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
Kyle Denney’s Internship at MIT Lincoln Lab
Kyle Denney is pursuing his master’s degree in computer engineering as a member of the Cyber-Physical Systems Security Lab at FIU. He interned at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Lab where I worked as a summer research intern in the Cyber Security Division.
Jaquan Starling – Mechanical Engineering Student – Class of 2022
Jaquan Starling – The only member of FIU’s Class of 2022 to receive the prestigious Horatio Alger Florida Scholar Award. This fall he will begin his studies in mechanical engineering.
Karina Quintana’s First Job Working at Boeing
Karina Quintana earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in communication systems from FIU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Karina's first job after graduation was a flight test engineering position for the...
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.