learned concepts to devise solutions for the daily hardships faced by individuals. The prospect of positively impacting lives through engineering solutions is what brings me joy and fuels my enthusiasm for this profession.

The motivation behind my decision to join the Lilly Leadership Institute stems from the belief that engineering transcends mere technical expertise, demanding creativity, quick thinking, and adept collaboration. This institute, recognizing the importance of soft skills, provides a platform to cultivate effective and impactful leadership. I am eager to evolve as a leader during my tenure with the institute and anticipate applying the insights gained to advance in my career.

Since I started at Miami University in 2022, I've been actively engaged in Engineers Without Borders, dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities globally through volunteer engineering initiatives. In my involvement, I've gained invaluable insights into the importance of cultural awareness, respecting diverse perspectives, and the art of effective collaboration with individuals from various backgrounds. Currently serving as the Grant Writing Chair, I am enthusiastic about further evolving as a leader within the organization. Additionally, my participation in the Student Organization for Undergraduate Research and Career Exploration (SOURCE) has involved coordinating outreach programs and collaborating with faculty to promote research and mentorship opportunities. I anticipate witnessing the ongoing progress of these programs, providing me with collaborative experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

Shakh Mukaddaskhonov

Hello! My name is Shakhzodkhon Mukaddaskhonov, but I go by Shakh. I am currently a sophomore at Miami University, majoring in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, with a minor in Mechanical Engineering and a second program major in Business Startup Entrepreneurship. Originally from the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, I moved to the US for university.

Growing up in a medical family, I've always aspired to make a large-scale impact in healthcare. With a keen interest in future medical technologies, I realized that biomedical engineering is the perfect field for me. It's a multidisciplinary area where I can develop my medical, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills, and grow as a well-rounded individual. Before coming to the USA, I gained real-world experience in sales, business management, social media marketing, startups, and healthcare assistance. I actively network with industry specialists, investors, and company executives, as I believe my network is my net worth.

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute to further develop my leadership style and skills, anticipating future project management roles and collaborations with high-status individuals. Thanks to the program, I am reflecting more on my steps and becoming aware of my strengths and opportunities to grow.

In addition to my studies and involvement in the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am the CEO of SellBaza, a marketplace for immigrants. I am also heavily involved in undergraduate research projects in the Biomedical Engineering and Physics departments and participate in various student organizations and startup weekends. As a marketing and promotions officer at the Memory and Learning Club, which I am developing with a friend who is a champion in mnemotechnics from Poland, we aim to share our expertise in memorization tools to help students enhance their academic performance. As a gold medalist in Mnemotechnics in Uzbekistan, I am passionate about leveraging these skills for educational success."

Coen Reed

My name is Coen Reed and I am from Brookville, Ohio. Currently, I'm pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My decision to pursue engineering was heavily influenced by my experience building guitars with my dad in high school. The pivotal moment that solidified my passion for engineering came during my first internship at a paper mill. The blend of hands-on work and problem-solving captivated me, affirming my decision to pursue a career in this field.

Outside of academics, I’ve been involved with campus organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the Climbing Club. These clubs have helped me develop my leadership and networking skills and learn more about different engineering disciplines. I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute so that I could make more industry connections and further develop my leadership capabilities to better prepare myself for my transition from college into industry.

Delaney Richmond

My name is Delaney Richmond. I am from Kent, Ohio majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Clinical Engineering. I chose to get into engineering because I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of individuals within the healthcare scene, but I never wanted to go to medical school. Biomedical Engineering was a perfect medium for me because I have always had a love for the sciences and solving problems. With the addition of the Clinical Engineering minor, I can learn more about engineers being in the hospitals and being able to directly help patients.

I chose to become involved with the leadership institute because I wanted to be the best version of myself. This includes furthering my personal and professional development. This institute also works on developing soft skills that are rarely taught in engineering classrooms. Being a leader involves many skills and this institute has already taught me so much about being a better leader. A good leader can completely change the outcome of a project, and I want to focus on those important leadership skills to improve myself to be able to take charge and be confident in my leadership ability.

In addition to the leadership institute, I am also involved in Miami’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Within this club I am able to go out into the community and teach younger generations about fields in STEM. I am also involved in the Biomedical Engineering Society. I also am currently working in Miami University’s Center for Career Exploration and Success as a student assistant and absolutely love my job! When I am not doing things all around campus, you can find me reading, baking, or hanging out with friends!

Lincoln Rutter

My name is Lincoln Rutter. I am from Muncie, Indiana, and am majoring in Computer Science here at Miami University. Beyond my major, I am interested in watching films and reading literature, as I find that they are able to provide new perspectives on life. 

Growing up, I spent a lot of my time using computers, and recognized the value that they bring to society. I was always interested in math and science during school, it was after taking a computer science class in high school that I realized I wanted to study it in my future education. In my career, I hope to leverage my knowledge of computers to innovate. 

I decided to join the Lilly Leadership Institute since it would allow me to learn things I would not ordinarily learn from my classes and get a fuller education for my future career. Additionally, it would also help me to transfer the technical abilities I learned in my courses to industry, enabling me to become a successful and meaningful contributor to society. 

Cody Schafer

Hi! My name is Cody Schafer, and I am a Computer Science major originally from Sylvania, Ohio. Growing up, I was involved with the First LEGO League (FLL) robotics competition that jump-started my love for engineering and computer science. I have always enjoyed taking things apart to figure out how they work -- most of the time I can put them back together! I love exploring new technologies impacting the cybersecurity industry as information security becomes an increasingly vital asset.

I decided to apply to the Lilly Leadership Institute to grow my leadership and communication skills. Through the resources available at the Leadership Institute, I have been provided the opportunity to better understand my leadership style and the leader I aspire to be. I am excited to see how my style will develop as I learn more from this program and my peers.

Additionally, I am a member of the student-run venture capital fund, RedHawk Ventures, where we analyze and invest in alumni-owned startups. Off-campus, I am a mentor for my hometown First Robotics Competition (FRC) team where I teach students how to code robots in Java. When I’m not in the Idea Kitchen or at organizational meetings, I can be found uptown getting a coffee with my friends. I enjoy teaching and aspire to start my own STEM center focused on technology exploration and education.

Zach Schwab

Hi! My name is Zach Schwab, and I am from West Chester, Ohio. I am majoring in Computer Science. I have always loved computers and video games since I was a kid, and after taking programming classes in high school, I knew that I wanted to major in Computer Science to improve my coding skills and do that for my career. My goal is to be able to make products that will help people in their lives and that I can be proud of. I am also an Eagle Scout, which has provided me with plenty of experience working with other people as well as leading events and groups of people.

The reason I chose to join the Lilly Leadership Institute was to make myself a more rounded out individual and be better prepared for the business world. I have gained plenty of technical skills through my classes at Miami, but I did not have the soft skills that would help me in my career. I joined so I could stand out from other Computer Science students by learning these soft skills and to learn how to be a better leader.

Eliot Seifrit

Hi, I am a sophomore computer science major from Louisville Kentucky.  The processes of computers and technology have always interested me since high school where I began to take some coding classes. This interest along with many older people I know telling me that computer science is the way to go, ultimately led me to choose this major. 

After a year of computer science classes, I realized that they were probably not going to teach the communication skills and leadership skills that I believe are necessary to be hyper successful in the industry. I knew that I needed to improve my people skills, and the Lilly Leadership Institute is a perfect way to do so. I think that surrounding myself with peers who are like minded and are in a similar situation as me is critical to my professional development.  

Outside of schoolwork, I am a starting player on a varsity esports team on campus. I enjoy the competitive nature of esports, and leading a team.  Another activity I really enjoy outside of school is becoming stronger physically and maintaining a strong body.  I believe that a strong body allows you to have a strong mind, so I regularly test myself physically to keep myself at the top of my game. 

Sam Skinner

I'm Samuel Skinner, and I'm currently a sophomore at Miami University with a major in Software Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering. I have a wide breadth of interests ranging from linguistics and physics to abstract mathematics. I enjoy engaging in various types of work; however, I settled on engineering in college mostly because it's a stable field with a myriad of different, extremely interesting jobs that I can pursue.

As of now, I've completed two internships at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, focusing on simulation development for two different internal departments, one for each summer. During both summers, I, along with a team of other interns and full-time engineers, collaborated to create simulations tailored specifically for a particular application that the internal customer required. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and have another internship lined up for next year, this time in a different department!

Additionally, I am currently interested in computer graphics and GPGPU computation. In pursuit of this interest, I have been creating my own renderer with the goal of producing real-time global illumination for relatively high-resolution, voxelized scenes.

Tommy Sullivan

My name is Tommy Sullivan and I am currently a sophomore finance major from River Forest, IL, a suburb outside of Chicago. I love being outdoors, and I love trying a wide variety of activities while outdoors. I am a huge enthusiast of hunting and hiking and playing various sports. I love trying and learning new things. 

A passion that developed inside of my passion for the outdoors is learning the story of how something works and the necessary foundation of how something succeeds. A large reason I chose to be a finance major was because of this love for understanding and identifying the 

core of something's success which led to a love for the understanding of the economy. In addition to this I love meeting new people and forming relationships with them.

The Lilly Leadership Institute has been an excellent opportunity for me to continue to pursue new things and find friends outside of the business school! Most importantly, the Lilly Leadership Institute intrigued me as a place where I can understand the process of what leads to my personal growth and how I determine what that is.

Outside of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am involved as the Vice President of New Scholar Education at the Evans Scholarship house and as a brother in the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. The Chick Evans Scholarship is a scholarship I received through caddying that is currently allowing me to attend university. I will forever be grateful for the philanthropic efforts that have allowed me to be where I am today and am ambitiously determined to repay the favor to others.

Nick Vandegriff

Hi! I am a sophomore student at Miami University studying Computer Science and I am from Canal Winchester, Ohio. Tech has piqued my interest ever since middle school and by high school I knew I wanted to be in the technical field. I started with taking Cyber Security courses in a technical high school which sparked my interest in programming. I really enjoy solving problems/puzzles so this field is perfect for me.

I realized that along with technical skills, it is important to also develop good communication and soft skills to succeed in any industry. This led me to applying to the Lilly Leadership Institute with the intention of improving my communication skills that will allow me to collaborate with people of all different backgrounds in my future career.

Outside of the classroom, I’m most likely found at the Rec Center. I believe in maintaining a healthy balance between academics and personal interests, and the Rec Center provides the perfect outlet for me to unwind and recharge. I’m also not that bad of a chess player - I find the game very entertaining, as unforgiving as it may be.

Megan Walston

My name is Megan Walston and I am from Olmsted Falls, Ohio, a small suburb outside of Cleveland. I am studying both Robotics Engineering and Spanish here at Miami. When I was younger, I always enjoyed my math and science classes more, but it wasn’t until I watched a video of a hyper realistic robotic dolphin, Delle the Dolphin, that I decided I wanted to go into robotics. Since deciding my major, I have loved that it challenges me in a variety of different areas and I would love to find a career as an Imagineer someday. 

I had heard a lot about the Leadership Institute through the members of Cohort XI, and I chose to apply for a variety of reasons, but overall to broaden my perspective on how leadership and engineering work together. My education has allowed me to develop the technical skills I will need to be successful in my career, but the Lilly Leadership Institute will help me develop my interpersonal skills in order to grow myself professionally.

Outside of the institute, I am the current Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers and I absolutely love being able to provide a space where girls and women in engineering can come together to be able to grow themselves with a strong support system. I am also an active member of Paws for A Cause, Miami’s service dog training organization, as well as IEEE Eta Kappa Nu. Outside of school, I have been an equestrian for over 14 years and own my own Morgan horse named Gus.

Cohort 11 was established during the 2022-2023 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Zach Copenhaver 

My name is Zach Copenhaver and I am a Computer Engineering major from Cincinnati, Ohio. I never really knew what I wanted to do and changed my mind multiple times. I only really decided on engineering in the middle of high school. I have always been good at math and science, preferring technical subjects over humanities or sports. I was introduced to programming in high school and decided that I wanted to pursue coding as a career. I also wanted to get involved more on the hardware side of computing, so I decided to major in Computer Engineering.

Growing up, I have been rather reserved, unsure of myself, and afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. I was inspired to join the Lilly Leadership Institute as a chance to improve myself. I wanted to learn the kinds of interpersonal and soft skills that I had been lacking and set myself apart from other engineering students. I saw it as a chance to leap out of my comfort zone, gain confidence, and grow as a person.

Other than the Institute, I have gotten involved in research with some of my professors on campus. Both of these things have helped me learn a lot about myself and how I can improve myself in the future.

Alex Coulombe

Hello! I am from Westfield, Indiana and I study Biomedical Engineering here at Miami while pursuing minors in Clinical Engineering and Spanish. I hope to work in a clinical environment closely with a hospital or company developing instrumentation to be used to enhance patient care. I have always had an interest in making other people’s lives better and with the human body being the world’s most complex machine, it piqued my interest and so I was drawn to the medical side of engineering.

I chose to apply to the Leadership Institute in order to develop my soft skills and figure out what it really means to be a leader in industry. Even so far the institute has taught me much about true inspirational leadership, and how I can apply that not only now, but in my future careers as well in order to provide more value to the world when I leave this university. The Lilly Leadership Institute has given me a non-traditional opportunity like no other, to engage with members of companies out in the world that are doing great things, to self-reflect and learn about who I am, and it has given me an outlet to discover how I best work with others.

When I’m not in classes you can find me at the climbing wall, reading a good book out in nature, or perhaps even up on stage where I perform improv comedy. I like to entertain people and jump at the opportunity for some public speaking, and I also have developed a program teaching students and faculty here at Miami leadership and team skills through improvisation.

Michelle Ebu

I am Michelle Ebu, from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and currently pursuing a Biomedical Engineering major with a minor in Neuroscience. From a young age, I've been driven by a profound desire to make a lasting impact in the healthcare field. Initially, my path seemed destined for a career as a medical doctor, but as I embarked on my college journey, the notion of becoming a biomedical engineer began to take shape.

My conviction that I could excel in engineering was fueled by an unwavering passion for mathematics and other related subjects. What ignited this passion even more, however, was the realization of the incredible potential for innovation within the healthcare sector as a Biomedical Engineer. Among my many aspirations, a prominent one is to work with well-established industries in the field of neurology.

As Vince Lombardi once said, "Great leaders are not born, they are made." This belief underscores my motivation to become a leader. Leadership entails challenging and inspiring others, effectively communicating ideas, and fostering accountability. Joining the institute is my commitment to honing these leadership skills. I'm enthusiastic, open to new approaches, and eager to explore fresh concepts of effective leadership. The prospect of self-discovery and learning how to lead others efficiently truly excites me; I view it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My ultimate goal is to lead companies in the future, and I firmly believe in the necessity of being well-prepared.

While our engineering classes equip us with valuable technical skills, their true value emerges when we can effectively communicate and impart those skills to our peers and co-workers. The skills I anticipate acquiring through the institute are, in my view, indispensable.

Beyond the institute, I serve as the Vice President of the Nigerian Students Association, hold the position of Secretary at Oxwee, take on the role of a HAWKS Peer Health Educator, proudly represent my university to international students as a Global Ambassador, and just recently concluded my role as an International Peer Orientation Leader.

Sarah Freeman 

I am from Mentor, OH, a suburb about 20 minutes north of Cleveland. I am studying mechanical and manufacturing engineering. My choice to pursue engineering was motivated by my grandfather who started his own engineering firm. From a young age, I have seen engineering as a way to impact the world through innovation and discovery. I especially enjoy how mechanical engineering includes hands-on opportunities to learn and advance technology. I plan to go into the aerospace industry after pursuing graduate school and hope to work on making it a more sustainable industry.

I chose to become involved with the leadership institute because I wanted to further my personal and professional development. I believe leadership entails much more than just a title in an organization and many skills to be a good leader, such as emotional intelligence and self-reflection, are often overlooked. I enjoy learning how to grow as a leader and individual with my fellow cohort members.

In addition to the leadership institute, I am involved in Engineers without Borders, the Society of Women Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In my free time, I enjoy running and attending live music events. 

Jessie Gentles 

Hi, my name is Jessie Gentles. I am from Kingston, Jamaica and I am currently majoring in Software Engineering with a minor in Statistical Methods. I was sure that I wanted to become a surgeon until I took a programming class during my senior year of high school and fell in love with coding. I enjoy the fact that there is always a new programming problem to solve, and there are many different fields that I can work in. 

I have a passion for self-improvement, which has always driven me to push myself to grow as an individual. When I learned about the Lilly Leadership Institute, I immediately knew that I wanted to become a part of the program because of the focus on personal leadership, people leadership, and strategic leadership. What also drew me to the Lilly Leadership Institute is the development of soft skills in the program. In the future, I do not want to just be great at programming, I also want to be great at project management, and communicating my ideas effectively. 

In addition to the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am involved in Rewriting the Code Black Wings where I have had the opportunity to work on both the hackathon planning committee for Black Wings Hacks 2023 and the projects committee. I am also currently a teaching assistant for CSE 271 for Object-Oriented Programming. I also serve as the President of the Computer Science and Software Engineering Student Leadership Council and as a member of the Engineering and Computing Student Council (ECSC). Since my freshman year of college, I have also enjoyed working with the Miami University International Admissions team as a global ambassador to support prospective international students.  

Micah Granadino 

Hi, my name is Micah, and I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am currently majoring in Robotics Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. I am particularly interested in applying my creative abilities to make meaningful impacts in the field of Engineering. 

Growing up with the exposure of drawing comics, folding origami, and designing animations, I learned to channel the boredom of long summers with creating crafty creations, where I developed the design and creative thinking to create fun projects that I would try and sell to my neighbors. I continued to explore my creative pursuits in high school, fighting through even more boredom during covid by tinkering with arduinos and learning how to program games in python. Even though I was introduced to the field of Electrical Engineering with arduinos, I decided to stick with Computer Science during my first year of college.

However, through my studies abroad at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, I was introduced to the field of Automation and Robotic Systems. In addition to my internship experience in Systems Engineering and PDLC, I decided to shift to Robotics Engineering, focusing on building a career in Systems or Controls Engineering.

While I have set my career focus on engineering, I am always seeking to apply my analytical and creative abilities through abstract projects where I can expand my perspective thinking. This includes experimenting with different mediums such as drawing and photography to visually convey ideas. Being involved in the Lilly Leadership Institute has also contributed to my success in being able to communicate and share these valuable ideas- such as presenting on the importance of creativity and innovation to my fellow peers of Cohort 11. Fostering personal growth and leadership skills through the program has been rewarding so far, and I find myself more willing to take on more roles in leadership and face new challenges as I prepare for my future. Even though I have not figured everything out in my career, I am grateful for the experience of the Lilly Leadership Institute thus far, and I am proud to be a part of Cohort 11 with some truly amazing people.

Patrick Hanley 

Hello, my name is Patrick Hanley and I am from Perrysburg, Ohio, right outside Toledo, Ohio. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Management ready to build a career in the automotive, watercraft, or energy fields, along with many others.

I decided to major in Mechanical Engineering because I have always enjoyed tinkering with cars, boats, engines, and anything else I can get my hands on. Through these hands-on experiences, I have developed strong critical thinking and creativity skills which I will use to help make the world a better place. An education in Mechanical Engineering will help turn my imagination into reality contributing to the advancement of technology, improving lives, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. 

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute Cohort XI to develop and refine my leadership skills. I believe that effective leadership is crucial in driving positive change and achieving success in both personal and professional aspects of life. This institute offers a structured and comprehensive program that is helping me gain valuable insights, learn from experienced mentors, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for leadership. I am excited to use the countless skills and experiences I will have gained from the institute, in my career. 

At Miami University I have been heavily involved in Engineers Without Borders since 2021. This organization is dedicated to helping underprivileged communities around the world through volunteer engineering projects. I have served as Local Projects Assistant Manager, Corporate Outreach Chair, and am currently the Secretary. I look forward to furthering my education and leadership development at Miami University.

Ryan Holthouse 

My name is Ryan Holthouse, and I'm a Computer Science major from Mason, Ohio. Growing up, I was always interested in computers and how they worked, but it wasn’t until I took my first computer programming class in high school that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the field. Ever since, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much more about what all computer science has to offer, and I’ve taken a particular interest in the area of cybersecurity.

I was first introduced to the Lilly Leadership Institute by members of Cohort X, and it was their experiences and learnings that compelled me to apply to the program. I wanted to learn more about how I could expand my leadership abilities, and each person that I spoke to had incredible stories of how the institute had helped them grow, not just as students, but as leaders and professionals. In such a short period of time, the leadership institute has already taught me so much about emotional intelligence, my individual leadership styles, and countless other professional development topics which are scarcely touched on in a traditional classroom setting. Joining the leadership institute has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions of my college career, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for myself and the rest of Cohort XI. 

Elsewhere on campus, I'm involved with several other organizations, including Theta Tau, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the Miami University Men’s Glee Club. On top of these, I’ve also played the trumpet for several years, and have spent time in both the university’s marching band and concert band programs. Like computer science, music has always been a huge passion of mine, and it’s important to me that I stay involved with it wherever possible.

Drew Laikin

I am from Annandale, Virginia, and I am majoring in computer science. I have a passion for software development and cybersecurity. Over the past year or so, I have concentrated on my interests in software-defined radio programming and DevOps. I first became interested in computer science back in high school. I had taken a programming class and couldn’t get enough. When I started my freshman year at Miami University I quickly realized I was in the right place. 

Since coming to Miami I have found countless ways to pursue my passions through classes and extracurriculars. While I had many opportunities to expand my technical skill set, I realized that in the long run I would need to further develop my soft skills. That was the primary reason I joined the Leadership Institute. Even though the focus of the Institute is on careers after college, I have already been able to apply some of what I have learned to my clubs and internship experiences.

Outside of the Leadership Institute, I am the treasurer of Redhawk Amateur Radio Club (RARC) and event coordinator for Miami University Cybersecurity Club (MUCSC). RARC is a club I co-founded with some of my friends to explore our interests in software-defined radio programming and RF analysis. Our projects have greatly expanded our technical knowledge and furthered our friendship. I have also enjoyed my time as MUCSC’s event coordinator. Having the opportunity to learn from those around me and make industry connections is incredible.

Thatcher Lincheck

My name is Thatcher Lincheck. I am from St. Charles, Illinois and majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in computer science. Curiosity and an interest to learn about how things work and the secrets behind them lead me to choose the path of an engineer. 

I chose the mechanical engineering path because it allows me to do what I enjoy while also giving me leeway to explore other engineering paths. Growing up I got many chances to grow my interest with hobbies like; Legos, modeling, and simulation games. These hobbies allowed me to challenge myself and try different things. It was through simulation games that I discovered my passion for computer science as well. I got to teach myself methods of programming through modding and the in-built software creating new and unique devices and maps from scratch. I find it exciting to try new things and take chances. 

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute to learn skills I could not learn through my classes. The Leadership Institute has been such a wonderful experience thus far and I am excited to see where it will continue to take me.

On campus I have been involved in the Robotics Club, American Society for Mechanical Engineers, and a member of cohort 11 of the Lilly Leadership Institute. 

Brody MacDonald

My name is Brody MacDonald, and I am a Robotics Engineering major with a minor in Computer Science. I was born in Ontario, Canada, and lived there for approximately four years before my family moved to Circleville, Ohio.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an engineer. This could come from the fact that my Dad is an engineer and strongly encouraged me to look into the field, but I think it more comes from my endless curiosity and ability to problem solve. I have enjoyed reading about robots and building them since I was young, and the field of Robotics Engineering just seemed perfect for me. My interest in Robotics has only skyrocketed since I have delved into my schoolwork, and I truly love going to class and learning about this field. 

The Lilly Leadership Institute was an easy decision for me to make, as my brother Noah had spoken so highly of it in previous years, and I wanted to experience the same type of growth and learning that he had. I believe that a good set of interpersonal and leadership skills are the difference between a good engineer and a great engineer, and I think that having the skills from the institute in my repository is excellent. I have acquired so many useful soft skills through the institute thus far, and I am looking forward to all of the new experiences in the future. 

Naomi Maurer 

I grew up in the small village of Lexington, Ohio. Here at Miami University, I am completing my bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, while also working on my master’s in clinical engineering. I am choosing this career path out of my curiosity to fuse the fields of science, technology, and healthcare together.

I was inspired to join the Lilly Leadership Institute to broaden my education outside of my technical classes. The field of biomedical engineering is constantly changing, and this drew me to the transformational leadership program. I believe that leadership is the bridge between groundbreaking ideas and practical applications. Through this program, I am refining my ability to inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams in collaborative projects that can impact real-world healthcare challenges through medical devices and technologies. 

On campus, I worked in concessions and was a part of Miami’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, where I was the project manager for the Wyandot County Water project. Along with being a part of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am also looking forward to gaining experience with medical devices through undergraduate research in an electrophysiology laboratory. 

Brie Merritt 

My name is Brie Merritt (she/her/hers) and I am majoring in Emerging Technology in Business and Design and minoring in Anthropology from Wyoming, Ohio, a small suburb north of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. I came to Miami University having no idea what I wanted to study. I had a strong interest in science, psychology, and art during high school, but was also interested in technology and had some programming experience, so I settled on Computer Science. Towards the end of my first year, I realized I wanted a field where I could unleash my creative side while still working with tech, so I did some exploring and came across the Emerging Technology in Business and Design (ETBD) department and decided to switch to the major. I am focusing on User Experience design and using my minor in Anthropology to develop a stronger understanding of people and how they interact with the world. My major provides me with an outlet to express myself and has given me a newfound appreciation for design as a whole.

With my participation in several campus opportunities that have helped build my leadership skills, I was drawn to the Lilly Leadership Institute because of its focus on professional development. I joined the program for the opportunity to reflect on my strengths and to become more confident in my communication and collaborative skills to prepare me for life after college.

On campus, I am a Resident Assistant, a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader (SOUL), and on the executive board for the National Residence Hall Honorary, a service and recognition organization for students in residence halls. I am passionate about service work in my communities and I hope to create more accessible technology and designs in the future.

Hoang Ngyuen

Hello! My name is Hoang Nguyen but people call me Simon. I'm currently a Junior at Miami University majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. I grew up in Hai Phong, Vietnam and moved to the US for university. In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading and generally hanging out with friends.

As a child born with a heart disease, healthcare and medicine has always been on my mind as a goal to work towards. However, being more logical and solution focus, I figured that Biomedical Engineering would be the best choice for me. Once I came to Miami, I was blessed to have a chance to meet so many talented and enthusiastic mentors that helped me along the way. Of those, I still believe that joining the Lilly Leadership Institute is one of my best choices. Having learned from professionals in the industry and members of Cohort X, I was taught valuable interpersonal skills and personal insights that a normal student could never get. 

Outside of the Institute, I am the Local Outreach Chair of Engineers without Borders. It is a very satisfying position that allows me to spread the education of STEM to students on campus and schools in the greater Tallawanda region. It is also a great organization that helps at risk communities while at the same time allow engineering students to accumulate valuable experience. I'm also a SEAL Ambassador, responsible for helping Miami's 600+ student organization get what they need to do their best!

Amelia Purdum

My name is Amelia Purdum and I am a computer science student from Columbus, Ohio. I decided to major in computer science after taking a python coding class in high school that I really enjoyed. I have always been fascinated with technology, so I loved learning more about how apps were made. I also like that there are multiple ways to solve a single problem. 

I decided to join the leadership institute because I felt like I wasn't involved within the College of Engineering and Computing. The leadership institute has allowed me to meet people across all majors, engage with guest speakers, learn more about myself, leadership, and so much more.

Outside of the leadership institute, I am involved in the professional business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE). I joined PSE as a freshman since I have always had a passion for business. I found that PSE would allow me to participate in client projects and learn more about business while being an engineering major.

John Tomtishen

My name is John Tomtishen and I am a Mechanical Engineering student at Miami University. I was born in Detroit, MI before moving to West Chester, OH. I enjoy all sports, but specifically football at both the college and NFL levels. I also love reading books, and playing the piano.

I chose engineering because it was a field that allowed me to use math and science skills, but more importantly the engineering industry relies on working with other people, which I am very passionate about. The combination of allowing me to use math and science skills and an opportunity to mentor, coach, and work in a team was appealing to me.

I joined the Lilly leadership institute because I want to improve my professionalism and I was captivated by the real-world industry experience and mission towards self improvement.

Jay Vo

Hi, I'm Jay, a Computer Science major from Vietnam. During my high school years, I constantly tried to find unique methods to solve math problems. Whether I was using unique capabilities of scientific calculators or using clever tricks, my goal was to avoid the need for formula memorization and be able to solve problems that I had never met before. This fueled my fascination with how computers and software can empower us to solve problems that are beyond human capabilities. This includes tasks like collecting data around the clock and executing complex computations in parallel, all of which inspire me to leverage technology for innovative problem-solving.

I was interested in the Lilly Leadership Institute because the Institute's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, as opposed to my narrow focus on software, aligns with my aspirations. It provides a unique opportunity to improve my communication skills and collaborate with diverse individuals to achieve common goals. These soft skills, often not taught in traditional settings, will play a pivotal role in preparing me for the working world. 

Outside of the Institute, I am involved in the Honors College, which allows me to work closely with a professor to build projects and conduct research related to my interests. I also dedicate a significant portion of my out-of-class time to building software products, whether it is on my own or attending hackathons with my friends. These commitments give me a chance to solve novel problems, further improve my teamwork, and get better at problem solving, which makes my academic journey even more exciting.

Cohort 10 was established during the 2021-2022 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Michael Amoah

My name is Michael Amoah and I am a Computer Engineering major from Bronx, New York. I was born in the Gambia and came to the US when I was five years old. When I was younger I would constantly take things apart to understand how they worked, and then try to put them back together. Not only did this curiosity get me into trouble when I couldn’t succeed in reconstructing what I took apart, but it also sparked my passion for problem-solving. In high school, I was fortunate enough to have been a part of a program that took my classmates and I, out of the classroom and exposed us to the various branches of engineering. It was there that I realized how the world of technology is constantly progressing and I wanted to be a part of the teams that are leading society towards a better future.

Since then my goal has been to create life-changing advancements to help those in need. I am looking to work in the semiconductor industry, for leading companies such as Intel, Samsung, Texas Instrument, and Nvidia. The semiconductor industry is responsible for most of the essential technology that we use such as most electronic devices, that allow us to communicate, compute, transport, interact, and offers many other applications.

I never imagined that I would end up at Miami University, getting the opportunity to further my studies and pursue my passions. I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute to learn how I can develop my personal, professional, and strategic thinking skills. I wanted to gain skills that could help me produce more value in society than the knowledge that we get from the average college course or university studies. I was also intrigued by the opportunity to work with a diverse group of minds. I am grateful to be a member of Cohort X and can’t wait to see what this journey has in store for us. On campus I am an Evans Scholar, involved in the National Society for Black Engineers and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program.

Catherine Avart

My name is Catherine Avart and I am from Oakton, Virginia, right outside Washington, D.C. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with the hopes of working towards eco-friendly living and sustainable technologies.

I was not certain about engineering until my senior year in high school when I was taking calculus and loved it. I was so intrigued by the problem solving and the new material that I decided to look at engineering and what that would mean for my future. Coming to Miami, I instantly knew that I would find what I was passionate about and allow myself to dive deeper into my studies. I was drawn to the Lilly Leadership Institute for many reasons, the main one being their call for preparing students for the real world. The soft skills that Lockheed focuses on are not taught in a standard classroom and will help prepare me for the future. With a timeline on the issue of climate change, I knew that I wanted to graduate as a strong individual who was ready to contribute in any way.

Elise Belanger

I’m a Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Physics student from Mason, Ohio. In elementary school, I dressed up as Neil Armstrong for a project about influential Ohioans because I loved space. As a kid, I admired his accomplishments in space exploration, but I have since grown to respect his humility and passion for teaching. Engineering and physics are both relevant to understanding the universe beyond Earth, and the combination provides answers to why phenomena occur and how to apply them in a useful manner. While I still love learning about space, I have also developed an interest in engineering design research and engineering education.

I was interested in the Lilly Leadership Institute because of its highly personal and nontraditional approach to teaching leadership. So far, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to improve and grow as both a leader and a person. The Institute has provided resources and opportunities to apply and practice the skills that we discussed in class. I want to continue collaborating and learning from other members and cultivating skills needed for success in the workplace.

Outside of the Institute, I’m a member of Engineers Without Borders, Society of Women Engineers, and Theta Tau. I am currently a part of EWB’s Rwanda Sanitation project, which focuses on improving the general waste system and latrines at a school. It has been incredibly rewarding to make progress towards solving global issues using my engineering skills. I am also a tutor at Rinella Learning Center, and it has been fulfilling to help students set and achieve their learning goals and feel successful.

Charlie Clark

Hello! My name is Charlie Clark and I am a second year student at Miami University studying Mechanical Engineering. I grew up in Seattle, WA and moved to Thousand Oaks, CA in high school. I am a huge outdoor enthusiast and I will always want to go camping, backpacking, or even just hang out in a hammock.

I chose engineering because I am passionate about building things and problem solving. Growing up, I loved playing with Legos and anything I could take apart and put back together. I challenged myself to make my models and Lego projects better than the original when I put them back together. Problem solving excites me and encourages me to keep working, especially when I am in a group or team. I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute because I wanted to improve my group and teamwork capabilities in addition to improving my leadership skills. I have experience working and leading teams from my journey to Eagle Scout and other organizations, but I always see areas where I could improve those skills.

On campus, I am a campus tour guide, the president of the Outdoor Adventure Club, a member of Engineers Without Borders, and a member of the Lilly Leadership Institute. I am also frequently hanging around in a hammock around campus.

Brian Dlugos

I am a Mechanical Engineering major from the Cleveland, Ohio area. I have always had a strong desire to know how machines work. Early in high school, I came to the realization that all the old appliances and televisions I dismantled as a kid were leading me toward a career in engineering. The more I delved into STEM curriculum, the more I wanted to build, explore, and learn. I chose Mechanical Engineering because it combines elements of mathematics and physics that play to my academic strengths, but it also challenges me to be a creative problem-solver.

Although I am building technical and analytical skills in the classroom and lab, I believe it is important for me to have strong understanding of the business world because I will interface with co-workers with non-engineering backgrounds. Along with taking coursework in the business school, I am immersing myself in campus organizations that introduce me to professional business practices, while allowing me to develop an executive presence that will be critical for my success as an engineer.

The Lilly Leadership Institute’s commitment to transformational leadership is perfect because it allows each cohort member to develop a plan for personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment. I am already learning so much about how strong leaders utilize their emotional intelligence to embrace change, think strategically, and motivate others. As Cohort X continues to grow into a cohesive group of leaders, it will be great to see how we influence each other and the College of Engineering and Computing.

Hannah Duncan

I from Columbia, Maryland, a small suburb relatively between Baltimore and D.C. I graduated from Atholton High School in 2019 in the top 10% of my class and was lucky enough to be a member of the Varsity Volleyball team, where we were 2-time county champions, 3-time regional champions, and 2-time state champions. My passion for programming started around this time, and I found myself enthralled by the satisfaction of developing working software, fixing bugs, and problem solving.

In addition to my major in Computer Science, I also have a minor in Management through the Farmer School of Business. I am super passionate about software development and the project work that goes into it, but I really felt that a business-related minor would allow me to better learn how to communicate and work effectively with people, another one of my passions. Developing these soft skills has been pivotal in my studies at Miami, and I truly feel that Lockheed is able to fully take the insights I have learned and apply them to real-world issues. I felt driven to apply for the Leadership Institute because I wanted to not only round myself out, but also felt compelled by the mission of this program, as well as the idea of getting to work alongside other engineering majors to make this happen.

Besides being a member of Cohort X, I am also an active member of Chi Omega, a sorority on campus. Within this organization, I serve as a member of the Mental Health committee, where we work to make Chi Omega and all of Greek life a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

Asia Flores

I am from Orland Park, IL, a suburb about 30 minutes south of Chicago. I am majoring in bioengineering with minors in electrical engineering and neuroscience.

I decided to major in engineering because I love the idea of being able to apply what I’ve learned in school to solve real issues and make a positive impact on the world and the people around me. I chose bioengineering and my minors with the goal in mind that I would like to develop better medicinal and therapeutic treatments to treat mental illnesses and neurological disorders. These areas of study will empower me to think critically about how to apply learned concepts to develop solutions to hardships faced by people on a daily basis, and this opportunity to improves the lives of others is what makes me happy to be an engineer. I was inspired to join the Lilly Leadership Institute because I believe that engineering goes beyond technical knowledge and requires you to be creative, think on your feet, and collaborate well with others, and this organization equips you with the soft skills needed in order to be an effective and impactful leader. I look forward to developing as a leader throughout by time with the institute and applying my learnings throughout my various roles on campus.

Since I started at Miami University in 2019, I have been heavily involved with Engineers Without Borders. I was excited by the opportunity to be hands-on in developing projects that make a positive impact on others. Being involved in this organization has taught me greatly about the importance of being educated on and respectful of other cultures and how to effectively collaborate with others. I am excited to continue to develop my role as leader in the organization. I have also been a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Team here at Miami since August 2020. Since then, I have been working with other students, faculty, and staff to identify measurable ways to improve our campus and make it an inclusive place for everyone. I look forward to seeing our progress as time goes on. I also enjoy being a part of the Grand Challenge Scholars program, LSAMP, and the Honors college at the university as these programs allow me to collaborate with others and push myself to improve as an individual.

Elsa Jacob

I am from Dublin, Ohio and attended Dublin Coffman High School. I decided on chemical engineering as my major due to my interest in chemistry in high school as well as my family’s encouragement to pursue a STEM major. I knew I wanted to major in a subject that was challenging and impactful.

I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute to further develop myself professionally and to gain important Leadership skills. I wanted to learn ways to improve my emotional intelligence and gain insight into how to best interact with those around me on teams and projects. I am grateful for having these opportunities to grow and to take myself to the next level.

On campus I am involved in various clubs and activities. I am a member of Theta Tau and served as the Fundraising chair and on the Professional Development Committee. I have also worked on multiple grants for Engineers Without Borders. I am a member of Tau Beta Pi and work as Undergraduate Research Assistant on campus. Additionally, I have performed with the University Orchestra as a flutist.

Morghan Jones

My name is Morghan and I am majoring in computer science with a minor in humanitarian computing and engineering. I am from Shaker Heights, Ohio, which is a suburb of Cleveland and I am an alumnus of Shaker Heights High School.

As a child, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up until I joined a programming club in middle school. I enjoyed learning how to program in web design languages. In this club, I was also introduced to women that looked like me and were in S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering, and math) related fields. In high school, I joined the National Society of Black Engineers Junior where I learned about the stories of other people who looked like me. Being involved in these programs gave me the motivation to get my degree in computer science because I wanted to inspire and motivate others. I chose my minor because I wanted the opportunity to learn other things so that I am able to use those skills and my technical background to solve real world problems and keep an open mind.

I was interested in the Lilly Leadership Institute because I felt as though it would expand the way I think. In the past, I witnessed different people who were leaders, and I wondered if there was a right way to be a leader. My involvement in the Lilly Leadership Institute has made me excited for the future and extended my knowledge about being a leader. Outside of the Institute, I am involved in several student organizations. These include the National Society of Black Engineers, Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, Gradu8, and Bridges. Recently, I joined Engineers Without Borders and the Society of Women Engineers.

Sam Kuhbander

I am from Springboro, Ohio and majoring in software engineering. I have a passion for programming, design, and making a positive impact by utilizing technology. My parents both attended Miami University and I’ve always loved the school. In high school I always had strong skills in both science and math, so I was naturally drawn to engineering.

My first exposure to programming was a computer science course I took in high school and I was immediately hooked. I really enjoy solving difficult problems and I hope that software will allow me to find solutions to these problems. I believe that in the future software will continue to drive many industries and the technology will grow in scale. I was driven to join the institute because I want to be better prepared to be a leader in my field.

On campus I am member of the Honors program and the Scholars program. Additionally, I love to spend times outdoors hiking and I am involved with the sailing team. I am currently also helping to recolonize Kappa Sigma as a leader at Miami University. This experience has helped me learn more about organization, team building, and communication.

Brandon Mammano

I am a military dependent and have had 9 military moves throughout my life. I have lived in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Washington D.C., Ohio, Stuttgart Germany, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Virginia. People have often asked me which place was my favorite and I’ve always had a difficult time answering that question because I have a very special place in my heart for all of those places. Each and every place I have lived has helped shape me into the person I am today. I am blessed to have amazing, loving parents who have always been there for me and have taught me so much. They inspired me to pursue my dreams, the importance of service to others and living life to the fullest.

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had a passion for making things. When I was 2 years old, I received my first Lego set and that ignited my love for building. As a toddler I would go to the grocery store with my parents and I would find useless nick-knacks on a shelf or on the floor and morph those objects into toys or jewelry and give them to my parents as gifts. I am majoring in mechanical engineering because it will provide me with the opportunity to do two things I love, creating and helping people. That passion also led me to joining the Lilly Leadership Institute because it is a program designed to strengthen leadership skills and the ability to utilize those skills to help make the world a better place.

Miami has been a great place for me to pursue my dreams. On campus, I am involved with several programs and clubs. In addition to the Lilly Leadership Institute, I am a member of the Miami University Club Swim Team, the LSAMP program, the S.T.E.M. Club, the University Academic Scholars Program, and the CRU Christian Fellowship Organization. I am so excited and blessed to be a part of Cohort X and am looking forward to taking our journey together.

Jacqueline McCully

Hi! I’m Jacqueline McCully, I am an Emerging Technology in Business and Design major from Columbus, Ohio. From the moment I was introduced to Adobe Photoshop in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in technology and design that would allow me to be both artistic and innovative.

As a student at Miami University, I am able to express my creativity through student organizations such as our school fashion publication, UP Magazine, and my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Within these groups, I am given the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals to create and finalize projects that recruit and inspire others.

In an everchanging world, we see advancements being made in all aspects of our lives. The Lilly Leadership Institute allows students to better understand how we can become effective leaders and guide others through these changes. I am beyond happy to be a part of this program and to learn more about how I am able to enhance my own leadership abilities before entering the workforce and facing the unpredictable future.

Raymond Pugh

Hi, I’m Raymond Pugh. I am from Canal Winchester, Ohio.

As a kid in elementary school, I always had a fascination for science. This manifested itself in middle school in which I participated in an extracurricular club called Science Olympiad. This extracurricular activity held competitions that tested participants knowledge over topics in science and had them build devices for various challenges. The process of designing and building devices for these challenges made me realize my love for engineering. During high school football, the head coach had us do activities with servant leadership to help better the team as well as the community around us. This motivated me to seek leadership roles such as NHS in high school and now Lilly Leadership Institute here at Miami. As a member of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I hope to develop my teamwork and communicational skills to foster a better working environment for my future career as a mechanical engineer.

Some other organizations I am apart of include Engineering and Computing Student Council (ECSC), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Habitat for Humanity, and the Sneak Geeks Club. In ECSC I am currently the Organizational Board Director and in NSBE I am one of the Miami Chapter senators.

Audrey Rabick

I am from Kalamazoo, Michigan, where I graduated from Comstock High School and the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center. No matter how far away I travel in the future, Kalamazoo will always be my home. It holds the memories of all of the amazing teachers, mentors, and family members who encouraged and inspired me. These people helped shape my goals, passions, and leadership style, and I’m excited to continue growing and learning from the people around me.

One particularly significant contribution from Kalamazoo was the proximity to biomedical and pharmaceutical corporations, which helped to ignite my interest in chemical engineering and helped me understand my career path. Engineering has always been a very people-oriented field for me: helping people, solving problems, and working on a team to accomplish something bigger than yourself. I can’t wait to create my own impact in the industry, and hopefully inspire students the way engineers have always inspired me.

In addition to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Cohort, I am also deeply involved in the university Honors College, serving on the student advisory board and in a variety of program lead capacities. I’ve greatly enjoyed my role as a peer mentor to freshman, getting the chance to help them build connections and introduce them to college life. I also hold a position as student laboratory aide in Hughes Laboratory on campus, working in the stock room and prepping student labs.

Manas Shringare

I’m Manas Shringare and I’m originally from Mumbai, India. I’m a sophomore who's majoring in Computer Science and a minor in Business Analytics. I will be graduating from Miami University in 2023 and my preferred pronouns are he/him/his.

Getting into college, I had an ideal that I want to influence the world and contribute to it and one of the strongest mediums through which I can influence change in today’s world is Computer Science. That and having a mind for analysis led me to Computer Science and a minor in Business Analytics. Lilly Leadership Institute’s goals and ideals drove me to apply for the leadership institute so that I could grow and work with some of the smartest minds at the College of Engineering and Computing, and learn more about leadership.

Over the past couple of years, I have worked and grew through leadership positions that Miami University has to offer. Along with being a part of the Lilly Leadership Institute, I’m also a Resident Assistant at Withrow. Over the past semester, I was an Undergraduate Associate for the CEC101 through which I interacted and worked with graduating batch of 2024 and smoothen their transition to campus. I’m also the Social Media Head for ‘Coding Wizards’, a CEC organization that organizes hackathons and coding competitions at Miami University.

Michael Siino

I am from Summit, New Jersey, a medium sized suburb about 45 minutes outside of New York City. My lifelong interests in math and science naturally made me wish to pursue engineering ever since middle school. I chose to major in mechanical engineering due to its hands on, team-based structure.

While the courses I take here at Miami are fantastic at developing technical and problem-solving skills, engineering is about more than just crunching numbers. It is also about generating new ideas, thinking outside the box, and knowing how to be a member of a team. This is why I joined the Lilly Leadership Institute. Through the institute I get the opportunity to learn more about myself and others while also developing important professional skills to prepare me for the workforce.

Outside of the Leadership Institute I am also a member of Miami’s club ultimate frisbee team The Miami Boogiemen, where we regularly travel to compete in tournaments against other universities.

Zainab Soumahoro

I am born in Cincinnati, OH but my family is from Abidjan, Ivory Coast. I spent most of my childhood in different part of the United States. For example, New York, Indiana and Pennsylvania. A majority of my family is from Abidjan, so I do not see them as often as other people. My mom had all girls, and I am the oldest of the four. In conclusion, I basically raised my sisters. If you are the oldest, you know what I mean. My parents are immigrants; that makes me the first person to go to college ever. Which can create a lot of pressure, but I tend to handle pressure well sometimes. I try to set a good example to my sisters and inspire them to go after what they want to do.

What drove me to become a mechanical engineer was the fact that I was good and loved math. I also wanted to help people, but I didn’t want to be a doctor, a lawyer or a social worker. So, far while I didn’t know what I wanted to major in college and then I saw a commercial about engineer. The commercial talked about how engineering is more to it than computers and airplanes. It was funny because I believe that all they did until I saw that commercial. Engineers can help people and improve people live just by trading this simple new technology. So, because of that commercial that I saw it really open my eye towards the major and career of being a mechanical engineer. Then I also realize there’s a lack of women and particularly black women in the STEM field. Going into this field with dominated by white males it can be very difficult to speak up and talk about your thoughts and how you feel and how you want to leave. Which is why I believe Lockheed Martin leadership institution would be perfect for me to have a much better understanding on how to be a leader in any type of dynamic that I’m placed in. I personally feel like he Martin leadership Institute you get more than just leadership skills and gain connection you gain communication skills and you just email know I personally feel like that he Martin leadership institution you get more than just leadership skills you gain communication skill; team build skill and so on.

I am currently the National Society of Black Engineers Public Relation Chair. My position jobs are to maintain and present our chapter on multiple society media platform in a reasonable manner. I get to connect with different alumni, put out content that my co-chair had created. It really fun and refreshing from constantly doing schoolwork.

Cohort 9 was established during the 2019-2020 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Kabir Arora

I am a Computer Science major from West Chester, Ohio. I was born in India and moved to America with my family when I was only three years old. I have lived here for most of my life and I love it here. Ever since I was a kid I was always interested in technology, mainly computers, and how they work. The technology in the world is constantly changing at such a fast rate. This is why I wanted to go into the technology field of study and I choose Computer Science because it allows me to understand how computers work and how to make them work for the betterment of the world. I am currently the Apple Campus Representative for Miami University. My love for technology has allowed me to branch out and pursue one of my dream jobs. In this position I am learning how to be organized for any situation and how to reach out to many people that I may not know.

I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I wanted to improve my communication and leadership skills. I am honored to be around so many leaders and friends, I learn from them every day. Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute I hope to learn the best ways to communicate with everyone and how to lead my team for success.

Kirsten Benedict

My name Kirsten Benedict and I am a Mechanical Engineering major here at Miami University. I chose this major because I enjoy the problem-solving team based learning experience. My hometown is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I want to learn more about myself as a leader and how to effectively acquire the skills and mindset to be successful in the real world. In addition, I want to learn how to work in team-based environments and thrive on the differences that I share with others.

The skills that I want to improve through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is to learn more about what defines myself as a leader. I wish to become more adaptable when obstacles occur. Some skills I have include organization, persistence, and communicating well with others.

The individuals who inspire me are most importantly my parents who have taught me to set my goals high. They have always shown me the importance of putting the most into every experience and treating every opportunity as a learning experience. I am very excited for my internship this upcoming summer 2020 with Domtar Inc.

Will Cotter

I am a chemical engineering major with a minor in paper science from the Columbus, Ohio area. From the moment I was mistakenly put into a math class two levels above in sixth grade, I had a newfound respect for mathematics and applied sciences. I continued to go through advanced levels of math and science in high school. However, it wasn’t until my physics teacher began class by asking what we want our contributions to the world to be that I seriously considered engineering.

As a result of this experiment, I found a hunger and desire to bring meaning to others through my work. At Miami, I was able to get a glimpse of the paper science program. After learning about the history of the paper and packaging industry in America, I saw the great opportunity for development and innovation applied with the field.

In addition to my involvement in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I have also decided to join Alpha Chi Rho, a recently chartered fraternity. As a brotherhood, our mission is to refine the practices of the Greek community to eliminate its negative stigma and reputation. Between the experiences that the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute and Alpha Chi Rho have given me at Miami, I have learned how to best work in teams, make tough decisions for a greater good, and enhance my professional development.

Ethan Cunningham

Hi, I’m Ethan Cunningham, a biomedical engineering major and mechanical engineering minor from rural Ohio. I have been infatuated with prosthetics and artificial implants ever since my grandfather had his hip replaced. It’s incredible to think that we can not only repair but actually reconstruct fully-functioning parts of the human body. I get the opportunity to combine this passion with my skill set and interest in STEM through biomedical engineering.

My undergraduate studies are complemented by my extracurricular activities. I am the president of the Society for Biological Engineering where I can build networks with fellow bioengineering students as well as bioengineers working in the field. I am also heavily involved in Young Life where we strive to connect with and mentor high school and middle school students. These organizations help build my personal and social skills which are not always emphasized in standard engineering courses.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute gives me the tools for breaking down and reconstructing all my soft skills. I have found myself repeating self-destructive habits. The institute makes me aware of these habits I need to break and how to go about breaking them. I also get the opportunity to learn from and with like-minded (or not so like-minded) engineering students. Overall, Lockheed Martin gives me a safe space centered on useful, productive life skills. I anticipate an exciting and eventful journey with Cohort IX.

Rachel Duke

I am a biomedical engineering major with specific interests in genetic engineering and medical devices. As a childhood cancer survivor, I spent a large amount of my youth in a hospital, allowing me to develop a greater understanding of the medical field. Both of my parents also have careers related to medicine, which further piqued my interest. This strong background and my technical skills in mathematics and life science, along with my passion to help others, drew me into the world of biomedical engineering.

Attending Miami University has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to immerse myself in fulfilling experiences. I co-founded the Society for Biological Engineers club on campus which has taught me to be a leader in new and exciting ways. As a member of the Miami, My Place program and Grand Challenges Scholars Program, I have learned new ways to manage the obstacles that come along with a college education and how to approach real world engineering challenges as well. I plan on completing a dual degree to graduate with both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree within my four years here at Miami.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute brings all of my passions and desires for advancement into one program, providing endless opportunities for development and both personal and professional growth. The institute is an intensive and challenging way to obtain stronger communication and professional skills, while further supporting the motivation and other leadership skills already within.

Evan Franzman

I am a Computer Science major with a co-major in Analytics. Since I was young, I have always been inspired by great scientists and their contributions to improving society. Today we face different problems than those faced by thinkers of the past. The focus has shifted from the natural sciences and is interconnected with technology; our ability to utilize its potential for the betterment of all is where we find solutions to modern day problems. With this emphasis on technology, there is no finer career path to choose for someone as interested as I am in both scientific advancement and the improvement of the human experience than one related to Computer Science.

In order to optimize my undergraduate education at Miami, I chose to participate in several on-campus programs to enhance my abilities in both leadership and practical problem-solving; the Grand Challenge Scholars Program– a personalized curriculum I have chosen to contribute to solving issues surrounding cyber security– allows me to tackle real-world problems facing society today, while the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute allows me to surround myself with like-minded individuals interested in developing their skills as leaders.

In the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I am hoping to build on my foundation of being an inclusive teammate, my efficiency in making decisions, and contributing to the cohesiveness of my team. To me, a leader is someone who embodies these qualities in all aspects of their life in order to turn a group of people into a capable team. I look forward to growing with Cohort IX over the next few years!

Rebecca Gruenberg

I am a Computer Science major from Dayton. In middle school, I watched the movie "The Internship" starring Vince Vaugn and Owen Wilson, and was inspired to go into the computing field. I enjoy the detail and planning that goes into software development, as well as the innovation that goes into programming.

I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I wanted to feel well-prepared before entering the workforce. I also use my time on campus to participate in several other organizations. I am the treasurer for Girls Who Code, the secretary of the Association for Computing Machinery, and the vice department head of the First Miami Student Credit Union IT department. Being able to communicate in so many different settings allows me to develop my skills as a leader and reach collective goals.

Casey Jackowski

Hello, I’m Casey Jackowski. I am a Computer Science and Interactive Media Studies major at Miami University. I am from Michigan and came to Miami for this unique double major. I grew up playing as my brother’s player 2 for all his video games and as I was growing up confused about what I wanted to be, I never considered that I could create the games I loved so much. Computer Science allows me to pursue Game Development as Interactive Media studies teaches me Game Design.

We are living in an age of innovation and there is no longer a “next big thing”. Instead, there are several ideas in development each year. My interest took to virtual reality and the many improvements and ideas that could come from it. I joined Miami’s Grand Challenges Scholars Program to create my own curriculum around virtual reality to develop my ideas for this. I want to be one of the leaders into the future of virtual reality.

Leaders create the change that is needed for the world to continue moving forward. Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute breaks down the misconceptions students have about leaders while teaching how to become them. I joined the Institute because I understood I need improvement in myself before I can improve other’s lives with virtual reality. I want to develop teamwork and communication skills so I can work with others and communicate the ideas I have in my head. I believe Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute can teach me theses skills and skills I didn’t even know I should have as a leader. I’m looking forward to the next few years with my cohort so we can learn together.

Julia Kocher

Hi, I am Julia Kocher. I am a biomedical engineering with a pre-medical co-major. I chose this major because I enjoy being able to make a positive difference in people’s lives and feel as if this is the best way for me to do so with my skillset. I am from a small town called Lexington, Ohio. Some of the leadership roles I hold are an underclassman representative in Engineering and Computing Student Council, secretary of Habitat for Humanity, and an intramural chair for my sorority.

I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute in order to become a better leader, to develop professional skills that will be needed in my future career, and to meet new people and make new connections. I really enjoy team-based learning, and the leadership institute has given me exactly that. Some skills that I currently have are organization, communication, determination, and problem solving. I hope to continue to develop these skills, as well as learn new ones such as adaptability, public speaking, and how to work better with those who are different than me. Two people that have inspired me the most are my parents. They have taught me to reach for the stars, never give up, and to learn something from every situation you encounter.

Kyle Lierer

Hello, I am Kyle Lierer. I am a Computer Science major here at Miami University with a passion for design, technology, and having a positive impact on people utilizing technology. Ever since I was young, technology has played an ever present and active role in my life. I have always enjoyed fiddling with some piece of tech regardless of whether it is a piece of software or even just a game. My passion for computer science started during high school while taking a computer science class and has only grown from there.

Since I first finished my first computer program, I have wanted to help people in some capacity using my technical skills. This is the primary reason why I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. For me to grow as a person who can help people in any way that I can, I believe that I need to be an effective leader. Someone who can work together with people on a team in a beneficial and collaborative way. I want to ensure that I can be the best team member, friend, and human being that I can to the people I work with now and in the future.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute establishes several ways in which I can cultivate my leadership skills. Moreover, it creates a community of like-minded individuals who I can learn from and collaborate with to become a better leader. So, even though I do not know what my future holds, I firmly believe that the Lockheed Martin Leadership institute can help me be a person who can create positive change in the world through computer science and technology.

Kyle Lochtefeld

I am a Sophomore Computer Science major from Celina, Ohio. I am pledging to Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. I am hoping to be able to make a change in people’s lives through all the service opportunities present in Alpha Phi Omega. Lockheed Martin was part of the reason why I wanted to come to Miami University. I have always loved doing programs that were centered around leadership because the people I met at those programs were always the nicest. The content that I learned was always interesting and when I left those programs, I felt like a better person. That is why I really wanted to join Lockheed, so I could feel like that all the time and feel like I am growing as a person every day. I am hoping to work on being more effective while working in teams. That is a skill I feel will fit the job I am looking forward to in the future the best. With it, I am hoping to help bring my team up to the next level and advance through the ranks. I am really looking forward to what my options will be and what I can do with what I am presented.

Phillip Loges

Noah MacDonald

Natalie Nguyen

Nhi Nguyen

Eunice Nsaam

Taylor Owens

Aversa Prentosito

Abigail Ray

Julia Schaeffer

Cohort 8 was established during the 2018-2019 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Ryan Armstrong

Biomedical Engineering

"The leader is one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity… out of discord, harmony… and out of difficulty, opportunity." -- Albert Einstein

I am from Oak Ridge, Tennessee which is a small town outside of Knoxville. I am a bioengineering major with a Biomedical specialty. I was drawn to biomedical engineering because it offers the possibility to enhance and extend human life by developing breakthrough technology in implants and treatments.

I have had two appointments at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory where I have spent considerable time researching advanced battery technologies. While unrelated to my major the outcomes of my research have been used as the basis for a new generation of high energy density batteries. I plan on leveraging my major and research experience to venture into the world of biomedical research. On campus, I am affiliated with the Miami University Marching band, where I play the trumpet, as well as the Highland Pipes and Drums club. Additionally, I am a Resident Assistant at Presidents Hall where I can fulfill my desire to help and assist others.

The most valuable organization I am a part of on campus is the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute where I am developing and enhancing my leadership, networking, and interpersonal skills that will help me thrive professionally within my field. Additionally, the skills learned from the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute have been directly relevant to my experience as an RA. Finally, I enjoy all forms of music and have played the trumpet for approximately ten years. I enjoy traveling, biking and hiking and have traveled extensively to Asia and Europe.

Landon Braemer

Mechanical Engineering

"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

I am from Morristown New Jersey, a decent sized town located about 40 minutes outside of New York City. I am a mechanical engineer major with a minor in economics. I’ve always wanted to see my work become something tangible, this along with my love for mathematics and physics led me to choose mechanical engineering as my major. I hope to one day use my mechanical engineering knowledge and leadership skill to help lead groups innovate and create in the field of robotics.

While the classes I take provide me with the technical know-how and skills that are necessary for any mechanical engineer, the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute further my professional and leadership skills. The program helps me learn how to develop as a leader and as someone who can effectively communicate with others.

Besides being a member of the Leadership institute, I am also involved in our school’s SAE Baja team. Our current project is engineering our Baja racing car to maximize its speed and safety to give us an edge in the end of spring race. This program really allows me to use my engineering skills by putting them to practical use with many other engineers in a collaborative and experimental environment. Besides the Baja program I am also apart of the club Fencing team. This is all about team collaboration and teaching new members about the intricacies and skills of the sport. With all of these different programs I am part of I become a more effective leader and engineer with every day that passes.

Molly Carroll

Computer Science and Premedical Studies

"Openness, respect, integrity -- these are principles that need to underpin pretty much every other decision that you make." -- Justin Trudeau

I am from Chagrin Falls, a small suburb on the eastside of Cleveland, Ohio. There, I was surrounded by many amazing people who helped me to develop into the person I am today. I was fortunate enough to have teachers, family members, and friends that inspired me to pursue my goals, no matter how ambitious.

For as long as I can remember, I have strived to become a doctor. When people hear that my primary major is in computer science, they often inquire into my decision to pursue such a seemingly unrelated major. My response is that in my junior year of high school, my close friends encouraged me to take a computer programming class knowing that I would absolutely love it. And the rest, as they say, is history. I found a passion for problem solving using different approaches with programming. I am amazed by all the power at the tips of my fingers. Even with this new discovery of my interest in computer science, I still intend to attend medical school after undergrad. Ideally, I will be able to pair my goal to becoming a practicing physician with my commitment to programming and work to better the healthcare industry.

Miami has been a great place for me to pursue my purpose. On campus, I am the academic chair in a professional engineering fraternity, Theta Tau. I am also in the honors program, a premedical scholar, and a member of Scholar Leaders, a learning living community. In addition, my time in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has already helped me to learn more about my personal leadership style and how I work best with other people. I cannot wait to continue my journey as a member of Cohort VIII.

Daniel Craft

Mechanical Engineering

"If you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can by talk." -- Lord Robert Baden-Powell

I am a mechanical engineering student from Pittsburgh, PA. Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a fascination with learning how everything works and building things. My parents say they’ve known I was destined to be an engineer since the age of 4. Finding strength and enjoyment in all STEM areas through my educational career led me to affirm my decision to pursue mechanical engineering.

I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I have had leadership experience especially through earning my Eagle Scout Award, but no formal leadership training. I hope to improve my communication, teamwork, organization, and forward-thinking skills. The Institute is a development process that will help me to grow over my university career.

Here on Miami’s campus, I am also involved in student leadership in the Delta Chi Fraternity, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity.

Sophia Dent

Chemical Engineering

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” -- Jack Welch

I am from a small town north of Dayton, Ohio, Vandalia. I went to Vandalia-Butler High School, where I graduated in the top 25% of my class as the Student Body VP. I am a Chemical Engineering major with an interest in materials science and humanitarian engineering. I come from a family full of successful business men and women, where I quickly realized that I wanted to take a different path. I explored every field in STEM until I stumbled upon chemical engineering. Material processes and the opportunity to impact the lives of others are what attracted me to engineering.

I feel that engineering not only includes math and sciences, but involves innovation, initiation, and creation of ideas. Leadership opens doors to collaboration with others, a creative mindset, and the ability to originate ideas. I am looking forward to learning about personal leadership, in order to lead others and improve my teamwork skills. I am looking forward to my journey within Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, and other leadership roles I occupy in my time at Miami University.

Since starting at Miami University in 2017, I have become a member of the Leadership Team within Engineers without Borders. This organization fulfills my want to get hand-on engineering experience, while impacting human lives. I traveled to Rwanda, Africa in May 2018 with Engineers without Borders. I was ecstatic to understand the culture and make an impact on the village through engineering. I look forward to returning in May 2019 to build a project there that I pioneered.

Laura Jacob

Computer Science

“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing--and keeping the unknown always behind you.” -- Georgia O'Keefe

I am from Dublin, Ohio which is a suburb off of Columbus. I am a Computer Science major and a minor in Interactive Media Studies. I'm interested in finding a career in web design and development in order to use my technical skills to make things that are visually creative.

Lockheed has been a unique experience that has taught me skills for the real world outside of my traditional classes. It has helped me learn to take on responsibility, communicate effectively, and prepare for the workplace. I have enjoyed learning more about ourselves and other members, and I am excited to learn how to work as a team.

Besides the Leadership Institute, I am involved in Girls Who Code, ACM-W, Cru, and Theta Tau.

Mark Loper

Bioengineering

"Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal." -- E. Joseph Cossman

My name is Mark Loper and I am a student at Miami University. I am a bioengineering and pre-medical studies major with a minor in neuroscience. I am from Vermilion, OH which is west of Cleveland.

I am a part of various extracurricular clubs and activities such as the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, the American Medical Students Association, General Medical Brigades, the Medical Journal Club, and the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. I also have personal hobbies such as playing the guitar, martial arts, and tutoring at Miami.

I am in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute in order to improve my leadership skills and develop new ones that I can use now and later in life. I learn new things everyday and the Institute provides me a way to develop these learnings into ways I can change. Being given the ability to do this is what I enjoy most about the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute.

Bradley Schmitz

Computer Science and IMS

“To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence … When the best leader’s work is done, the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!'” – Lao Tzu

I am from a small town in northwest Ohio called Glandorf, which is about an hour south of Toledo. I am co-majoring in Computer Science and Interactive Media Studies, and minoring in Saxophone Performance and Music Composition. I chose my majors because I love designing and developing interactive media and applications, such as software and video games. In addition, I like finding new ways to apply existing concepts and ideas, and thus have an interest in applying interactive media to everyday life, such as in education. I am also interesting in finding ways to improve interactive media and applications through the use of sound and music.

I was initially interested in joining the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I wanted to improve myself both as a leader and a team member. Plus, I liked the non-traditional style of education the Institute promotes. Through my time, I've learned a lot about myself and how I can continuously apply and improve myself in every situation I'm involved in. The Institute has helped me to develop teamwork and communication skills, as well as provide professional development and real-world experiences to prepare me for future careers. I hope to use my experiences developed in the Institute to create new technologies and find new and beneficial applications for them.

Outside of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I am involved with the University Honors Program as an Honors Ambassador and member of the Honors Student Advisory Board. I am also a member of Kode2Learn, the Miami Game Design Club, and play saxophone in various musical ensembles at Miami University.

Micaela Smolenski

General Engineering

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." -- Edith Wharton

I am a general engineering major with a minor in theatre from Mt. Prospect, Illinois. I have been drawn to the creative arts for most of my life, with my passion for engineering growing only recently. I began my college career in chemical engineering, and transferred to the general engineering major during the second semester of my freshman year, in a desire to branch out, explore many different areas and aspects of engineering, and expand my education. I strive to take a very unique path to my education that is very personal to my interests and passions.

At Miami University, I have taken on executive positions in the University Academic Scholars Program (UASP), Student Ambassadors (MUSA) and the University Honors Program. I additionally perform and choreograph for the musical theatre organization, Stage Left.

I was inspired to join Lockheed Martin as, although I have had many opportunities to be a leader and take on challenging projects, Lockheed is the perfect opportunity to learn how I can effectively be a leader, and improve myself professionally. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of the institute, and am grateful for the growth I have experienced thus far.

Jacob Strickler

Computer Science

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." -- Steve Jobs

I am from Lexington, Ohio, about an hour north of Columbus. I am a Computer Science major with a minor in Interactive Media Studies, hoping to use both of these disciplines to develop software that will positively influence millions of people around the world. I am passionate about connecting technology with good design, and I believe honing my skills in both of these areas will place me on a path toward a career in the area in which I am most passionate.

On campus, I am involved in several organizations such as Kode2Learn, the Interaction Design Association, and the Miami University Student Foundation. I also enjoy researching new developments in the technology industries and playing on an intramural broom ball team during my free time.

Aside from these activities, the organization that has had the most influential effect on my professional ambitions is the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. I joined the institute to further my professional and communication skills while working collaboratively, and thus far have enjoyed the positive experiences that it has brought me. I take pride in being a disciplined individual who executes tasks with the highest level of quality, and I know the leadership institute has helped me develop skills that will allow me to continually improve the quality of my work and leadership abilities. I am extremely excited for the leadership journey ahead of me and the wonderful things that Cohort 8 will accomplish.

Matthew Vito

Mechanical Engineering

“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives.” -- President Roosevelt

I am a mechanical engineer from just outside Cleveland, Ohio. I am in the 8th cohort of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. I have always enjoyed learning about how machines and processes work and this is why I was drawn towards mechanical engineering. My first experience with the skills of being a mechanical engineer was in an AutoCAD class in high school. After learning the basics I even learned an award for a lamp that I designed. This is when I was hooked on the idea of designing and creating parts.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is helping me develop not only my leadership skills but also to identify my strengths and weaknesses and how to overcome them. We are also learning how to be ready to be successful professionals so that we can succeed.

Outside of the Institute I am a part of the dean of libraries student advisory board where I am also developing my professional and leadership skills. I have done research at Case Western Reserve University as well as worked in a manufacturing plant which have both taught me the soft skills to be a good worker.

William Zeurcher

Computer Engineering

“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” -- Bill Gates

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am majoring in computer engineering with a strong interest in avionics. This interest has come from spending lots of time with my grandfather in his Cessna 182. I am also pursuing a private pilot license as well. When I am not in class or flying, you are likely to find me skiing or river rafting.

I was ecstatic to join Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, because I know it will not only improve my soft skills but also give me a chance to make lifelong friendships with those in my cohort. This program gives me a unique opportunity to highlight and improve my weaknesses so I am prepared to join the workforce.

Cohort 7 was established during the 2017-2018 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Marly Benner

Mechanical Engineering

"Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal" - E. Joseph Cossman

I am from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, a Western suburb of Chicago. I am a Mechanical Engineering major and am hoping to enter the Aerospace industry. I am passionate about green technologies and am interested in applying this passion to innovations in a highly technical field.

I am looking forward to the personal and professional leadership development the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute can provide me. While my degree will teach me the proper analytical and technical skills required for future jobs, the Leadership Institute can provide me with interpersonal and communication skills necessary in any professional setting.

Cameron Burgess

Biomedical Engineering

"If service is below you, leadership is beyond you."

I am from a small town in central Illinois called Mahomet. I have a major in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering, which I think will help me in the pursuit of my dream job of working to develop more advanced and useful medical devices. I am passionate about helping people however I can, and improving the quality of life for people with severe injuries, illnesses and disabilities is what I strive to do in my future career.

I am involved in many things on campus. I am apart of the National Honor Fraternity Phi Sigma Pi, as well as Cru, a christian student organization in which I am a leader of an upperclassmen Bible study. I am also involved in undergraduate research through the bioengineering department, and I also enjoy playing intramural soccer with my friends at Miami.

I am very excited about being in the Leadership Institute because it offers me the chance to improve myself not only as a leader, but as a person overall. I am eager to learn more about myself and how I can improve upon the weaknesses I may have, as well as the chance to learn skills that will help me to succeed in every aspect of my life going forward.

Ross Cortino

Electrical Engineering

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." -Abraham Lincoln

I am from Sugar Grove, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. I am an Electrical Engineering major, with a strong interest in Robotics and Virtual Reality. I hope to use my major and interests to help advance these fields and make these technologies more user accessible and friendly. Currently I am researching in robotics, with the goal to create an automated UI and data collection system to be used in medical offices for pre-diagnostic information processing and collection. This technology has many applications from the medical clinic to geriatric care, giving me a chance to use my engineering skills for the betterment of individual lives.

On campus I am involved in various organizations. I am a member of IEEE HKN and the Miami Honors program. I am currently a brother of the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau, in which I hold a committee position. Theta Tau is a very important part of my life and it is my job to make edits and improvements on our chapter’s website. I have also had the opportunity to represent Tau Delta chapter at our regional convention. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing piano, and watching movies.

I am a very disciplined individual and take pride in my ability to execute and manage my responsibilities. Having the opportunity to participate in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has not only honed these abilities, but has improved my self-confidence and my ability to take charge of groups. I hope to continue to grow within this respect, and continue to improve in my soft skills and knowledge of the language of business. Within the unique environment the institute offers, I hope to develop as an individual from the relationships I will form over these formative years of my life.

Andrew Dudt

Mechanical Engineering

"Being a good listener is absolutely critical to being a good leader; you have to listen to the people who are on the front line." - Anonymous

I am from Malvern, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Economics. I hope to use everything I have learned from my education in these areas to one day work on the design side of making cars, planes, and helicopters.

In addition to the classes I take to learn about mechanical engineering and economics, the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute provides me with the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills unlike ordinary classes can. Additionally, the class provides me with the opportunity to grow with my fellow cohort members, creating an environment that allows all of us to grow together.

At Miami, I am involved in many different clubs and extracurricular activities including founding the Miami University Curling Club. Through founding the Curling Club here at Miami, I have been able to improve my leadership skills while teaching people how to curl and bring one of my favorite hobbies to Oxford. Some of the other extracurricular activities that I am involved in on campus include Cru, Beta Theta Pi, and the Miami University Ultimate Frisbee team.

Cameron B. Free

Mechanical Engineering

Business Economics

"Who's the more foolish? The fool, or the fool who follows him?" - Obi-Wan Kenobi

As a student hailing from a small town in rural Ohio called New Philadelphia, I was immediately blown away by the large number of opportunities that quickly became available to me once I started class at Miami. I absolutely love my hometown, however it is really refreshing to be involved in a scholarly community of like-minded peers.

While in the process of pursuing my double major in Manufacturing Engineering and Business Economics, I began to reach out and explore how I could develop the skills that do not necessarily show up on an academic transcript. This is when I first became interested in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. My older brother was already involved with the Institute and I was able to hear how he had developed many of the same soft skills that I also had been focusing on. After I completed a rigorous application process, I happily accepted a position in the Institute.

Outside of the Institute and the classroom, I am heavily involved in the Miami Navigators. Involvement in this Christian campus ministry has granted me numerous leadership and personal development opportunities, such as leading Bible studies and serving as a peer mentor to first-year students. I have really enjoyed my time at Miami thus far and I look forward to continuing my personal development in and out of the classroom.

Mitchell Georgia-Hoard

Mechanical Engineering

"The role of a creative leader is not to have all the ideas; it's to create a culture where everyone can have ideas and feel that they're valued" -Ken Robinson

I am from Mentor, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland that is just about 30 minutes east of the city. Ever since I can remember, I was always fascinated with cars, planes, and spaceships. It was only right that I followed my passion and became a Mechanical Engineer. I love seeing how everything fits together and works in unison to make sure the system runs smoothly.

On campus, I participate in LSAMP as well as the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. When I am not spending hours at King Library, I can be found listening to or making music. I find music to be very eye opening and entertaining. There is so much that can be done with words and an instrumental that just captures my attention.

I am an honest and hardworking individual who can initiate action and motivate others. I am also able to work very well with teams. These are essential to being a leader and this is why I saw myself as a great fit for the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. This program allows me to further develop my skills as a leader in order to allow me to get one step ahead after college. We learn about topics and strategies that many will never learn in the traditional classroom setting.

Rachel Kevdzija

Bioengineering

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” -Steve Jobs

I am an electrical engineering major from Strongsville, Ohio, which is a suburb of Cleveland. From a young age, I have always been interested in how things worked, but I had no idea what I wanted to major in until my mom suggested engineering. I decided to try it out and joined the Renewable Energy Club soon after. The club focused on hands-on building of energy efficient devices. I instantly enjoyed it, and at that point, I knew that I had picked the right major.

Aside from Renewable Energy Club, I am also involved in the professional engineering fraternity, Theta Tau, and Kappa Delta sorority. Through these organizations, I am able to get involved in service and build bonds with engineers in Theta Tau and many different majors in Kappa Delta to better learn how to get along with different types of people.

I consider being accepted into the Leadership Institute a great honor. It is a very prestigious opportunity that will help me grow as an individual, and teach me to become a better leader. The cohort focuses on soft skills that engineering classes to not give, which will better prepare me for my career after college. These skills will differentiate me from the competitive industry. I am very excited to be a part of the Leadership Institute, and I cannot wait to see how much I grow.

Jake Lindley

Mechanical Engineering

"The eyes are useless when the mind is blind; your mind will get stronger when it is open to what it doesn't know."

I am currently a sophomore at Miami and I am from Olmsted Falls, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. I have always had an attraction toward just about anything that moves, which quickly transitioned into an interest in the world of motorsports, cars, and the technology used to continually improve them, and basically the world of engineering. As I was more exposed to the field, I knew that mechanical engineering was what I wanted to study, as I have had a passion for math and science all throughout my academic career.

What I feel is an integral part of being a good engineer is not only being an intelligent, problem solving oriented individual, but also being socially aware and being able to have the capability to lead. I have always loved athletics, and in high school, I played soccer and was the captain of the varsity team. This was my first role where I was able to apply some leadership skills that I possess.

As I transitioned from high school into my college career, I was eager to find new challenges and to find where else I could apply my leadership skills, and how to use them more in a professional setting rather than an athletic one. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has given me that option, so that I can further develop my professional leadership skills while helping others do the same.

Brad Marshall

Chemical Engineering

Energy Co-Major

"Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other" - JFK

I am from from just outside of Toledo, Ohio, the major population hub of northwest Ohio. With a major in Chemical Engineering and a co-major in Energy, I’m looking to pursue opportunities in fields ranging from materials engineering to energy management and energy engineering. From a young age, I was always entranced by the concept of energy and the ways in which we harness it. This, coupled with a love for ideation, creativity, and creation, lead me into an education within Engineering. To this day, I continue that passion for the engineering sciences.

On campus, I’m a Founding Father of Beta Theta Pi, a social fraternity founded on Miami’s campus. Additionally, I’m a part of the Scholar Leader community dedicated to leadership development and community service. Other involvement includes MUSA, the on campus student volunteer Ambassadors, and intramural soccer. Within engineering disciples, I am on the executive board of the Renewable Energy Club, a member of the Miami Chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and work with the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute.

Of the above commitments, Lockheed remains one of my greatest excitements on a day to day basis. Aside from the journey into transformative leadership that I’ll undergo over the next 3 years, the people involved are fantastic. Lockheed offers development in ways that traditional education doesn’t; through the development of soft skills and professional leadership I hope to grow with this opportunity to develop personally and with regard to the working world as well.

Maggie Mize

Computer Engineering

Engineering Physics

"You manage things, you lead people" - Grace Hopper

I am from Liberty Township, Ohio, about 45 minutes north of Cincinnati. I am majoring in Computer Engineering and Engineering Physics, along with a minor in Spanish. I decided to study engineering after going to an engineering camp at the University of Cincinnati when I was a junior in high school. After graduating, I plan on pursuing a career in the development of new technology, hopefully in the field of quantum computing.

I am involved in quite a few organizations, including the Miami Association of Filmmakers and Independent Artists, Students for Life, and the swing dancing club. The most important organization for my future career, however, is definitely the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. In the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I am taught the leadership skills, networking skills, and "soft skills" that are necessary for an engineer to know to thrive in their career.

Some of the ways that I have given back to my Miami community are through theater and research. In the fall of 2016, I helped with the tech crew for Miami's performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Throughout the 16-17 school year, I assisted a physics professor with spectroscopy research. Another experience I've had through Miami which has helped shape who I am as a leader is studying abroad. During the fall of 2017, I studied abroad at the University of Glasgow. Studying abroad has helped me to grow in my communication skills since I needed to keep in contact with those back at Miami. It has also given me a multicultural perspective, which is important in today's global society.

Scott Mosher

Engineering Management

"If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." - Henry Ford

I was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico and moved to Pepper Pike, Ohio, a suburb 30 minutes East of Cleveland, when I was 12 years old. I am currently pursuing a major in Engineering management, with a specialty in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, with plans to acquire a dual major in computer engineering. With these majors, I plan to venture into the automation industry and work to build machines that will help to increase factories' productivity and efficiency.

I’m a very self-motivated person who enjoys challenging myself to become more knowledgeable and overall a more well-rounded individual. As a result, I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute to develop my leadership skills to become a figurehead of the engineering community once I start my career. With the knowledge I gain from my courses at Miami combined with the knowledge and ability to navigate the real world acquired through the Leadership Institute, I believe that I can excel to the top and have the best possible start to my career.

Gillian Murphy

Mechanical Engineering

"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions" -Harold S. Geneen

I am originally from the small town of Durham, Connecticut but I moved to the Cincinnati area in 2012, just before my freshman year of high school. I attended Ursuline Academy, an all girl’s high school where I was able to develop my voice and define my values. I am following in my mom’s footsteps as a mechanical engineering major because I believe that being an engineer is the best way I can make a positive impact on the world. I hope to study abroad over J-Term because I am fascinated with other cultures and I want to experience the world.

On campus, I am involved in engineers without borders where I am able combine my love of service with my passion for engineering. I am also the first ever academic chair for Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity. My role is to encourage brothers to perform their best academically and provide them with the resources they may need for success in school. In addition, I am a member of Chi Omega, a sorority that’s motto is “to be womanly always, discouraged never!”

I am so excited to be a member Cohort 7 in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute and I hope to gain professional skills that cannot be learned through regular coursework. I am excited to learn more about my personal leadership style and I look forward to seeing my transformation over the next three years.

Christian Vietmeier

Engineering Management - Manufacturing

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." - Ralph Nader

I am from Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb outside of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in Engineering Management with a Manufacturing concentration. Since a young age I've been interested in how things work and how to improve them.

Joining the Leadership Institute has introduced me to a wide network of some of the brightest engineers around the world. I am excited for the opportunities and growth that comes with the program. I hope to highlight my weaknesses and work to improve them alongside my fellow cohort members.

My strong communication skills combined with my desire to win, make me an asset for any company. I am looking to put my skills to use and gain work experience. At Miami University I am working on improving my skills through my involvement in The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, Armstrong Student Center Board, and the Sigma Pi Fraternity. These organizations provide opportunities to grow and improve as a person.

Daniel Yokacity

Computer Engineering

“Always surround yourself with people who are better than you. If you’re hanging around bad people, they’re going to start bringing you down. But if you surround yourself with good people, they’re going to be pulling you up.”- Donny Osmand

I have lived in Bellbrook in Dayton, OH my entire life. I am currently studying as a computer engineering major but I have interests in entrepreneurship and humanitarian areas as well. I'm hoping that I can work for a large computer manufacturing company until I've made enough connections and gained enough experience that I can step out on my own and start my own company. I haven't decided what kind of company I hope to start but the prospect of being my own boss and the challenge of starting something big intrigues me.

Outside of Lockheed, I am a brother in Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. I don’t currently hold a leadership position yet but I have been very involved in philanthropy through Alpha Sig and other greek organizations. I hope to hold some sort of a position in the coming years. I participated in ACROPOLIS which is the a greek focused leadership weekend, and it has helped me along my leadership journey.

I'm very excited to be in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because it will help me develop the knowledge and skills I will need to become a leader in any organization or company I'm a part of in the future and will give me the set of skills I need to complete my life goals.

Cohort 6 was established during the 2016-2017 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Catherine Fitzgerald Andres

Chemical Engineering

I am a Chemical Engineering Major with a Concentration in Paper Science. I decided to pursue engineering because of my interest in chemistry and math. Paper Science became an interest of mine since completing my senior project in high school when I shadowed a chemical engineer in the Paper Science industry.

While I believe that the technical knowledge I've gained inside the classroom will help me in my career, I applied to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute to discover and develop my soft skills. I am creative and self-motivated to innovate and problem-solve. Through the Institute, I hope to acquire new skills in public speaking and communication while learning about different leadership styles and approaches.

Outside of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I am involved on campus in the Society of Women Engineers. I assisted with Girl Scout Day, working with elementary students on chemistry and paper science activities. I found it interesting to collaborate with different personalities and skill levels.

Prasidh Arora

Computer Engineering

As an international student currently residing in London, England, I aspire to become a global leader and use my engineering skills in different countries around the world. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for Math, Science, and Technology which motivated me to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. Something that started as a simple interest in Mathematics and Computer turned into a degree and classes I look forward to every single day.

Even though my classes provide me with the practical and analytical skills necessary for my major, the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute helps build my leadership skills while honing my real world skills. I hope to develop skills from not only the Institute but also from other cohort members that will set me apart from other engineers.

Apart from the Leadership Institute, I’m involved with Miami’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders. We are currently working on a water system in a small rural community in Rwanda which has allowed me to combine my interest for leadership, engineering and service into one organization. Furthermore, I am involved as a Resident Assistant for the Office of Residence life on campus allowing me to facilitate students’ successful adjustment and transition to their collegiate experience through academic success, personal development and understanding of intercultural issues. I’m also a research assistant working to correlate autism and the gastrointestinal tract with the help of a computation model which has given me the opportunity to apply my computer science skills to a more realistic setting.

Sam Bonnell

Computer Engineering

I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I am a Computer Engineering major. I have always been creative and a problem solver, which has helped me succeed in math and coding. I became interested in software and hardware through my multiple Java classes in high school and my participation in Robotics.

I have been good at leadership and teamwork throughout most of my life due to my participation in team sports, but I wish to further develop these skills through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. This program helps teach me real-world experiences so that I can be better prepared for the future. I am able to develop skills including teamwork, leadership, organization, communication, and many more. I am better developed as a person and ahead of most other students because of the Institute.

Outside of Lockheed Martin, I am also a part of The National Society of Leadership and Success and Sigma Alpha Pi. I am a big proponent of health and exercise, so I play intramural sports year round and am constantly reading about ways to be healthier. I have a long background of volunteering, mainly with Relay for Life, so I am always looking for new opportunities to make a difference.

With all of this experience, I hope to find a job at a company that involves leadership, teamwork, and technology. From my volunteering I have also found that I want to be able to look at work and see how it helps someone. I want to work somewhere that has an impact on people or technology, while still being able to use my leadership skills.

Emmett Bryan

Chemical Engineering

I am a chemical engineering major from Columbus, Ohio. I took my first chemistry class during my Junior year of high school, and I was immediately hooked. I also have always had a desire to learn how and why things work, which is why I chose chemical engineering over just studying chemistry.

I came into the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute hoping to gain better leadership and time management skills, but I have quickly learned that it is much more than that. It is a group of other highly motivated engineering students that really care about one another’s success. The Leadership Institute also provides great networking options, which will prove to be extremely helpful as I continue to look to gain experience outside of Miami.

Outside of the Leadership Institute, I am involved in a few other things. I am a member of the fraternity Delta Kappa Epsilon, where I serve as the Athletic Chair. I am also a member of Toastmasters International, a public speaking club. I joined this club hoping to improve on one of my main weaknesses, public speaking, and so far it has helped tremendously. I also plan on joining the club track & field team here at Miami in the spring semester.

Katie Bueltel

Engineering Management

Manufacturing Engineering

I am from Rochester Hills, Michigan, about an hour North of Detroit. In addition to being a Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management double major, I am also pursuing a German minor. With my above majors and minor, I am hoping to go into global project planning. I really want to work on bridging the gap between technical people and non-technical people. I find that to be very interesting and challenging. I need to understand exactly how something works and then be able to relate it to something someone without a technical background can understand. I discovered this passion in high school while participating on my school’s FIRST Robotics Team.

I am very involved on campus in various organizations. I am a member of the Engineering and Computing Student Council and the Mechanical and Manufacturing Student Leadership Committee. I am also a brother of Theta Tau, the professional engineering fraternity on campus, in which I also hold a leadership position. I am very passionate about Theta Tau and it is my job to help boost involvement for the fraternity, both between brothers and with the College of Engineering and Computing. In my free-time, I enjoy reading and coloring to help me destress after a long week.

I am a very self-motivated person and I am also extremely organized. I think these are both strengths that are valuable in a work setting. However, there is more to life than being able to do your job. This is why I joined the Leadership Institute. I hope to learn more about myself and my strengths and weaknesses and how I work best with others. The Institute offers a unique approach to leadership and teamwork, compared to what classrooms offer.

Elinam Gbordzoe

Software Engineering

I was born in Livingston, New Jersey but have spent most of my life in New Albany, Ohio. My passion for technology and programming came from my time of youth with my father. When my toys bored me I would always make my way to our basement and sift through my father’s collection of electronic parts, manuals, software, and everything else under the sun. During that time I would look through the books and was fascinated by the machinery and what you could do with them. My passion would center me around software development after taking a robotics and computer science course at my high school and enjoying it. My mission at Miami is to become a more competent software engineer and explore my current interests of artificial intelligence, cyber security, application development or interactive media.

I pursued the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I wanted to become a leader who could truly understand their team members and how to work with their different perspectives and ideals. Through my time here, I hope to further improve my communication, leadership, management, cooperative, and soft skills. I want to operate as leader who can be effective and considerate of the team and their goals.

On campus I am also a part of the Electronics and Computing Service Scholars, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Association for Computing Machinery, and Tae Kwon Do organizations. My extracurriculars have helped me to further my experiences within my field beyond coursework and keep me physically and mentally refreshed.

Trevis Graham

Computer Engineering

I have a strong passion for learning. Growing up, I was the kid that was made fun of in class for actually wanting to go to school. I chose my field of computer engineering to follow this passion. Computers are always adapting and getting better, which has always intrigued me. In this day and age, you don’t want to fall behind with technology. If I become a successful computer engineer, I can be in an environment where I am constantly learning and getting better, along with the computers.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to understand more about the way I lead and to gain patience in my leadership style. My end goal is to be able to lead any type of person. I think that my experience in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will benefit me in many situations throughout life, such as my extracurricular activities and professional development. I hope that the Institute will also help me get my foot in the door for most companies. As an engineer, I want to be able to implement the technical knowledge that I have learned in order to help people, whether that be in everyday tasks or during a one-time occurrence. Other than academics, I am currently involved in Miami University Smash Club and the National Society for Black Engineers.

Austin Hall

Engineering Management

I am from Dublin, Ohio and am an engineering management major with a concentration in manufacturing engineering. This major enticed me because I have always found that my strengths have been in math, science, and problem solving.

I hope that my involvement in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will allow me to continue to develop my problem solving skills while also developing my leadership skills and technique. The Institute provides a multitude of leadership opportunities as well as experience in working in teams to accomplish a variety of tasks. Additionally, I have been able to improve upon my organizational skills, all of which will provide me with experience that will help me in my future professional career.

I am actively involved in intramural sports and my Living Learning Community on campus. Both of these activities provide me with the opportunity to practice working with others in a team setting and practice my communication skills.

In the future, I see myself working in a corporate setting where I can utilize my abilities in problem solving and teamwork. I am personable, dedicated, and I can work well with others on projects. As a result, I can fit easily into any business setting.

Maddi Liesch

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Cincinnati, OH and am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. I decided to study engineering in college based upon my interests in math and science and creativity. Through many math classes and science classes, such as physics and chemistry, I developed a strong pull towards the STEM fields. In addition, I studied theatre since a young age, allowing me to develop creativity and interpersonal skills. With my creativity and math and science skills, I hope to center my engineering interests in designing and improving plane engines.

I am involved with multiple clubs at Miami University. These clubs include Stage Left, a student theatre organization, and Engineers Without Borders, a service organization based upon student led projects to improve lives in third world countries. Each club gives me to opportunity to exercise and improve my skills in real world situations.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I aim to grow in personal leadership and team cooperation. These are the skills where I need the most improvement. The Institute will help me hone in on these skills through team projects and goal-centered experiences. These two forms of learning will strengthen my communication, organization, and teamwork skills, as well as my weakest skills.

Bryce Linkous

Bioengineering

As a biomedical engineering and pre-medical studies major, I sought membership in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute for its diverse network of leaders from across the College of Engineering and Computing. Being connected to such an innovative group of people will give me a great understanding of what it takes to be an engineer in the professional world.

Growing up in Waynesville, Ohio, I learned from a young age the value of hard work and cooperation. I was surrounded by a family who continually encouraged me to be my best. It was instilled in me from an early age that whatever you may do, you should do it with all your heart. I found a passion in the fields of math and science, and am now looking to unite my fascination in physics, biology, and chemistry with a larger impact on people with a career in medicine. Here at Miami, I continue to translate my passion for learning towards bigger themes through my involvement with Engineers Without Borders and my organic chemistry research lab.

As a part of the Leadership Institute, I want to expand my understanding of leadership as it relates to the engineering and medical professions. Through my experiences in the Institute, I will learn from other leaders -- students, professors, and professionals alike -- and use these interactions to learn, share, and grow personally. For me, leadership has been and will always be the way one is able to motivate others to be their best. Developing these intangible qualities of a leader is what I look forward to learning from the Leadership Institute and carrying into my professional career.

Ben Marks

Mechanical Engineering
Bioengineering

I am double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering with a focus in Biomedical Engineering. I am from Paradise Valley, Arizona, which is right at the border of Phoenix, and a mile away from Scottsdale. Originally, I started pursuing engineering because I was just good at math and physics in high school, and I was fascinated by the way things worked, but as I grew older, I learned about how engineers can change the world through both design and innovation. I initially signed up for mechanical engineering because it had the most number of applications in the real world, but I quickly added bioengineering because I attended a tour of the biomedical engineering facilities Arizona State University, where I learned about the various applications and quickly developed an interest in prosthetics. I would love to obtain a career in the field of prosthetics or biotechnology.

From the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I want to develop myself for the professional world, as well as learn how to be a leader amongst my peers. Through the Leadership Institute, we practice being a professional in a setting much different from your typical classroom. We learn how to better ourselves every day both individually and as a team.

If I’m not participating in the Leadership Institute or doing something related to my majors, I can usually be found at the gym, the nearest restaurant, or at home taking a nap.

Through Miami and beyond, I hope to find myself one day looking out of a window at a leading design company that focuses on prosthetics. I want to have freedom to explore my own inquiries as well as have the ability to work in a project-based team setting.

Julie Matz

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Medina, Ohio and am a Mechanical Engineering major. I enjoyed my Calculus class in high school, but it wasn’t until I took physics my senior year that I decided engineering was the right choice for me. I found the fact that numbers and graphs could represent real systems and predict motions intriguing; I was able to use the Calculus and science courses that I enjoyed to see real results.

My involvement in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has taught me that technical knowledge is only part of being successful in a career. The other parts come from skills, such as conflict resolution, teamwork and project management, which are not normally learned in the classroom. I am also a member of the University Academic Scholars Program, Circle K International, and the Ogden Community Leadership Team.

Valeria Mokrenko

Computer Science

I am from Hamilton, Ohio, and I am majoring in Computer Science. Technology is a growing field and opportunities are always there for a job, which is why I decided to study computer science. I hope that by integrating my technical skills with my language skills, which includes Russian, Spanish and some Japanese, I can improve global communication worldwide.

By working with the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I’ve learned a lot about myself.The experience with the Leadership Institute has led me to grow and expand my interests in technology by communicating with other students and effectively using the skills that I already have for a common purpose.

At Miami I am also involved in the Movie Club, and I am an active voice in the Japanese Language and Culture Club. Every semester I attend a new club and that has led to many different connections with many different types of people. I love to grow my network and have a variety of friend groups because I am very flexible and have interests in many different activities.

I hope to work on translator systems in a company or work in a position that brings people closer to machines through language. The presence of technology will keep growing in the lives of people, so I am positive that communication between the people and the technology is going to be challenging yet highly exciting and rewarding.

Megan Moore

Computer Science

I grew up in Erie, Colorado, a small suburb of Boulder. My parents have always been highly involved leaders of my town, and I was inspired from a young age to step up and make a contribution to my community. I study Computer Science, a subject I fell in love with in my last two years of high school. I thoroughly enjoy the problem solving integral to the field, as well as how open it is to creativity. I also have a passion for art and science, and have long dreamed of integrating design and healthcare technologies into my future.

I initially became interested in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute for the leadership experience, but quickly realized how much I value the camaraderie and network built among the cohorts. I have also found a network and leadership opportunities through my participation in Miami's Dance Theatre, the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau, and acting as a teaching assistant. Through these activities, I hope to not only make a difference here at Miami, but into my career as well.

Charles Mullenix

Software Engineering

I am majoring in software engineering. I went to high school here in Oxford Ohio, where I was exposed to programming for the first time. However, it wasn’t until my courses at Miami that I began to fall in love with programming. The object oriented style of storing and manipulating data greatly appealed to me, and I found that the more I learn, the more I am consumed by the possibilities of computer science and software engineering.

Through Lockheed Martin, I hope to build a solid foundation for team management and communication skills, as these are some of the most important assets for a software engineer or computer scientist -- though they are far from the most common. In my time working with the Institute so far, I’ve found the resources available to me in this organization to be very helpful in achieving these goals.

In addition to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute and my coursework, I am currently the president of the Miami University Martial Arts Club. In this position, I have gained familiarity with the project management process, and how to be effective in the working environment. I’ve also applied my communication, management, and technical skills through my programming position at the Office of Residence Life, where I help to oversee the development of the ORL website.

With my experience, I hope to find myself on the cutting edge of research and development in computer science and technology. Artificial intelligence and space travel are some of the most intriguing fields of study for me, and will play a big role in the future of the human people as a whole. I hope to be a part of the force driving these discoveries and innovations.

Tien Anh Nguyen

Computer Science

I'm a computer science major at Miami University. I initially got into computer science because I like to play video games, and I wanted to make games. As I learned more about computer science in college, I started to take interest in subjects like web development, machine learning, and AI rather than game development. I believe there is still lots to discover within computer science and my interest could then shift.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I have learned about how to be a leader in the real world, and that leadership is not just about management. Over the next three years, I hope to learn more about myself and how to be a better leader.

I’m an avid learner. I like to read books and take online courses on a variety of subjects. I’m also interested in starting my own business and, therefore, I often read about the startup scene on Hacker News, Quora, and Medium. I enjoy making side-projects, especially coding. In my free time, I enjoy making websites, applications, and participating in Hackathon with my friends. I prefer working where I can make an impact, creating meaningful projects that actually make a difference.

Megan Olson

Mechanical Engineering

I'm from Cleveland, Ohio, and I'm majoring in Mechanical Engineering. After shadowing several doctors and talking with the head of the Chemistry department at Miami, I decided against the pre-med route and chose engineering instead. I really like the problem solving aspect of engineering, and the fact that I can physically build and hold things I've worked on from start to finish.

I hope to not only learn and grow as a leader myself, but to also see others grow through different areas of leadership. I like that the Institute is broken into three different types of leadership: personal, people, and strategic. I think the challenging assignments we are given will help prepare us for the real world.

Apart from my studies in engineering, I am involved with Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity on campus. I serve the community of Oxford and the surrounding area with 20+ hours of service a semester. I am also captain of my intramural soccer team, and involved with the Miami Sailing Team.

I want to work for a company that values creativity and research and development very highly. I like solving problems with creativity, and I hope I can apply my leadership skills to achieve success in my career.

Anne Poindexter

Bioengineering

I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio and I’m a bioengineering major with a pre-medical technical specialty. I’ve always loved the medical field and have been planning on seeking a job in the this field for as long as I can remember. My passion for engineering came later when I found that I could combine my curiosity about how the world works with my desire to help others through medicine.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to learn the soft skills required to fulfill my career vision. In addition to the academically rigorous courses offered here at Miami, the Leadership Institute offers challenges that deepen more than just our academic knowledge. The real-world experience I hope to gain through the Leadership Institute will undoubtedly serve me well later in my education and my future career.

Outside of engineering and the Leadership Institute, I’m involved with Engineers Without Borders. In Engineers Without Borders students actively work to plan and execute engineering service projects. I’m currently on the future water projects committee where I have the opportunity to research different water project options around the current Rwanda mission site.

Nick Romeo

Computer Science

I am from Youngstown, Ohio and I’m majoring in computer science with a minor in business analytics. I have always been intrigued by computers and technology which is what ultimately drove me to my current major.

I believe that the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will open up a variety of great opportunities and experiences that will help in the development of not only my career, but myself as a person. I hope the classes and workshops mold my leadership attributes as well as increase my soft skills.

I am involved in a variety of on-campus organizations and activities. Besides the Leadership Institute, I am a member of the Electronic and Computing Service Scholars Program, where I get to combine service and computing; Kode2Learn, where I visit local elementary schools to teach kids about programming; and Heart of the Game in which I am a mentor to middle school students at Middletown Middle School.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, as well as the other programs I am involved in, I hope to gain the necessary skills that will allow me to become a successful leader and manager in the technology department of either sporting, medicine, or volunteer-related industries.

Haley Sandvik

Bioengineering

I am a bioengineering major from Westerville, Ohio. Growing up, I’ve always had an interest in how the world works. Exceptional teachers throughout middle school and high school really affirmed my love for math, physics, chemistry, and biology. I’ve known that I’ve wanted to major in engineering since the beginning of high school, and bioengineering is the best engineering discipline that combines with my interests in health science. In the future, I’d like a career where I can help people through research and manufacturing of prosthetics, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, or other health care innovations.

I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I wanted the opportunity to develop and improve upon leadership skills necessary to be successful in the professional world. I also was intrigued by the ability to share this experience with my peers and network with former members.

Outside of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I’m a member of the Miami Women’s Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field programs. Running has always been an integral part of my life, and by participating in intercollegiate athletics, I’ve learned valuable skills in teamwork, hard work, communication, and time management. Additionally, I’m a member of Swoop’s Stoop: a student athlete founded organization devoted to supporting Cincinnati Children’s hospital, and the Miami University’s school knitting club.

Michael Siegert Jr.

Computer Science

I am a Computer Science major and am from Liberty Township, Ohio. I decided to major in computer science, because I have always been curious about how the world works, and love to learn new things. Learning about computers allows me to learn about the largest network of communication known to man, and continue to learn new things as technology advances.

As a member of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to gain real world experience and improve my personal and team skills. Being a member of the Leadership institute gives me experiences that strengthen my soft skills like communication and organization.

I am also involved with another engineering group outside of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, the Engineering and Computing Student Council (ECSC). The ECSC acts as a conduit between the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing and the student body. As a member, I work as a part of several different teams who focus on different projects proposed by the Dean and the student body. Outside of engineering, I am also a member of the Students for the Promotion of Writing, where I help to put on the annual Oxford Writing Festival, by contacting and requesting authors to give presentations as part of the event.

I hope to use my experience to find a position where I can continue to learn, and innovate with technology, while also being able to express the wonders of technology with others. I would like to work on projects that are not only technically innovative, but helpful.

Haley Uline

Mechanical Engineering

I currently live in Strongsville, Ohio, but my dad was in the Air Force until the summer after my senior year of high school, so I have lived several places across the United States. Being around jets and pilots throughout my childhood got me interested in flight, and it developed into a passion for the space program in high school. Factoring in my love of math and physics, I decided to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering so that I could follow that path.

By involvement in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to enhance my teamwork and communication skills through group projects focused on leadership development. This institute will also give me important real-world experience and a stronger professional character. I am excited to learn more about my personal and group leadership capabilities with my cohort.

At Miami, I am a member of the Miami University Marching Band, and am an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a professional fraternity focused on service for the band and Miami Music Department. These activities help me continue my passion for music and marching while giving back to the organization. I am also involved with the Society of Women Engineers and the Astronomy Club.

Kyle Weaver

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Plymouth, Michigan and am majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Biochemistry. I was drawn to science and engineering because of my involvement in F.I.R.S.T. robotics in high school. FIRST allowed me the opportunity to see how engineers work in industry, and gave me the chance to experience the entire engineering process, and create a finished product, and I was hooked.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to develop my strengths as a team member and learn how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. Also, I hope to learn the soft skills necessary to become a successful professional. All jobs require communication and being a strong communicator can separate a good engineer from a great one.

On campus, I am a trombonist in the Miami University Marching Band, and a member of a service sorority associated with the band, Tau Beta Sigma. I am also involved in research on campus, and am the treasurer for the Miami University Fencing Club. These organizations help me develop as a well-rounded person, and I am glad I have gotten involved.

Myles White

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Cleveland, Ohio and am majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I was initially interested in civil engineering; however, I developed a newfound interest in mechanical engineering. Now my aspirations are centered around biomechanics and constructing robots.

Through my experience in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to gain skills in group leadership, mentorship, and conversational skills. These are skills where I know improvement is needed, and these skills will be helpful in the professional world.

Outside of the Leadership Institute, I have two jobs on campus. The first, as a Lifeguard, Manager, and WSI certified Learn To Swim instructor at the Corwin M. Nixon Aquatic Center. My other job is an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the MME 102 class offered by the College of Engineering and Computing. I am the Vice President of the MU chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and I am a standing member the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and I help lead Bible studies for Cru which is an on-campus Christian organization.

In the future I wish to work for a company where teamwork and technology are integrated. I love to do hands-on work, and I love working with teams because there is so much to learn from the people you work with.

Cohort 5 was established during the 2015-2016 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Solen Abasaba

Chemical Engineering

I was born in the US but moved to Ethiopia when I was five and lived in the capital Addis Ababa for the following 10 years. My parents’ work, building water wells and schools in rural areas, took us back. Being able to see finished projects and the vision behind the organization helped me appreciate and value education. As a child I was very curious about the world around me and how things worked and so given that I have always enjoyed math and science, I chose engineering with the hopes of going into water treatment and purification.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to gain skills and experiences that will help me achieve my goals in life and develop as a leader helping me gain improved communication, leadership, and organizational skills. In addition to Lockheed, I am a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. Both are organizations that have also opened up many doors of opportunity and helped in my development as a leader. I am confident that with all that I learn through my experiences in and out of the classroom, paired with dedication and hard work, I will be in a position that sets me up for success in the future.

Emma Belanger

Software Engineering

I am from Cincinnati, Ohio and am majoring in Software Engineering at Miami. I decided to pursue engineering and technology because of an interesting engineering class I took in high school. I learned about the creativity involved in math and science and was immediately interested in focusing on technology.

I hope to gain personal and group leadership techniques from the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. The institute allows me to have real-world experience working in teams to accomplish a goal. This experience strengthens my communication and organizational skills.

Outside of engineering and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I’m actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega. I do 20+ hours of community service a semester, doing projects involved in campus, community, philanthropy, and scouting activities. I’m also involved in ACM where I work on programming projects and go to workshops about different programs and languages.

With my experiences I hope to see myself in a company that focuses on technology. I would like not only to work on projects that bring design and technology to the world, but I would like to lead these projects as well.

Melanie Boehmer

Bioengineering

I am a Bioengineer student at Miami University from Hebron, Kentucky right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. I currently have a concentration in biomedical engineering. I chose engineering because when thing of my academic interests in the past I always knew that I showed the highest potential in math and science. When investigating further I became very interested in research and biotechnology, which is some of the things I hope to get into in my career after college.

I chose to apply to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I want to develop my personal skills such as public speaking and interpersonal communication. Since being in the institute I have started to become very aware that it is important to know your personality very well, because leadership is something different in everyone. I look forward to the future in the institute to learn more about myself and about how to use that knowledge to work with others in the most effective ways. This program is the transition from school to a job.

On campus I am involved in the National society of Leadership and Success where I am currently just a member. I am also involved in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I am also a part of the University Honors Program. I am working towards obtaining as many skills as possible inside and outside of the classroom to get me to a better future.

Kristin Campbell

Chemical Engineering

I am from Springfield, Ohio and I am studying Chemical Engineering with a concentration in biochemistry. I chose engineering because of my love for math and chemistry that I found in high school, but I have found a greater love for it while starting my studies at Miami University. The more topics I cover in my classes and the more I learn about the amazing variety of career opportunities open for chemical engineers, the more passionate I become about the field.

I am currently involved in the Society of Women Engineers, ΑΦΩ (a service fraternity), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, The AIChE ChemE Car team, Community Leadership Team as the 2nd Year Honors LLC Rep as well as General Assembly Ambassador, and the RHA Community Service Committee. Hopefully these activities coupled with the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will give me the incredible leadership skills that will take me from an entry-level research and development job to my goal career of being a project manager at a company such as P&G.

Chase Connor

Chemical Engineering

I was born in Columbus, Ohio and was raised in Westerville, Ohio. Throughout my education I have always had a strong passion for the sciences. I love many subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Yet I was inspired by a past Chemistry teacher to look into the field of Chemical Engineering. The vast amount of possibilities and opportunities available for me to be able to assist others in the world with an engineering appealed to me. I knew that this path was one coincided with my passion to help others.

The Lockheed Martin Institute will help me hone the skills within myself that will assist me for the rest of my life. To truly leave a mark on the world and to help one another one must learn to lead. With the leadership skills learned from the Lockheed Martin Institute and the skills from a Chemical Engineering curriculum I will achieve many things in the future.

I am currently the secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers on campus. I hope to gain experience in this position as a leader and learn from experienced engineers with the contacts I have made through the program. I hope to learn much more when it comes bother leadership and engineering to truly make a positive impact on both the environment and other people.

Matt DePero

Computer Science

I am from the hometown of Wadsworth in northeast Ohio and am majoring in Computer Science. I found my passion for programming while in high school and have been following it ever since. What started with simple web design has grown into a career path that leave me both confident and excited about the direction I'm going with my future.

Especially in the field of engineering, soft skills such as professionalism and communication often get left behind to the immense about of technical knowledge associated with the field. While I understand the value and need for this type of knowledge, I recognize the importance for skills in teamwork, interpersonal cooperation, and business acumen. I'm excited to not only learn these types of skills from the best in the business, but to do so alongside an incredible group of people in cohort 5.

Outside my academics I am involved with Toastmasters International, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), Kode2Learn (A service project with local school districts), and student councils for the college and the computer science department. Through coursework, real world experience, a problem solving mindset, and high work ethic, I aspire to be a leader in my field and hope to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

Aspen Dowden

Chemical Engineering

Growing up in the small town of Circleville, Ohio where community is valued above all else, public service quickly became one of my core values and I chose to give back to the community that had given so much to me to any way that I could. When considering my future career path, I knew that in order to be fulfilled as a person, I needed the element of public service. Because of my strengths in math and science, I knew engineering could be my personal way of giving back.

While my undergraduate experience here at Miami offers a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the practice of engineering, the career path I seek demands interpersonal skills absent from the traditional-style classroom setting. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute helps to bridge the disconnect between the two by providing guidance and support for the development of both communication and leadership skills.

At Miami, I work as a tour guide to further connect with people as well as contribute to my university. As a brother of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity, I am able to develop professionally while giving back to the community of Oxford, through our national philanthropy Habitat for Humanity. My involvement in the aforementioned organizations as well as the University Honors Program and the Club of Design, allow me to build my skills for, explore my interests in, and prove my dedication toward a career in engineering as a public service.

Rachel Duffy

Mechanical Engineering

My name is Rachel Duffy and I grew up in Bellbrook, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton. I am studying Mechanical Engineering and Interactive Media Studies. I chose my major because it encompasses both the technical aspects of engineering which I am strong in, as well as design and creativity. My hope as an engineer is to use both my design and technical skills to create an end product that people will enjoy. I am passionate about working with CAD to develop models and prototypes of objects that will eventually be brought to life.

Throughout Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to grow as a leader by improving my areas of weakness. By taking the Myers Briggs personality test, I learned that I am an ENFJ personality type which means I have a genuine interest in people and seeing them succeed. This is a good trait to have as a leader because when leading, I have the ability to put myself in other people’s shoes to see how my decisions affect others. This helps me decide how to approach problems based off of what I foresee the outcome to be.

On campus, I am a mentor for younger engineers as a part of the Engineering Scholars program, involved with Society of Women Engineers, and Wilks Leadership LLC. I am glad to be a part of these organizations because they help me hone my leadership skills.

Emily Hanson

Bioengineering

I am a bioengineering major from Illinois. At Miami I am involved in the Honors Program, Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, Miami’s study abroad program in Luxembourg, and a research independent study. One of the reasons I chose to major in engineering is because I have always liked math and science. I decided to study bioengineering because I am interested in health related fields. In particular, I am very interested in learning more about artificial organs and tissue engineering. I would like a career where I am helping people and making a difference and I know that with a bioengineering major I will be able to achieve that.

I am excited to be a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. It is a perfect complement to my classes, providing opportunities to grow skills that will be crucial after graduation. Being in Cohort 5 will allow me to continue developing my teamwork skills, learn from my peers, and build relationships with others in my field. I know that with the help of the Leadership Institute I will further develop both the “hard skills” and the “soft skills” that are important for a career.

John Hobbs

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Oregonia, Ohio, a town that is so small that it doesn’t even have a four way stop. I am currently working towards a Mechanical Engineering degree with a Computer Science minor. I chose mechanical engineering as my major because I was involved in F.I.R.S.T. Robotics in high school and got a taste what it was like to work on an engineering project. From F.I.R.S.T. Robotics I gained a passion for robots and their many different applications, but also have a passion for designing medical devices to aid healthcare professionals and this is due to growing up with a severely medically fragile sister my whole life.

From the Lockheed Martin Leadership institute I hope to fine tune my leadership skills and learn how to better work in teams to effectively accomplish a goal. On campus, I am involved in the Tau Delta chapter of Theta Tau, a Professional Engineering fraternity; Scholar Leaders LLC, Kode2Learn, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Quadcopter Racing team. I hope to capitalize on all these experiences at Miami University to expand my leadership skills and use them to aid me with whatever the future has in store for me.

Mark Hutchinson

Computer Science

I am from Batavia, a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently studying Computer Engineering at Miami University. I initially chose engineering due to a passion for working on and with computers. The more I get to take classes related to my major the more I enjoy working in this field. This continues to excite me and I look forward to developing my technical and leadership skills.

Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute I hope to learn more about my personal leadership style and improve my communication skills. Learning these leadership and communication skills would greatly help me in the other activities I am involved in on campus, including Engineers Without Borders, and the various recreationally sports teams I am on. I am hoping to use the leadership and communication skills I gain in Lockheed to find a career in the mobile technology field, that allows me to use my analytical and problem solving skills to solve real world problems. I would enjoy being the leader of a small team on this job, which would allow me to further develop my leadership skills.

Stephen Knitter

Chemical Engineering

I live in Schaumburg, Illinois – a northwest suburb of Chicago. I am a Chemical Engineering Major and I plan on pursuing a focus in environmental engineering. I am passionate about energy and the environment and I would love to learn more about getting into the field. The choice to pursue engineering was an easy one – I love defining and solving problems, as well as finding new and efficient ways to innovate the old ways of doing things. The potential in renewable energy is exciting to me and through engineering I want to be able to participate in utilizing the different possibilities there are for energy. Learning how to brand myself and develop as a professional leader in the engineering field is my goal through my involvement in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. Gaining real world experience in college is a huge step in the right direction, and this is the way to do it. All of these attributes would help in my other activities that I am a part of on campus. Currently I am a member of the Miami University Student Foundation and Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity; I also work as a banquet server at Carillon Catering.

Emily Pantuso

Computer Science

Raised both bilingual and multicultural in Japanese, I aspire to become a global leader and innovator in technology. I was first introduced to computing in high school when I took an IT course where I learned to program and develop websites. This experience motivated me to pursue Computer Science as a major along with an Interactive Media Studies co-major. I am also minoring in Chinese and plan to use this skill along with my background in Japanese to work internationally.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will help me to learn more about myself and how I, personally, can become the best leader I can be. I believe this experience will improve my communication skills and team working skills and prepare me for my career.

At Miami University, I am involved in a variety of organizations. Currently the corresponding secretary of Theta Tau, the professional engineering fraternity, I maintain relations with alumni and neighboring chapters. I am also the club leader of Bogan Elementary for Kode 2 Learn, a weekly club where college students teach elementary school students how to code using Processing and Scratch. Also an active member of Association for Computing Machinery, Society of Women Engineers, and China American Business Organization, I enjoy staying involved on campus.

Dan Pfeil

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Mason Ohio, a suburb north of Cincinnati. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering. I have always been drawn towards building things ever since I was young, and felt that this was a great way to turn my passion into a career. What really helped to solidify this decision was a two projects that I did in my AP physics class senior year of high school. One was designing and building a rollercoaster that meet a certain set of requirements, and the other was designing and building a Rube Goldberg machine that accomplished a certain task. Going through the process of designing and creating these machines was very interesting and I definitely enjoyed getting a task and having to figure out how to complete this task in the best way I could. I hope to take this degree and use my knowledge to help not only myself, my family, and my company; but anyone that I am able to. I am interested in working in designing machines and devices that will be able to save lives and help people who couldn’t live without them. I hope to get out of this institute the ability to lead a group, but also the ability to be a contributing member of a group even if I am not leading it. I also hope to become educated on how to fully use my own skill set to help myself and others succeed. I am also involved in Undergraduate research on campus through the Microbiology department at Miami. I am heavily involved in intramurals as well, playing soccer, football, and hockey. Lastly I am involved in Miami University Student Foundation on campus in which we strive to help the past, present, and future students of Miami.

Harrison Roth

Computer Science

I am studying Computer Science at Miami University. I decided to study Computer Science due to my passion for math, problem solving, and technology. I am constantly intrigued by innovation and development in my field. While in school, I plan to work in many different areas of computer science in order to broaden my knowledge base and ensure that I have all of the skills that I could need down the road. I hope, in the future, to work for a company that constantly pushes boundaries and forges new paths. I aspire to work in cyber security, which I see as a growing need around the world with the global increase in technology.

I hope that the Leadership Institute will help me progress as a leader and person, giving me skills that will be invaluable in the future. The Leadership Institute should prepare me for life outside of school, and ensure that I will have the necessary knowledge to take any opportunity that may arise.

Marcia Rudolph

Mechanical Engineering

Ever since I started school, math and science were always my favorite subjects. Though I have always known where my interests lie, I had no idea what I wanted to major in until a family friend suggest the field of engineering to my when I was a junior in high school. At that point I decided to give it a try and went to a Women in Engineering week-long summer camp at Ohio State University, and fell in love.

Soon after I found engineering, I discovered my passion for space and decided to combine them and focus on the area of aerospace engineering. Though I enjoy hands on projects that use all aspects of engineering, in the future I see myself running an aerospace company. With this aspiration in mind, I feel that the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will give me a great foundation with real world and leadership experience to reach my career goals.

On campus, I am involved in Theta Tau which is a professional engineering fraternity, Society of Women Engineers, and Outdoor Adventure Club. From these activities I wish to make an impact on Miami’s campus along with the area of engineering.

Amanda Ryerse

Electrical Engineering

Growing up in a military family, I have spent plenty of time in military hospitals. I am always amazed at how many veterans have lost limbs. Despite only having one arm or leg, these men and women have the motivation to keep moving on with their lives, despite the obstacles that life has thrown them. They never give up. I have always wanted to find a way to give back to them. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school when I realized that as an engineer, I could use my knowledge and skills to solve not only this problem but others as well. Eventually, I would love to be designing improved prosthetic limbs for amputees that give them a better range of motion.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will help me learn about my personal leadership style and how to work effectively with others who differ in their philosophy. Additionally, I hope to develop my leadership skills, specifically, communication, using the guidance and resources of the institute, in order to apply them to the other organizations I am involved with on campus. Additionally, I am a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and the Miami Women’s Lacrosse Team. All of these organizations have enabled me to develop my communication and team building skills, as well as bring a high level of enthusiasm to each one. Because of this, I am confident, I will be successful in solving real-world problems using my engineering knowledge.

Zane Shreve

Electrical Engineering

I am from a small town called Redkey, located in east-central Indiana just minutes from the Ohio border. From a young age, I have always been curious and interested in how things work. This interest was focused when I took engineering courses in high school that prompted me to pursue engineering at Miami. My decision to major in electrical engineering is a result of the joy I find in building electric guitar amplifiers and effects units, a hobby I took up during high school. Since deciding on EE, I have been very interested to learn of the many professional opportunities that it provides; my biggest interests are in the air/space industries and audio electronics.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has helped me to take those personal career goals and find ways to improve my communication and leadership skills and further my professional development to make them happen. Being surrounded by such talented and influential people in the Leadership Institute pushes me to pursue excellence in my own leadership journey. Aside from the Leadership Institute, I am also a member of the University Academic Scholars Program. I am a member of the Miami Track and Field team as well; I compete in the decathlon. I also currently act as a Resident Assistant on campus. Each of these activities contribute to who I am and the type of leader I am trying to become.

Paige Smith

Bioengineering

I am from Saline, Michigan, a small town outside of Ann Arbor. I am a bioengineering major. When I came into Miami I was an undecided major, but it soon became clear to me that engineering was where my passion is, and I love the complexity and diversity in the bioengineering field. I want to use my math and science skills to improve the quality of people’s lives. My main interests in bioengineering are tissue engineering and prosthetics.

I joined Lockheed Martin in order to develop my leadership skills, which I feel are neglected in my other studies. I want to improve my communication and team-working skills most because I believe that working effectively with others is important, particularly in engineering. I also wanted to expand my professional network.

Outside of class, I am involved with the Society of Women Engineers. I want to encourage other women and girls to consider engineering as a career option, because I think that people are reluctant to enter fields where they are not represented. I also work at King Café part time.

Christopher Smitherman II

Mechanical Engineering

After taking an Introduction to Engineering course during my senior year of high school, I became very interested in engineering as a possible career choice. The class did several projects, but my favorite was designing a model roller coaster under given constraints. After many hours of working with my team to create a fun, innovative, original, and feasible coaster, I realized I had a true passion for engineering.

Through participation in the Leadership Institute, I hope to understand more about my personal leadership style and thereby increase the use of my leadership skills. I anticipate that such skills will assist me in many circumstances, for example, in my on-campus activities, my professional endeavors, as well as social situations. With quality leadership skills, I would like to pursue a career with one of the top defense contractors in the United States, such as Lockheed Martin. I look forward to implementing my technical skills as an engineer in order to improve and innovate new technologies that will be used to keep the country safe. Although engineering is my academic focus, I am involved in the Miami Boxing Club and Project High Flight. I am also employed as a Resident Assistant with the University.

Samantha Stretar

Bioengineering

I am a biomedical engineering and premedical studies major from Minnetonka, MN. I decided to pursue engineering because I wanted to combine my creativity with my interest in learning how things work. To me, engineering is more than being good at math and science, it is about finding innovative solutions to the most pertinent problems that affect society today. Biomedical engineering has been the perfect fit to combine my interest in medicine and engineering as I pursue a future career in the healthcare industry. I am driven to help improve the health and wellbeing of people around the world.

I saw the Leadership Institute as a unique opportunity to develop professionally while earning my undergraduate degree. I hope to learn how to become an effective motivator and leader during my time in the Institute. On campus, I am also involved in Opening Minds through Art (OMA) where I participate in art therapy with dementia patients. I also am currently participating in undergraduate research where I work with oncolytic viruses in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Cohort 4 was established during the 2014-2015 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Eric Birkholz

Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

I am a Mechanical and Biomedical engineering double major from Wayzata, MN. I chose engineering because I enjoy helping people and improving their lives as well as being creative and designing. I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Society because I hope to become a better leader in the engineering field as well as other parts of my life. I want to become a better person and engineer as well. Currently on campus I am an executive member of Pi Kappa Phi, and previously held a chair position. After graduating college, I plan on looking for a job in the engineering field that allows me to impact peoples’ lives the most. I want to have a large impact on many peoples’ lives including my coworkers and the community in which I work.

Matt Boubin

Electrical Engineering

My name is Matthew Boubin, and I am majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at Miami University. I chose to be an engineering major after experimenting with other majors that didn't’t feel comfortable to me. Once in engineering, it was clear to me that I had found my place at Miami University. Engineering has allowed me to explore my curiosity in a way that no other major could offer me. I have a strong interest in the technical aspects of engineering, I also believe that leadership experience is essential to success in any profession. This is, in part, why I have chosen to be a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow in areas that I wouldn't’t have been able to develop otherwise. On campus, I am also involved in the social fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha and our campus IEEE and HKN chapters. Thus far, I have had experience in autonomy at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Information Technology at GE Aviation, and Computer Engineering Research within Miami’s College of Engineering and Computing. Throughout my studies I developed a strong passion for nutrition, and I am particularly interested in urban agriculture, vertical farming, and aeroponics. I aspire to use my understanding of engineering to have an impact on this field in my future career.

Amanda Burke

Biomedical Engineering

Growing up in Copley, Ohio as the daughter of two chemical engineers, I have been exposed to engineering my whole life. Biomedical Engineering was a natural choice for me combining my love of the math and sciences with an education that will allow me to be involved in the health care industry. In the future, I hope to give back to the community through my work.

I am excited to be a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. As a member of cohort four, I hope to strengthen my skills in communication and team-work. I am also working on strengthening skills as a member of the Society of Women Engineers, a sister of Phi Mu Fraternity, and as the Vice President of Projects for Engineers without Borders.

Sebastian Diaz-Rodriguez

Chemical Engineering

I was born in Monterrey, Mexico but moved to the United States of America at a young age, ending up in Chardon, Ohio, which has become my hometown. I am majoring in Chemical Engineering with a Physics and Paper Science Minor. Engineering is a discipline that takes information from all branches of science and math and applies this information into practical and commercial use for the real world. Wanting to understand how the world works currently and how it will in the future is how I got into engineering. My drive for engineering introduced me to the possibilities I have at Miami such as the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute’s main goal is to prepare my cohort and me for life after college. The hope I have for what the Leadership Institute can do for me is help me build on my experiences and strengthen my best abilities when it comes to work ethic while improving on my weaknesses. Outside of schoolwork I am a proud member of Engineers Without Borders and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. When I think about my future I hope to be in an industry and company that accepts my attributes and allows me to work at the highest of my ability. Whether that is in paper, pharmaceuticals, or something completely different I do not know yet but I am extremely excited to build my own path to success.

Brandon Free

Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics

I am a Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Physics Major at Miami University who originates from New Philadelphia, OH. Ever since middle school, I loved to solve problems and build things so I hoped I could make a career out of that. Once I learned what engineering was, I realized it was a natural fit for me. Throughout high school, I took every chance I could to prepare myself to study engineering and even took pre-engineering classes as part of a new program called Project Lead the Way. As I progressed into my later years at high school and into college, I realized how much I valued my mechanical skill and my ability to apply concepts to applications. This reassured my choice for engineering and led me to select my majors and career path. After I graduate in May 2017 I plan on pursuing a career as a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is an excellent program that will prepare me for my career as an engineer. Specifically I hope that I will learn the practical skills needed to have a successful career like project management and organization. At Miami, I am also involved with Engineers Without Borders, a service organization that partners with developing communities to solve engineering related problems. This has proved to be a truly unique experience that has allowed me to merge engineering, leadership, and service into one activity.

Chloe Gessner

Manufacturing Engineering

I am from Dayton Ohio, and I am a sophomore Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management double major. I am also pursuing a minor in French. I’ve always enjoyed problem solving and teamwork, as well as math and science, so a major in engineering was a natural choice for me. I picked manufacturing engineering originally because I thought that process engineering was a better fit. After interning, I realized that I also enjoy working in the organized chaos of the factory floor, with the heavy machinery and the people who operate it. I hope to someday work with either Quality engineering or Lean, and both require an innate understanding of how to properly outline solutions and then produce change. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is the perfect method to learn the soft skills that are often left out of a technical engineering curriculum. I hope to learn how to lead through actions, and how to influence those around me in a positive manner, as well as become an effective member of a team. On campus, I am the Public Relations Chair of the College of Engineering and Computing Student Advisory Council, a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and a member of the Society of Women Engineers and The National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi).

Ndeye Guiesse

Biomedical Engineering

I am from Cincinnati, OH but I am originally from Senegal, West Africa. I moved to the United States when I was seven years old. Engineering became an interest of mine after me senior year of high school. I knew that I always wanted to be a doctor and after doing a project on Biomedical Engineering, I knew that orthopedics would be the perfect route for me. Lockheed Martin takes all of the skills that I have acquired and connects them efficiently to help me market my brand as a leader. I hope to gain improved networking skills and I believe that Lockheed is the perfect outlet to do so. Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute pushes me to my maximum potential, I never feel like I am doing "busy work." As Professor Morman likes to say: "This is the rest of your life."

On campus, I am the president of the National Society of Black Engineers, member of the Phi Delta Epsilon Premedical fraternity, member of the African Students' Union, and a Calculus tutor. All of these organizations have helped heighten my teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. With the right opportunities, dedication, and skill sets I hope to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon as well as give back to my community through philanthropy.

Chris Hill

Chemical Engineering

I am from Dublin, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I am currently studying Chemical Engineering at Miami University with a concentration in paper engineering and mechanical engineering. I chose engineering initially due to my passion for math and science—particularly chemistry; however, the more I learn about the various opportunities available for engineers the more excited I am to continue developing my technical and leadership skills.

I hope to learn more about my personal leadership style and improve my communication skills through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. These skills would assist me in my other on campus activities as well as my professional pursuits. I am involved in AIChE, Engineers Without Borders, and TAPPI. I hope to use the skills I am learning at Miami, in and out of class, to find a career which allows me to use my analytical and problem solving skills to solve real world problems while developing leadership and communication skills allowing me to further my career.

MacKenzie Hull

Mechanical Engineering

I was born in Elyria, Ohio near Cleveland and have lived there my whole life. I am a Mechanical Engineering major. I chose engineering due to a love of the subject matter in physics courses and work I was doing in calculus courses, but was more interested in design than in the lab work that a physicist might do. I mostly want to do something that will have a positive impact I can clearly identify and that I will be skilled in. I have enjoyed my involvement with the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute and strive to continue strengthening the leadership characteristics I have along with building on those I struggle with. I have met with successful leaders in engineering and other engineering students and gained meaningful insights from all of them.

I am a Resident Assistant for my second year, this time in Morris Hall. During this past summer, I interned at Swagelok in their Tooling Engineering department. This was a great opportunity that allowed me to grow by giving me a lot of autonomy on the projects that I worked on. In the future, I plan on getting involved in a variety of industries that allow me to increase the breadth of my experiences, eventually reaching a leadership role that allows me to have a lot of creative input. The opportunities provided to me through this Leadership Institute and Miami University are vast and I want to graduate with an open mind, willing to jump into any prospective career that interests me.

Evan Lynch

Electrical Engineering

My biggest goal in life has always been to make a difference in the lives of others. I think this is what drew me to engineering. I chose Electrical Engineering as my major because I am passionate about math and how it is used to understand the world. This passion began during my physics class at Loveland High School, in Loveland, Ohio.

The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual, as well as a leader. By studying my personal leadership styles, as well as by building my communication skills, I have grown a lot through this program. Apart from my studies, I am Vice President of the CEC Student Advisory Council, Treasurer of the Miami University Drone Racing Team, a member of the Percussion Ensemble, and a member of Cru. I hope to use the skills I am developing at Miami University to find build a future where I can use my strengths to make a difference in the world.

Loy McGuire

Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

My name is Loy McGuire, I'm studying Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering as well as Renewable Energy here at Miami University. My hometown is Huntington, West Virginia. I've always found math and science interesting and fun, and I love to create, organize, and build things, so I decided engineering was the best path for me to choose in order to have a career that I would enjoy working in. In the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute I hope to develop and improve my skills in leadership, to put myself into places that will challenge and strengthen my character, and to be introduced to new opportunities and networking situations. On campus I'm involved in the College of Engineering and Computing Student Council, Gymnastics Club, the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau, and the social fraternity Chi Psi. During my time at Miami I would like to promote and improve the engineering program as much as I can. I have started a team to compete in the Cessna/Raytheon build/design/fly competition, I created the Miami University Drone Racing Club, and I have several more projects I plan on bringing about. In the future I hope to be on the forefront of developing sustainable energy and creating new methods for commercial energy production, or to have a career in the design and building processes associated with aeronautical and aerospace engineering.

Dharini Parthasarathy

Electrical Engineering

I was born in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and I have lived there most of my life. However, I am a citizen of India and, in fact, did my High School education there. Studying in India presented a wide and amazing array of opportunities to me, one of which was the chance to apply to universities in the States. I chose Miami University because of the excellent education it offers, but above that, I chose Miami University because of the excellent experience it gives its students.

I am pursuing a major in Electrical Engineering. Math and Science are two subjects I have always loved; they are subjects that interest and impress me. But, I wanted to study more than just Math and Science, and thus, I chose Engineering—a combination of both and also much more. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute helps me in my pursuit of ‘much more’. Through the Leadership Institute, I hope to gain skills and experiences that can translate into my future career—technical skills, but also interpersonal skills such as self-awareness and group-awareness that will aid me in more than just my career.

I am also a member (and SNT Coordinator) of Sigma Alpha Pi, which is the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as the Miami Ambassadors for Creating Change, and Alpha Epsilon Phi (a sorority). I participate in the Miami University chapter of Toastmasters as well. Lastly, I work in the Dean’s Office as a Student Aide.

Logan Raukar

Mechanical Engineering

I’m from Sylvan Lake, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit). I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering here at Miami University. I decided to pursue engineering for the opportunity to create things that can have a beneficial impact on the world. In addition, there are a wide variety of job opportunities and career paths that can come from engineering. Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute I hope to learn more about myself and how I can better myself. I also hope to learn to work better in teams. This incredible program will give me the tools I need to lead myself and others successfully. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute also allows me to practice teamwork and communication skills which will assist me throughout my future career. I am also an active member of the Gamma Nu chapter of Kappa Delta sorority, Society of Women Engineers, and KidsUganda. Through these organizations and the philanthropy opportunities they offer, I am able to help those in need throughout my community and around the world.

Korey Smith

Biomedical Engineering

I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and am studying Biomedical Engineering (concentration in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology) with minors in Mechanical Engineering and Spanish. I am fascinated by the human body, and the ability to create new technology to improve people's lives through medical devices excites me.

As a highly motivated engineering student, it is easy for me to get caught up in the lie that grades are the most important aspect of college for engineers. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is helping me to realize the importance of involvement and proficiency in much more than classwork. Through workshops, speakers, and other events, the Leadership Institute is encouraging me to strengthen my soft skills and look introspectively to grow into a more well-rounded, adept leader. I am very excited for the years to come and the many more lessons that I will learn from my experience in the Leadership Institute.

I am involved in a wide variety of other activities which include being the Secretary and Communications Committee Chair for the University Academic Scholars Program, participating in the Honors Program, leading youth ministry in Cincinnati through Young Life, being a member of the Society of Women Engineers and Genetics Clubs, and playing on an intramural broomball team. While these activities are all very different, they are all valuable opportunities to help me grow in my leadership, teamwork, and time management skills.

David Ternik

Mechanical Engineering

Now in my third year as a Miami Redhawk, I continue to absorb the lessons of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. I am also a student employee at the university’s B.E.S.T. Library, where I specialize in 3D modeling and 3D printing. On the weekends I passionately add my voice as color commentary for the Redhawk Hockey team on WMSR student radio. I study Mechanical Engineering and have completed a Physics minor. However, from industry experience and the programming of Lockheed Martin I have learned that technical skills are not enough to truly make a difference.

Ever since completing Project Lead the Way, a four-year high school engineering curriculum, I have known that engineering compliments my skills. I pride myself on being able to make critical decisions, work autonomously and in teams, and perform my best in the face of challenges. The world before me seems unlimited in opportunity, but I have an exceptional interest in 3D printing, CAD design, and alternative energy sources. With the help of my professors, peers, and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute I aim to mature as a leader as I grow both intellectually and personally. Above all, I strive to make my dent in the world.

Samuel Werley

Computer Engineering

I am a computer engineering major from Pittsburgh, PA. I chose engineering because I love problem solving and have always wanted to create useful things for the world. I hope to use the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute to further develop my practical problem solving skills as well as the necessary skills to succeed as a leader in the business world. I am also a dedicated member of the Miami University Sailing Team and the historian of my fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau. In the future, I hope to work as an engineer in a leadership position of a tech company designing cutting edge technology.

Ashley Youngwirth

Electrical Engineering

I am an electrical engineering major pursuing minors in mathematics, Arabic, and Russian; and I am from Chicago, Illinois. From early on I have always favored math and the sciences over the humanity type courses and enjoyed problem solving, so engineering seemed like an ideal fit. I am not entirely sure what I want to do after graduating from Miami University, so I am keeping my mind open to all possibilities. Another advantage of going into engineering is that because it is such a versatile degree, it can be applied across multiple fields, which can only benefit me. As a member of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I hope to further strengthen and develop various skills to help me become an effective leader as well as, gain some professional experience. Outside of the Institute, I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers, College Republicans, and Pistol club.

Cohort 3 was established during the 2013-2014 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Anna Almquist

Mechanical Engineering

I am from Liberty Township, Ohio and came to Miami to get the small college town experience. Since being here, I have made many new friends and have had a great time hanging out and meeting people in my classes that will stay with me all four years. I have had some previous leadership and management experience being an umpire for recreational softball and a team leader at Kings Island. I have learned a lot from these experiences including how to work with a diverse group of people with many different end goals.
I am very excited to join the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I think it will be a fabulous learning experience where I can not only grow as an engineer, but also as a leader, enhancing my strengths and improving my weaknesses. I am also excited to be able to work and develop with my team of fellow leaders throughout the different departments and meet some of the people who will be in my classes over the next three challenging, yet rewarding years.

Chad Barth

Computer Engineering

For as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed taking things apart, trying to figure out what was inside them that made them work. The more time I spend in engineering the more I am certain I have chosen the correct major. I love hands on work, and successfully creating just about anything from scratch is one of the most satisfying things I can think of. I take pride in my work, and I feel that that quality of what I have done reflects back on me. I'm interested in the field of renewable energy. Knowing that the work I am contributing to the world is helping to make the earth cleaner, and life more sustainable, is something I really feel like I can get behind.
The leadership institute seemed like such a great opportunity to challenge myself in ways I would not have experienced through normal coursework. I think the program will help me to become a more positive contribution in a group setting, and will improve my ability to influence others to work towards a common goal. Leadership plays such a crucial role in engineering and it plays a vital role in the success or failure of any project. I wish to develop my leadership skills throughout the rest of my time at Miami in hopes that it opens many more doors for me in the future.

Casey Biles

Chemical Engineering

Leadership is not a title to be won and worn as a medal. It is an attitude and the trust your team has in you. It is a way of humbly serving the needs of the individuals you represent. The Lockheed Leadership Institute not only given me new lessons but also how to interpret my past experiences and think about them in a different way.
Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has also inspired me to continue to incorporate my love for engineering and other interests such as videography and writing. I look forward to my next few years involved in this program.

Eric Dibble

Bioengineering

My name is Eric Dibble and I am a Bioengineering major from Oxford, MI. I believe a leader is someone who you will follow to a place you would not go by yourself. This is what motivates me to be the best I can be. I want to be able to lead and motivate people to perform at their highest level. The opportunities I have been given through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute have allowed me to hone my leadership skills and taught me a lot about myself. My outlook on leadership is "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken". The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has granted me opportunities to develop my own leadership style to maximize my effectiveness in school and in the workplace. I was drawn to Bioengineering because I want to work on projects that directly help other people. I think going into work everyday knowing the work I am doing is making other people healthier is extremely rewarding. My goal is to one day start my own company. I think this would be a great way to show and use my leadership skills that I learned in the Leadership Institute and throughout life.

Miranda Ferguson

Software Engineering

When I first entered Miami University, I knew I wanted to major in engineering, but I didn't know what type. I saw a computer programming course on the list of courses and it caught my attention. I signed up for it and loved every minute of it. That course inspired me to major in Software Engineering and I haven't looked back. I look forward to the challenges that I will be presented with in my field in the future.
Outside of classes I really enjoy taking pictures and being creative. I also enjoy being a member of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity, and the Society of Women Engineers. I have learned a lot from these organizations including team leadership and time management. "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." This quote outlines my feelings about leadership because you need to have a plan in order to inspire others to join you. I consider joining the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute a huge personal achievement because it will help me acquire and refine my own leadership style. I have learned from the institute that leadership is not just management, it is a way of life that involves passion, motivation, and innovation.

Conrey Giles

Mechanical Engineering

Being from California, I often get asked about why I would ever leave to come to school in Ohio. Part of the reason is to become a better leader through my educational experiences here at Miami University. Every day provides me with various and diverse opportunities to be a leader, both socially and academically. This can be seen through group projects, or involvement in other aspects of the classroom. Leadership, to me, is creating an environment that draws others to want to be involved in what you are doing. This sets me apart from others, and it is crucial to the field of engineering. It is important for an engineer to be open to new ideas and to be easily adaptable to different situations. This, after all, is how we as humans learn. I never tend to back down from a challenge, and I can see this trait being very beneficial to my future career as an engineer. I hope to be able to one day put my drive, determination, and experiences in the engineering program at Miami to work in order to be a leader in the field of mechanical engineering, and being in this cohort will help me to do exactly that.

Cameron Herring

Computer Engineering

I am a senior Software engineering student here at Miami University and I am looking to start my career as a developer/IT specialist. Through Internships and interviewing with several companies I have found that my Ideal job would be a job that gives me the ability to develop useful software, and also work in groups and utilize some of my soft interpersonal skills. With my leadership development I plan on eventually leading a team through a startup to develop and publish our own cloud based application. Through my past 3 years at Miami I have engaged in a number of different clubs and organizations in which I hold Leadership roles. I am current Vice President of NPHC and the current Director of Fraternal Activities for Alpha Phi Alpha. If I am not engaging a diverse realm of students I spend some of my free time playing basketball, and working on websites.

Before coming to this great college I was a quiet student attending Cleveland Heights High School in my hometown of Cleveland Ohio. I participated in a number of engineering courses which fueled my interest for engineering and eventually fueled my interest for coding.

One of my Favorite leadership quotes is by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." A leader to me is a person who can authentically inspire and motivate people through action and initiatives. One of the main reasons I joined Lockheed Martin was not simply to learn how to be a leader, but to learn to effectively build a framework of knowledge and insights through experience. My Time in Lockheed every day is a learning experience, I've learned about a lot about myself as a leader and I hope to continue using my skills I have in the very near future once I graduate this year.

Nora Husani

Software Engineering

"Being fearless is not being 100% not fearful. It's being terrified but you jump anyway." True leadership requires a certain degree of courage. It is that willingness to try, despite the possibility of failure, that differentiates a leader from a follower. I have always believed that a leader is one who is willing to take chances and make sacrifices for the better of one's group. This is one of many values that led me to apply to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. My passion for engineering is rooted in the idea of problem solving. The concept of "learning to learn" or "learning to think" is what intrigues me so much about computer programming and engineering in general. Being able to look at a problem and discover your own solutions is the core of engineering and is what makes engineering so different from other disciplines. The excitement I feel when I solve a new problem a different way is the feeling I am hoping to find in my future occupation. Outside of classes and the Leadership Institute I am a the founder and president of a student organization called Kode2Learn. Kode2Learn focuses on teaching computer science and problem solving techniques to children in grades 3rd-5th by hosting weekly coding clubs. In addition, I am a member of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity on campus that focuses on service, brotherhood, and professional development.

David Jacob

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

I am a senior electrical engineering student at Miami University. I am the current president and former treasurer of the Tau Delta Chapter of Theta Tau on Miami's campus. I am also involved in undergraduate research with Dr. Jeong-Hoi Koo in the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Department on the topic of "Smart" fluids. This research allowed me to travel to South Korea as a part of Miami University's Undergraduate Summer Scholars grant program.

Professionally I have worked as an intern at GE Oil and Gas at their Longmont, CO location as a member of the Steam Turbine Controls Engineering Team. I have an interest in the Oil and Gas and Power industries and hope to find a career in one of those fields after graduation. I was also a member of the ASME Petroleum Division - Collegiate Council for 2015.

Devante Anthony Johnson

Electrical Engineering

Devante Anthony Johnson is a Senior Engineering Management Electronics and Computing major with a minor in Electrical Engineering from Dayton, OH. His journey from growing up in a small home in a vehement neighborhood propelled him to work extremely hard which led him to being on full scholarship to attend Miami. His journey been a tale of great triumph. Education has been his outlet to developing himself into a well-rounded individual. His experience here at Miami has molded him into a versatile leader both in his profession, and his community. By developing a social conscience of what he wants to make out of my life, he has unveiled the world in the grand scheme of things, discovering that life is not to exist but to make an impact and develop a name for yourself. Now 21 years old, he has experienced much about the world and his position in it, but he understands there more to discover as he ages. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is a pathway he sees himself being able to develop as a leader and discover the mysteries he has ahead of himself. The road he will travel will not be smooth, but as Fredrick Douglass said, "without struggle there can be no progress", so the tougher the journey the stronger he will become. He believes it is important to accept the challenges life throws at us because these challenges only develop the best in us, and through Lockheed Martin, the tools to build upon these challenges will be available.

Junyi Lui

Chemical Engineering

I was born in Suzhou, China. I never heard anything about leadership in China. After three years, I realize that, leadership is not only a kind of ability but it is also an attitude of living and solving problems. I always believe that "life is hard!", and it means you are facing the real world. I have involved with three different areas (Chemical Engineering, Energy and Electrical Engineering) in the Miami University. For future, I am really interested in developing new source of green energy, new biomaterial and Tissue Engineered scaffold (TIPS method and Electrospun).

In these two years, Lockheed Martin Leadership Institution led me into the world of leadership. The process of learning leadership is facing the crucibles, challenging the lives and handling everything. Scheduled time efficiently, and organized the events methodically help you handle the huge event such as engineering week. Make self in a busy, and follow your schedule and also you have to reschedule your time when some accidents happened.

Abria Marshall

Electrical Engineering

For as long as I can remember I've been enamored with technology. As a child my grandfather used to hand me old circuit boards and a bag of magnets and I could entertain myself for hours. Naturally, majoring in computer engineering was an easy decision to make. But more important than any technical knowledge is the ability to use it effectively and communicate what you know with others. That's what drew me to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute: the focus on enhancing the skills that are necessary to transform a technical person into a leader who can innovate and turn shared vision into reality. I always embrace challenges and I believe the hands on experiences and interactions with seasoned professionals will help me to develop into more than just another engineer, but someone who can effectively lead and is unafraid to forge new paths.

I have already had the opportunity to apply the skills I have learned from the Leadership Institute through my internships at GE Lighting and Progressive Insurance. In addition, on campus I am have held leadership positions for the Society of Women Engineers and Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity. I hope to continue to expand my skills and strive for excellence in my full-time role at Progressive Insurance post-graduation.

Alexa Miller

Chemical Engineering

I am currently a student in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at Miami University. I am majoring in chemical engineering with intended focuses in biochemical engineering and paper engineering. I intend to graduate in May of 2016.
Eventually, I plan to utilize my leadership skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills to benefit my technical career as an engineer or scientist. I am also interested in any other technical career paths at this time.
Between now and graduation, I am looking for opportunities in summer internships and research. I am also planning on participating in a cooperative education partnership (co-op) the spring and summer semesters of my junior year (spring 2015) to integrate academic study and work experience.

Jake Miller

Mechanical Engineering

I have made it my focus in life to experience as much as I physically can. This means visiting new places, trying new things, and meeting new people. I feel that experiences shape who we are as people and therefore as leaders. Life experiences stem from our skills and talents on a professional and personal level. Personally, I enjoy playing percussion, cooking, and golf. Professionally I enjoy the challenges of leadership, in particular creating forward movement and positive change in what I do.
Being part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has given me a wonderful opportunity to broaden my experiences and skill sets. While I am a mechanical engineer by major, learning about the business aspects of the professional world is invaluable in that, I will not be limited to just the things I have learned in school. Rather, I will have the ability to think and reflect upon my own development and in turn, I will be able to understand myself well enough to understand others.
I believe in experience being the key to success and fulfillment and experience is what I strive to gain every day.

Brooke Sabatelli

Chemical Engineering

As a female in engineering, I'm commonly asked the question "What made you want to be an engineer?" I've always struggled with answering this because it wasn't just one thing that pushed me to choose my major. It was the combination of the possibility of gaining more of the leadership, science and math skills that I'd been so interested in previously. I chose to major in chemical engineering with hopes to go into Research and Development after graduation. I'm very excited to be a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute and see what kinds of insights I can learn from it. Although I know the road ahead will be challenging, I love my major and know I made the right decision in choosing engineering.

Danielle Terry

Mechanical Engineering

Throughout my life I have always possessed a desire to understand how things work. There are so many complex devices we use everyday that the concept is sometimes hard to wrap your head around. Thinking about how an iPhone or television operates truly fascinates me. I was undecided as a freshman and that is when I truly realized my passion for math and science. I finally decided to major in mechanical engineering and I have not regretted my decision for a second. An engineering degree assists students in "learning how to learn." Throughout my first year as an engineering student I began to realize that in order to be successful, it is not solely based on your technical skills. There is much more to the work environment including communication, leadership, and management. I wanted to join the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because it was an incredible opportunity to develop and improve my skills. The leadership program has taught me how to cooperate with others of different traits and tendencies, which I think is a huge aspect in being an efficient leader. I know I have much more to learn and I am excited to see what the next three years entail. I plan to take the insights and skills that I develop throughout the duration of the program and apply them to my future endeavors to become an effective and manager and leader in the engineering field.

Pob (Thiti) Vutisalchavakul

Computer Science

I'm a passionate software engineer. I've always enjoying breaking things, putting things together, making my own experiments to better understand how things work. I've found that Computer Science is the perfect fit for my career. Not only do I get to deal with math and very abstract ideas, but I also get to solve practical problems and see my work come to life. I was born in Bangkok and moved to the States at a young age. I've also had the experience to travel to many places around the world. This experience have given me great understanding of the importance of skills like leadership, cultural intelligence, and technical communications. I believe that the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute provides the perfect opportunity for me to develop those skills.

On campus, I engage in various activities in addition to my coursework that both complement and enhance my personal, academic, and professional development. Such activities include professional business organizations, leadership development programs, and engineering-focused organizations.

Connor Winnestaffer

Computer Science

Throughout my younger years, leadership was a foreign concept that applied little to me. Eventually, I understood that leadership is a characteristic given to those who earn the title; it is not a naturally born gift. As a student of the institute, I hope to learn how one develops their leadership skills with each new experience bringing a greater perspective of my identity.
One lesson my parents have always taught me is that life always creates new learning experiences. An event may turn out to be good or bad but we have the option of learning from the result, bringing in new knowledge to use later. What I've already come to recognize is that professionalism is not based solely on technical knowledge. We rely on others to pull through for us and share victories after winning difficult uphill battles. Leaders are the ones who rally others under a common objective, encouraging, communicating, and orchestrating when the group is at its highest and lowest. Being in such a position of admiration and dedication is what I strive for while in the Institute. The struggles and successes that the other members and I share will drive me to become an influential individual within my career field.

Cohort 2 was established during the 2012-2013 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Yujie Bai

Electrical Engineering

I am from Zhengzhou, Henan, which is in Middle East section of China. In my first year of high school, I did not want to study abroad. I just wanted to go to a good college in China. In my second year, I began to think about study abroad because my cousin went to America. My parents started to consider education level, expense, and my future job. In my last year of high school, my family made a decision to let me go to America for college. Then, I started to research universities in the USA. When I looked at best colleges of US News rankings, I saw Miami University and read the introduction of this school. I thought that this school was beautiful and student-faculty ratio is 17:1, and 30.4% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. After a year in Miami University, I experienced the beautiful campus and higher academic atmosphere.

A leader is an innovator. In my second year in Miami University, I wanted to learn about the real world. Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute provided the opportunity for me to study the knowledge, enrich my experience, and learn more about teamwork. At same time, I can improve my leadership skills and meet many successful people who have already worked in some companies or are executives of some companies. I can also improve my communication skills. As a team, I need to talk with my teammates who are also engineers. What I will learn in the leadership institution will help me make the world a better place.

Michael Berg

Mechanical Engineering

My future goals are based around a dream that I have. I have always had a desire to accomplish something great in my life but until recently haven’t been able to figure out precisely what that was. I have finally discovered what my dream truly is. I want to be a part of something that changes people’s lives drastically.

I gained inspiration for this dream when I went to New York City recently. I was inspired by the sight of the Statue of Liberty and knew that what I wanted in life was to create something as incredible and inspiring as the Statue of Liberty. Although I haven’t quite figured out what this exact object is, I have found myself more driven and determined than I have ever been in my entire life.

This cohort is part of my direct plan to reach my dream. In order to have a significant impact on such a major engineering project a significant leadership position would likely be required. Developing leadership skills now can help me get ahead in the employment field and hopefully one day present me with an opportunity to do something great. Also the contacts that I would have the opportunity to make in the Lockheed Martin company would present me with a great chance to show a large company what I can really do.

Jesse Bramble

Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management

From an early age, I developed a fascination with how things work. As I grew older, this fascination turned into a passion of understanding why the items I used everyday were functioning. It became clear to me in high school that I wanted to pursue an education in engineering, and after a year of college I found my passion in electrical engineering. With an engineering education, students become very skilled at understanding the technical aspect of the work environment. What most students don’t realize, though, is that the work environment is much more than just a technical field. This is why I decided to pursue the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. I want to develop the leadership and communication skills necessary to succeed in the real world. Leadership is a quality that is absolutely necessary in the work environment, so I plan on using this program to gain a better understanding of what leadership really is and how I can apply it to my life. I plan to take the skills I will develop in this program over the next few years and use them to help me reach my goal of becoming a successful manager and leader in the engineering field.

Ryan Ettenhofer

Mechanical Engineering

I had no doubt that I wanted to be an engineer from the age of about 6 or 7. Nothing sparked my interest more than trying to build and take apart things. Leadership though, was much different. I had some high school experience as captain of sports teams, and work experience as a position in management of others, but until recently I didn't believe it was right for me. This changed about half way through LeaderShape when I lead a group of blindfolded people to do a very challenging and tedious task.

I am beginning to learn more and more about the professional side of my future career. One cannot simply have an idea and expect everyone to ask you about it, or to even accept it. While education can give me great opportunities, communication will allow me to capitalize on them.

Opportunities for growth on this campus are everywhere. I have joined a fraternity, started research, participated in clubs and intramural sports. I am excited to see where the Leadership Institute takes me, and what exciting new opportunities are in store.

Daniel Ferriell

Chemical Engineering with Concentration in Paper

Ever since I was little my father and I were obsessed with the space and all of the spacecraft behind it. We were very involved in making model rockets and sending them up and retrieving them. Being at such a young age I never understood all of the math and science behind them so I tried to learn as much as possible how things worked. When I was in high school I took as many engineering, math, and science related courses possible to feed my hunger for that knowledge but it was not until I came to Miami University have I really been able to quench my thirst for it. However, after working on many group projects, along with two internships the past two summers at a company named Bullen Ultrasonic, have I learned a lot on what it takes to be a successful engineer. In order to accomplish the things I want to achieve, working in a group is going to be a very critical point. In order to help develop and expand my leadership abilities I decided to participate in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. I hope to here learn more about how to help my colleagues reach their potential, along with making myself a better leader, and feel more confident and comfortable in a large group of people. In high school I had a lot of leadership positions but this dealt more with putting the team on my back and powering through all of the work. However in the real world this is not possible so in my mind I see leadership as having the ability to get everyone involved, along with being the one to step up and come through with the big hit for the team. Being a leader is all about doing the dirty work without being the one to claim the fame in my eyes.

Carlie Focke

Bioengineering with Biomedical Concentration, Mechanical Engineering Minor

I have always wanted to have some sort of career in the medical field, but I did not necessarily want to be a doctor. When I heard about a bioengineering major, I knew it was a perfect match for what I wanted to do as a career. Bioengineering is a great mix of physics, math, and biology which are all subjects that interest me. After completing my degree at Miami University, I would like to get my master’s degree and possibly my PhD. My dream job is to do research in the medical field. An area of study that I am interested in is to develop joint replacements that would be able to withstand an entire lifetime. At school, I am involved in club swimming, Indian Student Association, Society of Women Engineers, Honors Program, Theta Tau, and research.

Being involved in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is a once in a lifetime opportunity that many students will not have the chance to do. I am so excited to be a participant in it. I believe I will be able to become a more well-rounded individual by partaking in the institute. I also hope to develop my leadership skills and become more comfortable in taking a leadership role.

Sarah Gartner

Bioengineering

Although I grew up in a small town near Columbus, I took every opportunity I could find to develop skills in a multitude of areas. My roles in high school as a figure skating coach, vice president of student council, and salutatorian all helped me create a vision of the type of leader I wanted to become.

Now at Miami, I am still reaching for the vision I have for my future self. As founder and President of the Snow Ski Club and a member of various other organizations, I am so grateful to be part of the Leadership Institute. Even in the short time I’ve been in Cohort 2, I have developed essential leadership skills I would have never had the opportunity to learn in a normal classroom.

The Institute has also allowed me to obtain valuable professional experience while still in college. I’m getting a head start with my career- something that most students don’t get the chance to have. So in the future when I’m discovering the next breakthrough in tissue regeneration or running a successful biomedical company, I’ll have the Leadership Institute to thank for helping me achieve my dreams.

David Gayda

Software Engineering, Music Performance

I have always considered myself a unique individual, especially when compared to most students pursuing an SEAS major. Throughout my life, I have had many opportunities to develop a unique portfolio surrounding my passion for engineering, computers, and – most notably – music. My passion for music has given me experiences learning, teaching, and performing with world-renowned music educators and ensembles, including performing with the Miami University Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall.

In my free time, I can be found tinkering with gadgets or composing music. Though my talents and passions may seem disjoint, I believe they can only enhance my creative perspective. My professional goals are not fully developed, but, for now, I will let my passions guide me towards my future career.

It is an honor to be a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. The program is unlike any other on campus. It is exhilarating working on real world projects with such close friends and respected colleagues. Being a part of the Leadership Institute will help me take strides in my own leadership skills. It is an opportunity to collaborate with other visionary students and truly make a difference. While a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I will persistently reinvent myself and redefine leadership.

Heather Horne

Software Engineering, Interactive Media Studies Minor

Before I started college, I had the mindset to succeed. Coming from a small town of only a couple thousand people to Miami University has been a major life change. My mindset to succeed has since been heightened. So many paths of opportunities have presented themselves to me, and there is one of which I will never regret taking. Becoming a part of this amazing institute of people, the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, is something that will help me for years to come.

This institute has provided me with a new insight of leadership that I have never known. It is much more complex than what I thought it was. I am excited for the future as I develop these skills and learn how to be an effective leader. Since the beginning of the semester, I have noticed that I am already growing in the skills of communication and self-regulation.

Outside the institute and my course load, I am involved in other activities ranging from clubs to intramural sports. I am the secretary for the honor society Lambda Sigma, and I also participate in intramural volleyball and broomball. When I graduate from Miami, I would like to become a software developer in the game, web, or mobile industry.

Brian Jones

Mechanical Engineering

One of my favorite speakers and role models, Robert Francis Kennedy, once said, "only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. " I try to live by this quote in my daily life by taking necessary risks and embracing change. My name is Brian Jones and I am a second-year Mechanical Engineering Major and Computer Science Minor at Miami University. I grew up in Willoughby Hills, which is a small suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. As a result, I love spending time outdoors: walking, hiking, biking, running, swimming, canoeing, camping, kayaking, climbing, etc. I also enjoy working out at the recreation center when I can find the time. This past summer I worked at Sunrise Assisted Living where I learned the value of the individual and social justice.

I have always loved to learn and grow as a person and I have found that the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute gives me the opportunity to grow alongside a high-performing group of my peers. I have learned so much over the past couple semesters and I look forward to making the most out of this opportunity to learn, grow, and help the school community and my fellow students. Learning sometimes comes through different means, by experience, teaching, and reading. I have been able to learn in all the ways previously mentioned and it has given me a different perspective to the way I think about leadership. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has allowed me to be a part of something truly meaningful and I am glad that I can continually give back.

On campus I am involved in Greek Life through my fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, with which I have been able to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for a leadership conference and currently hold a position on the Standards Board, where I can help my brothers live by their gentlemanly values. Likewise, I have been involved with a research class/group called High Flight for the past two years, which deals with the specialization and commercialization of high altitude ballooning for scientific means. Last year I was part of the Club Swimming Team here at Miami University, where I had the opportunity to train and travel around the country competing in a sport that I participated in throughout high school. In addition, I am a head writer/host for an internet-based radio show called Good Talk that I started with several of my peers last year. We currently have over ten percent of the total listenership of Miami University Student Radio with a difficult 11pm Monday time slot. Next year, we will run the station ourselves, taking the positions of General Manager, Programming Director, and Head Engineer. As Head Engineer of the radio station, I will overlook the technical aspect of the station's programming and equipment.

Elizabeth Kinkopf

Bioengineering

As I child, I counted silverware for setting the table especially well. As an adolescent, I enjoyed taking math classes at my high school. I first decided that I wanted to be an engineer, thinking it would be exactly like those math classes that came so easily to me. Once I arrived at Miami University and started taking my first engineering courses, I realized that engineering is so much more than using math and science. Engineering is using various skills and knowledge to make incredible things! I also realized that one of the most important skills an engineer needs is leadership. No one person can build a bridge or make an airplane fly or create a prosthetic knee replacement. It takes a team to do these things—a team that can only be unified by a common mission and effective leadership. Through the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I plan to strengthen my leadership skills and study how others use their own unique leadership skills to shape their environments. In a competitive field like engineering, having the skills to motivate and unify coworkers is especially important. I am so excited to be part of the Leadership Institute, and as a member of one of the first cohorts, set the standard for engineers to come.

Emma Kunimoto

Mechanical Engineering

Ever since I was a child I have always had this intrinsic desire to learn. I think a lot of this comes from my family. My parents have always encouraged me to push beyond my limits and to be the best I can be. I want to take all of the knowledge that I have gained and change the world. I have already started applying my knowledge to organizations at Miami. One of these organizations includes Project High Flight, which involves a group of students from different disciplines coming together to research and create high altitude long duration balloons. This is just one of many impacts I want to leave behind. I plan to leave Miami University with a degree in mechanical engineering and then further my studies in medical school. This is definitely a daunting, yet exciting road I have ahead of me, but I know the lessons I learn from the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will help me with my future endeavors.

Eric Lee

Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

I have always looked towards the sky and been amazed at the ingenuity and innovation by the fathers of flight. Since I was a little kid, I can remember constructing my own airships from Lego blocks that pioneered the airspace in my living room. That tendency for creation and exploration during my toddler years has developed into a yearning for engineering and adventure in my college experience. Not only that, but my aspirations to soar the sky as a child have developed into lofty career ambitions. Leadership is a keystone trait that will be vitally important if I want to reach my goals.

Being a member of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is a big step in the right direction. I have had experiences such as class presidency and professional internships, but I have had no experience with the combination of the two; that is precisely what the institute will teach me. It is exciting to think about the places I will go in the future, but it is also exciting to think about what I will learn about myself in the process.

Leadership is not just about leading the people around you – it is also about leading oneself. I am continuing to pursue the edification of others and myself via research through Miami University and leading a youth ministry called Young Life. I am always on the lookout for new opportunities to diversify my perspectives and pursue my goals to the best of my ability. Leadership is the vessel by which I hope to soar upwards and onwards to my goals and dreams.

Zachary McKinney

Bioengineering

Vince Lombardi once said, “Leaders are made, they are not born.” I try to approach everything I do with this attitude. As I am currently a sophomore at Miami University, I am learning new ideas and information about leadership everyday. With my current major of Bioengineering, I plan on attending medical school upon graduation. Studying at Miami has taught me how important leadership is in every aspect of your life, especially in areas such as the medical field.

Before coming to Miami, I believed that getting a good degree with a good GPA would guarantee me success after college. My experience here has shown me that leadership is a necessary skill to have in order to flourish in any field. I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute in order to gain and improve my leadership abilities and experience. This will give me more than just a good education, as it will prepare me to be successful in the medical field. I believe this institute will be great in helping me acquire the tools I need in order to achieve my dreams.

Jordan Moran

Mechanical Engineering, Music Performance Minor

The Leadership Institute will help me develop as a leader through working with others that have a variety of strengths, communicating ideas in a professional way, and solving problems creatively and efficiently. This program is unlike any experience I have had before; not only will I develop as a leader, but I will also prepare myself for life after college in the “real world”. I am excited to spend the next three years in the Leadership Institute! Our group of high achieving individuals will learn from each other, help each other succeed, and create valuable network of support.

I chose to study Mechanical Engineering because it incorporates both logic and creativity. I have always enjoyed math and science, and am drawn to innovation and design; combining these talents with hard work and leadership will allow me to excel in the engineering field. In addition to the Leadership Institute and Mechanical Engineering major, I am heavily involved in the music program as a Music Performance minor. I play the clarinet in the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, and have also played with the Wind Ensemble and Opera Orchestra. I am also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, and the Society of Women Engineers. The skills I learn at Miami and in the Leadership Institute will help me in whatever path I choose to take!

Jason Sauer

Bioengineering

Before coming to Miami University, I attended a small high school in Cincinnati, OH. The idea of coming to a school the size of Miami University was a bit daunting at first. I had to leave behind everything I knew, and start over fresh. However, I had no idea how refreshing that change would be. Making new friends, taking on challenging courses, and broadening my horizons has been nothing but a great experience.

I selected to study Bioengineering because I have a knack for math, and a love for biology. This field seemed like the best combination of the two. I hope to one-day work with prosthetics, as it is a field that has always fascinated me. The idea of replacing a lost limb with an artificial one that works just as well is truly miraculous. I’ve always been told to “find my passion in life, and live it,” and working with prosthetics would be a dream come true.

The reason I joined the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute was to enhance my skills as a leader. I’ve had some experience with leadership either with sports or in the classroom, but I still have a lot to learn. I look to become a more outspoken leader, as public speaking has always been an area I have shied away from. I am also looking forward to establishing connections with my fellow cohort members, as we will spend the next four years working together.

Nicholas Truster

Mechanical Engineering

Despite popular belief growing up in a small farm town does have its advantages. From the time I was little I was exposed to tractor pulls, car shows, and antique farm equipment. Engineering. I always loved to hear the stories of why a certain material or method of design was changed throughout the years because of the advances in technology. This is where I realized I wanted to be an engineer, to continue to optimize the world around me.

Upon coming to Miami, I realized that making an impact in the world requires more than math and science. It requires leadership, or the ability to influence and cooperate with others to achieve a common goal. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is a great opportunity to experience leadership while I am still in school, and it incorporates engineering. For me, the Institute is a program that will allow self-understanding, growth, and understanding of others. These are imperative traits of leadership and cannot be taught in other classes. With these experiences, I hope to increase my understanding of leadership to better the world around me, and the people around me.

Cody Young

Biomedical Engineering

Like any other kid, growing up I had big dreams. At first there were the dreams of becoming a professional athlete, then I wanted to be a police officer just like my dad. As I grew older however I came to realize my strengths and weaknesses both in life and in the classroom and soon began to shape my dreams around these. My strengths in Biology and math led me to choose a future in Biomedical Engineering and ultimately led me here to Miami University.

My dream in life is to achieve a job in which I am truly happy but through which I can also make a positive impact on the lives of others and possibly the world. I know that achieving such a goal is no easy task and will require lots of hard work and opportunities. This may contribute as to why arriving at Miami was a shock to say the least, all at once doors were opening in front of me that held the possibility to a limitless future and it was up to me to decide which ones to take. On top of this, if I chose the right path would my skills alone be enough to succeed? I know that skills alone do not guarantee success, all the skills in the world cannot make someone successful without the ability to lead. This is exactly what drew me to the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute. The institute and my fellow cohort members will provide me with the real life experience that will prepare me for the challenges I will face in whatever career path I end up choosing. While I still cannot say for sure what that path may be, I do know that I will utilize my time spent in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute to prepare me for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Cohort 1 was established during the 2011-2012 academic year. Scroll down to meet the members of our group.

Alhaji Bah

Mechanical Engineering

Leadership is the ability to take charge when most needed. A leader must be able to understand others, and do what is needed, even if it means his or her self-image may be stained. True leaders are willing to work diligently in accomplishing their goals, but also have the innate ability to feel for others. Leaders can sense how the people around them are affected in a situation, and are able to cope with these issues in an effective manner. Finally, I believe that a true leader is somebody who is able to maintain his or her composure when faced with adversity. While possessing all of these qualities may seem far-fetched, I believe that if I put in the effort and strive my best to be the best leader that I can be, I will meet these criteria that I have used to define a leader.

There are many things I enjoy, but I would love to hopefully work in a field that deals with aviation. I would love to work with aircrafts and aircraft engines. However, regardless of what I end up doing, my dream is to be able to do something that I not only enjoy, but would also allow me to help others and hopefully make a difference. After seeing what it is like to suffer, and understanding the true meaning of poverty, I believe that anyone who is successful owes it to society to help others and pay it forward.

Nicholas Baehl

General Engineering

During my time working as a golf caddy, I have had many moments where I have had time to interact with successful and influential men and women of the business world. The conversations I have had with these people about their work has fascinated me. This has lead me to undergo a track of lifelong learning about the transformations good leadership can have on a workplace.

Currently, I am a general engineer and have plans to go to medical school after I graduate. When I enrolled at Miami University I was not sure what I wanted to do with my extra time. I have joined the Miami University Rowing Club, ASME, along with the Miami Engineering Council. All of these extracurricular activities have developed me as a leader. The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has helped me improve my leadership skills. I have used these skills in my other experiences to help me become the Equipment Chair for the Miami University Rowing Club. In this position I will have many responsibilities such as communicating with the state park, rowers, as well as the officials present at the regattas. I will utilize the School of Engineering & Applied Science Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute to become a better leader and grow as a person. I have learned about my personality type and have already been able to learn more about myself and communicate more effectively with my peers and colleagues but there is always more to be learned.

Katelin Bruns

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

While growing up, “What do you want to be when you’re older?” was a prevalent question everyone was asked. My common answer to the question was “I don’t know”, up until my experience at Miami. I never imagined I would be going to school for engineering, yet Miami helped me to realize that it is the right career path for me. My dad and grandpa were also mechanical engineers, so I think it’s great for me to get to carry on the family tradition.

The idea of being able to innovate and create positive change in the world is a driving factor for me in pursuing engineering. I hope to one day be able to have a career in either sustainability or work for a design firm like IDEO. Other than school, I love playing music, particularly guitar, and making art. Being creative is something I’ve always loved and hope to continue on through my future.

I consider being accepted into the Leadership Institute a great personal achievement. It’s a very unique and prestigious opportunity that will help me grow personally as an individual, and teach me to excel more as a leader. The cohort allows us to be part of a professional experience that will better prepare us for a career after college, which I find to be one of it’s best attributes. However, I am most excited to be paired with a mentor!

Cory Christopher

Computer Engineering

Being the kid from a small town has allowed me to gain a huge appetite for experience. When I was in high school, all I could dream about was getting out into the real world, and grabbing hold of every opportunity that came my way. I enjoy meeting new people and learn about new cultures, and have an intense desire to travel globally. Coming to Miami has opened up a multitude of experiences and friendships, which have led me to join the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute.

I have always been driven by curiosity, and a desire to know how technologies work. This has led me to electrical and computer engineering, but also has pushed me to places I never thought I would be. I force myself into situations that may be above my skill-set or talents. In my spare time I enjoy increasing my skill with a guitar or piano which allows my creative side a little freedom and rehabilitates my focus. Focus is what takes you from square one to the finish and something I believe that any success story from the baseball diamond to a business startup needs. What I have learned is that if you have the motivation and desire, nothing is impossible. You can truly achieve your dreams with little sweat, blood, and tears.

This cohort has allowed me to accelerate myself along a career path in a way that garners my experience that would have previously been off limits. Finding my own personal strengths and traits has allowed me to focus on ways to improve and challenge myself and integrate better with not only the rest of the cohort but the rest of the world as well. Our group puts us on the front lines to test ourselves, and prove what all we are capable of individually as innovators, and as a group of leaders.

Thomas Gorczynski

Electrical Engineering with Mathematics, Physics, and Entrepreneurship minors

All my desires, plans, and dreams of my future career focus on one ultimate goal, to do what I love and love what I do. My endless dreams constantly fuel my ambitions to achieve momentous accomplishments in the future. Recently, the entrepreneurial path, which I have set my heart on since I was a child, has been becoming reality because of all the bold moves that I have been making; I have learned valuable lessons from whether they lead to failure or success. Though tough times exist with balancing work, school, and multiple activities, it is rewarding at the end of the day to see how much one has accomplished.

Participation in the Lockheed Martin CEC Leadership Institute will help me fulfill my longing childhood dreams. I see myself gaining necessary experience and knowledge that will one day allow me to make a difference in our world. The supporting environment created by fellow peers in the cohort as well as mentors both inside and out of the program allows individuals to thrive in both the professional and academic world. By mastering the leadership skills I currently have and developing the countless others that I have yet to discover and learn on my lifelong journey, this Leadership Institute will have a significant impact on me that I am excited to uncover.

Kathryn Jonas

Bioengineering

Good leaders develop through the never ending process of self -study, education, training, and experience. I would like to develop my leadership skills such that I can have a positive influence on others in order to reach my professional goals. Leadership is developed over time with continual knowledge and skills obtained by working with others. You have to develop respect in your field to be considered a leader. I am interested in developing my interpersonal and communication skills as a key part of this program. I am also interested in getting more exposure to the business world and how my engineering degree can be applied to solve business challenges.

Developing a better understanding of how to speak with other professionals working in the same field will help immensely as I begin my professional career. I am interested in getting more exposure to the engineering and medical language used in the business. Strong communication skills with other engineers as well as business professionals will help me to become more successful. Working on these skills through this program and completing an internship will build my overall confidence as an engineer and leader in industry. Developing business contacts and working with successful business leaders will develop my overall confidence as a professional.

Sarah McMullen

Bioengineering

A lot of my volunteer work, participation on sports team, and being involved in clubs in high school gave me an idea early on what leadership is all about. After coming to Miami, however, I have had many opportunities that allowed me to delve deeper into what being a leader truly means. I have attended many leadership conferences, including Miami University's LeaderShape, and am a member of many other organizations on campus. I also am currently serving as Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers. Each of these involvements have opened my eyes and let me put my leadership skills into practice. They have shown me different aspects of leadership - like community, networking, responsibility, communication, values, and integrity - and their importance.

Through participating in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, I have begun to develop, grow, and build my leadership abilities even further. I have had so many professional, exciting, unique opportunities that I would not have had otherwise, and the experience is helping me become the leader I want to be. Being part of the cohort has given me qualities, skills, friendships, and experiences that I will carry with me through the rest of my time at Miami and into my future Bioengineering career as well.

Jean Paul Mugizi

Software Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering Minor

I transferred from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio last semester as an incoming sophomore. So far, my experience at Miami University has been just how I anticipated it: a pleasant surprise. I joined Miami University because of its academic reputation and close-knit campus; I was surprised to see how much my professors are friendly and care about their students’ growth both in and outside of the classroom. Coming to Miami University was certainly a big transition, but I am happy that I made a move that will pave a way to achieving my goals.

Being part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute is a big step towards my goal, which is to be the best I can be, and use everything I gained from the experience to changing people’s lives in every possible way I can. Being around like-minded individuals, whom I share similar goals and aspirations and learning from experienced leaders are the reasons I choose to join the Leadership Institute. I am ready to take the challenge and be a lifelong learner, and I am very confident that this experience will be a life changing one.

Elyssa Nguyen

Mechanical Engineering, 2-D Media Studies Minor

Being a first generation Asian American in my family has made a substantial impact on my future career plans and perspective on life. My parents always remind me that I should never forget about my cultural roots because I can never change that aspect about myself. As I continue my life journey, I want to volunteer my time to give back to the community in any way possible (especially in Vietnam). The satisfaction for helping the community, and putting a smile on people’s faces is the most rewarding feeling. Also, I want to help my family for all the opportunities they have given me. Having the ability to make a difference in the world through technology is my long-term goal as a future engineer in the product design or automotive industry.

This year I am marketing director for UNICEF, event coordinator for the Society of Women Engineers, and secretary for the Miami Engineering Council. Each organization motivates me to demonstrate and improve my leadership skills while working on teams, and to devote the time I have to make a difference on campus. In the past, I served as publicity chair for the Asian American Association. These experiences open my eyes to how people view me, and how well I work with other people who have different personalities.

I continually improve my leadership skills as well as my communication with others. I become more aware of how I react towards certain situations and people. Being in the Leadership Institute will help me become a better leader not only in my organizations, but also an effective communicator. Authenticity is a crucial aspect of a leader that helps people to believe in him or her. With a strong team, a passionate leader will be able to carry out his or her goals successfully.

Will Parker

Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

As an Engineering student, I have begun discovering what my professional interests are. I have always been fascinated with puzzles, Legos, watches, and complex machines. The way that so many small parts work together has always held my attention and inspired me to design something just as beautiful. In high school, I was active in Boy Scouts, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In doing so, I gained many valuable skills. I work hard, I’m passionate, and I’m loyal. One of the most important things I learned as an Eagle Scout is respect. Everyone deserves my respect and it should always be earned. My all boys high school had a very disciplined and rigorous atmosphere that taught the values of hard work and brotherhood.

After I graduated and came to Miami, I found myself having the best time of my life. I have met amazing people, made the best of friends and learned so much. I joined a fraternity and am enjoying the same camaraderie I did in high school. A few summers ago I went to a weeklong leadership conference, Leadershape, which greatly changed my life. I learned about making a vision and the best ways to accomplish it. I also learned how to work well with and lead others in small and large group settings. While at Leadershape I met an amazing group of people, and a few of us have remained close and decided to make a difference at Miami. Over the past year and a half, my friends and I have worked together to found the Miami Engineering Council. As president, I spent a lot of my time guiding and leading the group as we drafted a constitution, found an advisor, researched design project competitions and became an official club. I recently began working at Ethicon Endo Surgery as a Co Op in the R&D department, and believe this will be an amazing experience. To me, The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute represents a way to continue what we have started. We have set out to improve the experience of the engineering program, and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will assure a continual improvement of leadership and progress of the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Ryan Pelagalli

Mechanical Engineering

I was drawn to the Leadership Institute because of the amazing opportunities that it presents. Leadership training is an invaluable resource to have, but the way in which the Leadership Institute utilizes real world experiences is something that I am really enthusiastic about. I have already learned so much and cannot wait to see what the next couple of years has in store for me!

The Leadership Institute will not only prepare me for life as an engineer, but also for life as a student. As a student, I am highly involved in a number of clubs including the Miami Engineering Council and the Men's Club Rugby Team. I want to apply the lessons that I have learned, and will learn, in this Institute to help further these clubs.

This past summer I was able to apply a number of the lessons I learned in this Institute into my internship at NASA. While my internship focused on gear dynamics, the lessons that I learned in professional decorum were a major learning point for me. I was also given the opportunity to see how leaders in the engineering world led their workers. I had a great experience at NASA and it was made better by the knowledge I gained in this Institute.

When I graduate from Miami University (and the Leadership Institute) I plan to use my training to eventually become the C.E.O. of an engineering firm. I want help create changes that will lead to new innovations and technologies, all while expanding the reach of my company throughout the world. The lessons that the Leadership Institute provides me with are the same lessons that I will apply to my life in order to make my dream become a reality.

Benjamin Raabe

Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

I am from Oxford, Ohio. I am where I am today because I am going into a profession I enjoy. I have wanted to be an engineer since high school, I am fortunate that I was able to find something I really enjoy and give myself a goal to work towards even in high school. Since I was able to see the purpose in the math and science courses rather than ask “will I even use this?” I was able to do well in school and now in college because I enjoy my classes. In addition to my school work I work in the IT field, giving me experience in the professional field and dealing with a large variety of people. I don’t think that I made it to where I am because I am any smarter than anyone else, if everyone was as lucky as I am, to have a supportive family, and know what they want to do, they could be where I am at today.

A leader is an innovator. To me leadership is the ability to communicate and organize people and how you deal with people. It is not only telling people what to do, but being able to listen and communicate effectively. Leadership is about taking initiative. Just because you are in an entry level job doesn’t mean you aren’t a leader. In a effective company, leaders from all levels contribute to change the company for the better. In fact many leaders are also followers. I don’t think these are two exclusive ideas. Throughout history, effective leaders were successful because they were able to follow the advice of people who knew better than they did, but more importantly, they were able to act on that advice.

Lauren Saintz

Engineering Management

Participation in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute has already opened my eyes in numerous ways and provided me with the chance to improve my leadership skills. I have learned that there is so much more to leadership than just leading a team to achieve greatness. So many factors influence what makes a great leader including skills such as self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation. This institute will help me to develop new leadership skills and refine the skills I already have learned and also build a network with professionals we meet along the way. It will also help each student to better communicate our ideas for new things, and eventually have a major impact on the world.

Currently, my professional goals are to find an internship for this upcoming summer, and then a job after graduation. Down the road, I hope to one day be an executive of an engineering company and use my skills to drive the company to the top. I am open to many different possibilities that may come my way because we can learn from any situation. I am extremely driven, and with the training I will receive through this Institute, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Jessica Schmidt

Chemical Engineering

What really interested me in this program were some things I learned while interviewing for my first internship. I realized that many companies felt confident that most of the engineering students here at Miami have the technical skills needed to succeed on the job. What really sets applicants apart is having those extra skills, like leadership experience, knowing how to work well in groups, and being able to communicate clearly. These are things we can't really be taught in a classroom, but are just as important, if not more so, than what we learn from textbooks. I've had some experience in leadership roles, and I've worked in many group projects, but I knew that there were plenty of things I could work on to make me even more successful in those situations. I think this program will make me a lot more confident as I transition into my career, and it has enabled me to make the most of my strengths while being conscious of and continually working on my weaknesses.

In addition to the Leadership Institute and my chemical engineering course load, I am an avid runner and a member of Miami’s club running team, as well as a coach for the Girls on the Run program I helped start at Kramer Elementary. I am also a member of student TAPPI, the Finance Vice President of my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and the External Relations Director of Miami Engineering Council. Fall 2012 I was elected to join Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honors fraternity. Summer 2012 I was an intern at a Sonoco paper mill in Menasha, Wisconsin. I learned a lot about project management, and practiced my communication skills with a wide variety of different employees there.

Robert Smayda

Computer Science, Digital Game Studies Minor

I have a diverse set of experiences that has helped build my background and shape my future. Some of these include publishing and presenting a paper at the Games+Learning+Society Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Working on an Engineers Without Borders project, in which we are developing a clean water source for a city of 958 people in Chaguarpamba, Ecuador. I am also leading an Air Force Research Laboratory project.

The research is being funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory in conjunction with the Miami University Mobile Learning Lab. Currently we are researching and designing software to help first responders locate the scene of an emergency event (earth quake, riot, etc). We are using social media outlets, like Twitter, to find out where and when these events are happening. The goal of this project is to make the identifying and locating of these emergency events easier and quicker for the first responders. I am the team lead on this project, and I must work with the director of the program to ensure it runs smoothly. This has been a great challenge and I have learned a lot. What I found to be the most revealing is that there is no perfect leader nor is there a set mold for a great leader. One must improve on their leadership skills daily. In my future I would love to become a Project Manager for a cutting edge technology organization, where I can utilize my interpersonal and technical skills.

Through the institute I have learned that leadership means more than just focusing and inspiring a group. It involves being accountable, passionate, and innovative. It is about providing steadiness and momentum with the flexibility to accommodate any changes. With the help of the institute I will be able to obtain these traits and become a better leader.

Gabrielle Sprockel

Manufacturing Engineering

My personal experiences have always been around being dedicated and driven about something that I was passionate about. It's important to be a person that takes enjoyment in everything they do, and to make a statement that involves being truly inspired. Leadership is one quality that I am striving to become better in. I take the role of a leader in many of my day-to-day challenges from team projects to other clubs and organizations. Leadership is especially important in the engineering field, because that's what defines who you are, and what sets other organizations apart. Also, as an engineer it is important to be a good leader in the area of being open to new ideas and trying new things. I definitely see leadership in myself when it comes to taking on big challenges that seem to be very troublesome. In the future, I see myself as a person who will make a difference, and become a great leader.

Matthew Weber

Computer Science

I welcome challenge and any opportunity to improve myself personally or professionally. For example, prior to entering the Leadership Institute I participated in Miami University’s LeaderShape Institute. The CEC department, following a recommendation from one of my computer science professors, sponsored me. LeaderShape was an extremely valuable experience. I met with many up and coming leaders from various departments and organizations within the university. I crave these kinds of experiences—I find when you can surround yourself with like-minded and similarly motivated people, great ideas can occur. I believe leadership isn't a trait you can choose to turn on or off, but instead is the continued daily dedication to excellence. For this reason alone, I practically jumped at the chance to become a part of cohort #1, where we work and learn with fellow liked-minded people on a daily basis, and hope to establish the Institute as a respected source of quality and talent in engineering and computing.

Taylor White

Computer Science, Entrepreneurship minor

I am a creative and ambitious individual. I always strive for a new and better way to do things. As a freshman in high school, I learned how to program my TI-83 calculator so I could cut out the repetition of plugging numbers into the same geometry equation over and over. I want to invent something, to make the world simpler. This is what attracts me to Computer Science. The digital age is transforming the way we live. An idea and a little bit of persistence is all it takes for an imaginative mind like myself to transform another aspect of our everyday lives.

I love being a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute because I am surrounded with people like myself, those who have the will and drive to change the world. The Institute provides an environment where we can learn from one another as well as bouncing ideas, theories and lessons off of one another. I look forward to meeting mentors who can provide some insight as how to achieve many of my professional aspirations, including starting my own business.