FIU College of Engineering and Computing students have unique stories. They are relentless in pursuing big ideas that will lead to better lives, and have demonstrated that they are Worlds Ahead in innovation and creativity. Read on for stories of FIU engineering and computer science students who know this first-hand. Get inspired to create your own success story or join us to give students every opportunity to pursue their dreams and be the leaders of our community.
Student Success News
Grad student works to protect the nation as a cybersecurity warrior
David Gabay has always wanted to serve his country. A cybersecurity warrior at FIU, Gabay is close to realizing his dream. Gabay, who is pursuing his master’s in computer engineering at FIU, is the recipient of the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, funded by the...
Sandhiya Govindarajulu receives Best Student Paper Award at the 2019 iWAT
Sandhiya Reddy Govindarajulu received the Best Student Paper Award at the 2019 International Workshop of Antenna Technology (iWAT) conference for her paper, Range Optimization for DSRC and 5G Millimeter-Wave Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Link. iWAT was held at FIU...
Pranjal Nautiyal: Shining Graduate Scholar Receives Prestigious Awards
Unlike most young people, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, Pranjal Nautiyal had an unwavering answer – he wanted to be an engineer. Pranjal was surrounded by engineers all of his life while living in New Delhi, where he was born and raised; his father...
Worlds Ahead Graduates – Fall 2018
Cesar Villa-Garcia
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
At age 10, Cesar came to the U.S. from his native Peru, and taught himself how to code and design. By middle school, he was developing websites and creating computer graphics. After graduating from Miami Dade College, he took three years off to save money and help his family financially.
Melody Gonzalez
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
A single mother, Melody worked two jobs and paid for school with more than 10 scholarships, including national awards from the Society of Women Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers and a Google STEM Scholarship.
Md Asif Raihan
Degree: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Md Asif Raihan is guided by the words of Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” It is what drove him to pursue his Ph.D. in civil engineering despite several challenges. He left his young sons behind in his native Bangladesh to pursue his dream. During his time at FIU, he worked day and night, despite several serious and persistent health issues.
Soheil Soleimanikutanaei
Degree: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Soheil was determined to come to the U.S. from his homeland, Iran. Arriving in a new country and not knowing anyone was difficult. After authoring more than 70 articles which have been cited over 2,600 times, he is receiving his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.