Student Profiles

Ryan Banks

PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering

There are opportunities that become available to you and you become a part of a prestigious organization.

I have learned that your path through school is not a linear or a straight line but enjoy the ride the best you can.

Audra Barnes

PhD, Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering, Florida A&M University

To be able to earn a graduate degree without worrying about funding. Also to be in a network of other who either earned or are in the process of earning a graduate degree. This network can be a great place for mentors and to have people in your corner who relate to you.

I hope to gain more knowledge on cardiovascular engineering through both classes and research.

Zach Boykin

PhD, Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering, Clemson University

I wanted to be a GEM Fellow to connect with other incredible scholars who look like me!

Jonathan Charleston

PhD, Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering, Kennesaw State University

The path to achieving my career goals became clearer by seeing the heights that GEM Alumni have achieved with the fellowship's support.

I have learned to access and build a network of people who genuinely believe in our success.

Rafael Chontos

Masters, Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech

The GEM Fellowship secured funding for my graduate school education while also providing resources to help me throughout my experience as a masters student. The GEM Fellowship offers a chance to meet other graduate students. They were also helpful when I ultimately decided to switch to a PhD in Engineering Mechanics instead of continuing with my masters degree.

I learned about how to right papers in graduate school and I'm currently learning how to use LS-Dyna for the purposes of creating Finite Element Models.

Eugene Crump

Masters, Biomedical Engineering

Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Tech

GEM helps by allowing me to further my education for free and connect me with people that can help me get where I want to career wise. And it also gives me a great opportunity to be in a community of people I can connect with based on what they have been through or are going through at the same time as me.

After doing my undergraduate at Virginia Tech I learned how to work with people that does look of think like me. Especially coming from a small place where the majority of people looked like me. It also helps me to take more initiative to reach out to people for help when I need it instead of trying to figure out everything on my own.

Avery Cunningham

PhD, Industrial & Systems Engineering - Management Systems Engineering Concentration

Electronics Engineering, Norfolk State University

The GEM Fellowship provided an amazing opportunity to further my studies and pursue my PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering. Aside from the funding opportunities, GEM allows for Fellows to continue to grow through a variety of workshops, conferences, and the opportunity to network with scholars and technical professionals who excel within their fields. I look forward to all that GEM has to offer and truly grateful to be awarded this honor!

Here at Virginia Tech I hope to sharpen my skills as a researcher, network with the faculty here on campus, and continue to develop both technically and professionally. With the abundance of resources at my disposal and the support of my advising committee, I believe through my research, I will be able to make a significant contribution not only to science, but to my community as a whole!

Adrian Dávila

PhD, Materials Science and Engineering

Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston

I decided to apply for a GEM Fellowship because I wanted to attend graduate school for free and to make inroads at some of the top companies in my field. What I didn't expect though, was the value of joining such a large and welcoming network of fellow MS and PhD students and recipients. Every conference I've attended, professional society I've joined, company I've worked for, has had GEM Fellows. Although we have different backgrounds, we each have similar graduate school experiences as URM's in our chosen fields. Being able to reach out and connect or ask for advice from anyone within the GEM network has been invaluable and to me, is the greatest part of the GEM Fellowship Program.

I've learned a lot about my abilities to grow into a leader while at Virginia Tech (VT). I've been involved in many on-campus organizations and societies (SHPE, Tau Beta Pi, VT Men's Water Polo) and each has given me valuable leadership experiences which I hope to leverage in my future roles post graduation.

Jonathan Diaz-Ramos

Masters, Electrical Engineering

Physics, College of William and Mary

You are given the platform to show the next generation of students that it is possible to continue your studies no matter where you come from.

Continuing the support First Gen. students receive at Virginia Tech will be a goal of mine.

Terryl Dodson

Masters, Computer Science & Applications

Computer Science, University of Tennessee

I feel that being a GEM Fellow opens an individual up to more opportunities. Through GEM a student is able to attend graduate school for free which is a lot in itself. On top of that the student has an opportunity to work for an employer through GEM to gain experience within working in industry. This also opens a gateway to making new connections and potentially a full time job in the future.

While at Virginia Tech I hope to expand my knowledge within computer science through conducting research. I am excited in starting my journey at Virginia Tech and continuing to broaden my knowledge.

Luis Franco-Argueta

Masters, Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University

As a GEM fellow, your graduate studies will be funded and you will have access to a network of people that can help you reach your goals. This will improve your odds of succeeding.

My main goal is to become more knowledgeable in the area of integrated circuits. My other goals include becoming better at networking and at doing research.

Wendell Grinton

PhD, Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University

Being a GEM Fellow has allowed me to network with countless young scholars, both in my area of expertise and outside!

Virginia Tech has given me the opportunity to network with countless individuals from various disciplines. Also, VT has given me the opportunity to travel and present my research all across the United States. Further, while attending VT, I've been able to make some lifetime friendships and partnerships!

Kimberly Harry

PhD, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Industrial Engineering, Cal Poly

As a GEM Fellow you will be well-supported for a successful and impactful career in STEM.

I have learned to persevere and work relentlessly to achieve my goals.

Cory Ilo

PhD, Computer Science

Computer Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology

Funding! Besides that, I've gained a network of friends trailblazing through the same struggles that I will inevitably have to face. Community is key. No one makes it alone and through GEM I've gained support dedicated to seeing me succeed.

I hope to develop the skills needed to be a world-class researcher.

Dwayne Jefferson

PhD, Civil Engineering with a focus in Construction Engineering and Management

Civil Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University

GEM is a great opportunity to connect with other graduate-level researchers going through some of the same experiences as yourself. The industry side of the fellowship gives individuals the chance to connect with industry personnel and develop industry ties early in their careers.

Virginia Tech has given me the opportunity to grow more as a professional as well expressing my creativity throughout my projects regardless of them being research, classroom, or community. I hope to continue growing as a person in the coming years and improving my personality.

Bright Katey

PhD, Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana

I would like to be a GEM Fellow to have the opportunity to do something impactful and also serve as what is possible for people with similar backgrounds as mine. It is also an opportunity to join a life-long cohort of people serving as leaders, role models and mentors to provide continuous career opportunities for others from less privilege societies. Finally it serves as a means to finance my graduate education.

I hope to gain my graduate degree from a highly rated educational institution like Virginia Tech which will serve as the springboard for me to be in the position to contribute to the betterment of the world.

Daniel Keku

PhD, Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University

Being a GEM Fellow allows the opportunity for me and my colleagues to meet with the top engineering and science firms and universities in the nation. Whether I'm studying at one of the universities, working for one of the GEM employers, or talking with other GEM students, I believe these experiences will be beneficial to everyone in their career path.

I have learned to be more open towards others and finding opportunities for my colleagues to interact outside of professional and academic spaces to know each other better. I have come to know most of my colleagues outside of these spaces in a vulnerable and welcoming atmosphere.

Albert Kodua

Masters, Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech

Being a GEM fellow means having access to a large network of people all interested in making sure that I can succeed throughout my graduate studies.

I have learned that the Virginia Tech community is a place that truly feels like home and that I am so glad to have found a place that has given me so many opportunities to grow and learn.

David Kormos

PhD, Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering, Ohio State University

Being a GEM fellow allows for a community of other students going through the same/similar experiences.

I have gained so much from working with Dr. Linsey Marr and others in the Environmental Engineering department about working for the benefit of others in the community.

Kathryn Lopez

PhD, Environmental Engineering

Chemical Engineering, Florida State University

The GEM program opened up many doors for me and made my goal of attending graduate school more feasible by reducing application costs and guaranteeing funding. The GEM community is also vibrant and welcoming and I am grateful to be a part of it.

Throughout graduate school, I have learned more about the field of environmental engineering and drinking water quality as expected. What I did not expect but am grateful for is that I also became aware of alternative career paths, explored more about my identity, and built friendships that will last a lifetime.

Victor Lopez

Masters, Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida

Simply applying for the GEM Fellowship opens up opportunities, even more so if selected. GEM has supported me during my application process for grad school. As a Masters applicant, funding was definitely a concern but GEM gave me options when choosing schools. On top of the financial support, being a GEM Fellow gives you access to a network of industry partners and other GEM members across the nation, opening up even more opportunities.

I hope to become a better researcher and mentor during my time at Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is full of bright minds which I hope to work with and learn from.

Yamilet Macias-Orihuela

Masters, Biomedical Engineering

Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech

Its the opportunity to be a part of a network of students in STEM that could be sources of inspiration and support.

How to be a mentor and advocate for the next generation of engineers. I would like to gain professional development in my specific field.

Joshua Pulliam

PhD, Engineering Mechanics

Applied Physics; Mechanical Engineering, Morehouse College; Auburn University

The GEM Fellowship provides the opportunity to fund and network within graduate level studies, with a focus on forwarding minority growth and achievement in these fields. It connects you to people and positions that will help format the pathway for your career, all with the knowledge that others within the Fellowship understand what it means to be a minority within graduate studies. Being a GEM Fellow offers funding, fellowship, and a brighter future. It is well worth becoming one.

I came directly from an undergraduate program into a PhD program. While I had research experience prior to arriving, adapting quickly was imperative. While there were, of course, the scholastic as well as technical aspects of research that had to be rapidly absorbed, what I feel I've truly learned is an appreciation for independence. A PhD program has afforded me the chance to put forward the work that fascinates me and allow it to format my career. I have Virginia Tech, in large part, to thank for that.

Axel Soto

Masters, Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering, Florida State University

To be a GEM Fellow is to live up to the entrusted legacy by our previous fellows and the GEM mission, while also making an impact in our community by being the representation of minorities that do not normally get their deserved representation.

I hope to able to find my community and support system at Virginia Tech while also being a support to my community. I also hope to gain exposure to a multitude of diverse cultures, personalities, and perspectives that will give me a better understanding of our society.

Charles Sterling

PhD, Biological Systems Engineering

Biological Engineering, North Carolina A&T University

It offers an incredible opportunity for career development! I’ll be well equipped to join the corporate world after I graduate.

I hope to gain more knowledge about the inner workings of industry.

Aileen Suarez

PhD, Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech

GEM has helped me attend graduate school in a program that actually cares about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It has given me great opportunities for networking and community building.

Virginia Tech has shown me the strength in community and how graduate school is not a solitary journey. You need to lean on others to keep on the path to success.

Chantaly Villalona

Masters, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Geoscience, Wellesley College

Students should consider becoming GEM fellows to join a larger community of incredibly talented and diverse peers. The National GEM Consortium aims to increase the advancement of underrepresented groups in STEM at the graduate level and in the workforce. GEM is able to nullify barriers to advanced degrees for underrepresented groups by securing funding for their graduate education and promoting professional development via networking, internships and national conferences. GEM is a growing national consortium that every student from an underrepresented group should consider joining and of which I am grateful to take part in.

As an incoming masters student, I hope to gain world-class training and research experience in drinking water quality. Beyond the lab, I hope to explore teaching and science outreach opportunities to strengthen my science communication and public speaking skills.

Lemara Williams

Masters, Computer Science and Applications

Computer Science and Music, Amherst College

I want to be a model for someone I wish I had when I was younger. Throughout high school and college, I always felt as if I stood out. I was either the only or one of a few Black people in classes, and it was difficult to connect to other students in my major and even harder with professors (of which there was one woman and no faculty of color). I did not think many options were available after graduation; however, connecting with alumni and mentorship programs enabled me to craft a different path. Though those experiences significantly contributed to my personal growth, I can't help but think of the missed opportunities due to not being able to learn from someone who looked like me earlier in my college career. To be a GEM Fellow is to inspire and generate change. Therefore, I hope to inspire others with my journey and work to generate change. I'm grateful for this opportunity; I look forward to seeing how I grow and help others, especially young POC in STEM, craft their own path.

I look forward to improving my technical skills and creating meaningful connections with others in my cohort and my professors. I'm excited to be in a new environment and take advantage of the opportunities presented.

Jorjie Wilson

Masters, Biomedical Engineering

Bioengineering, North Carolina A&T

Being a GEM fellow is a prestigious opportunity for underrepresented groups to take advantage of. GEM provides a great opportunity for funding, internships, and networking while furthering your education.

I hope to build great relationships while gaining more technical and verbal skills. Additionally, I hope to learn how to apply my research to real world applications in preparation for industry jobs.

Craig Wormack

Masters, Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering, Liberty University

The GEM fellowship program provides opportunities and connections in the engineering industry. GEM also provides funding for higher education such as a masters or PHD.

I hope to perform research related to machine learning or automation for my professional career.

Amirah Wright

PhD, Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami

To be a GEM fellow means you get to be able to pursue higher education without worrying about funding. Especially for people of color who are often underrepresented in graduate school. It also opens up opportunities for connections to other GEM fellows both past and present which helps build community within your career.

VT allows me to conduct research in my area of interest while also allowing me to explore my interests outside of research and school. It has also helped me connect to people in other disciplines as well as those from different backgrounds who have helped open my eyes to so many different topics in the world.