Sophomore mechanical engineering student Tiffany Izquierdo is turning a lifelong passion for racing into a growing interest in engineering. After years of attending endurance races with her family, she became fascinated not just with the cars on the track, but with the strategy, data, and teamwork that keep them performing under extreme conditions. Now involved in Panther Motorsports Formula SAE, hackathons, and student organizations, Tiffany is building the technical skills and confidence she hopes to one day bring to the world of professional motorsports.
Q&A with Tiffany Izquierdo
Tell us about your journey. What inspired you to pursue your current field of study?
I have been attending the Rolex 24 at Daytona since I was four years old, and those experiences sparked my passion for motorsports. Watching teams work together through a 24-hour race showed me that racing is not just about speed, but about strategy, problem solving, and teamwork behind the scenes. Seeing how every role contributes to the success of the car made me want to be part of that environment.
That early exposure inspired me to pursue engineering as my field of study. Engineering allows me to combine my interest in motorsports with hands on problem solving and collaboration, and it drives my goal of one day working as part of a professional racing team.
What have been your most significant achievements during your time in the college?
One of my most significant achievements has been being selected to represent FIU and the SAE Florida Section at the 2025 Women with Drive conference. This opportunity allowed me to connect with industry professionals and gain insight into careers in engineering while representing both my university and the broader SAE community.
I also participated in my first hackathon, ShellHacks, where I challenged myself to work collaboratively under time constraints and apply my technical skills in a fast paced, real world setting.
Are you involved in any research, projects, clubs or extracurricular activities?
Yes. I am involved with the Data Acquisition team for Panther Motorsports Formula SAE, where I work with vehicle data to support performance analysis and engineering decisions.
I am also a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the FIU Astronomy Club, where I engage with communities that support professional development and scientific curiosity. Outside of FIU, I mentor younger students entering engineering through my former team, Gladiator Motorsports, helping them navigate technical and competitive opportunities in racing.
What impact do you hope to make in your field or community?
I hope to become a role model for young women interested in engineering and motorsports while helping create spaces where they feel welcomed and supported in fields that can often seem inaccessible or male dominated. I want to be the support system and representation I did not have growing up and show that women belong, succeed, and lead in these spaces.
What has been the most challenging thing you've experienced as a student so far?
One of the most challenging things I have experienced as a student has been overcoming imposter syndrome, especially when entering new and unfamiliar environments. Learning to trust my abilities, speak up, and prove myself in spaces where I initially felt out of place has been difficult, but it has also helped me grow more confident and resilient over time.
What has been the most rewarding experience you've had as a student?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was completing a project in under 36 hours during my first hackathon with a team of students from universities across Florida. As one of the few engineering students among mostly computer science majors, I had to clearly communicate my ideas and collaborate across disciplines. Being named a finalist reinforced my confidence and showed me the value of diverse skill sets in fast paced environments.
What's the best piece of advice you've received as a student?
The best advice I have received as a student is to take up space, be present, and make my voice heard. I was reminded that meaningful opportunities and growth do not come from standing on the sidelines, but from actively showing up and advocating for myself.
Any advice to prospective students thinking of majoring in engineering or computer science?
You belong at every step of the journey, whether you are confident, struggling, or feeling like you do not fit in. Feeling lost is part of the learning process, not a sign that you do not belong.
Engineers and computer scientists rarely find the solution on the first try. They iterate, make mistakes, and learn from failure, and that is what leads to growth. You cannot climb without starting at the bottom, and every challenge you face is building the skills you need to succeed.
What’s a fun fact or unique perspective about you that you’d like to share?
A fun fact about me is that I flew a plane by myself before I ever drove a car on my own.
If you could have lunch or dinner with a famous engineering or computing pioneer, who would it be? Why?
I would choose Hannah Schmitz, a senior strategist in Formula One. I admire her role in high pressure, real time decision making and how strategy, data, and teamwork directly influence race outcomes. As someone interested in motorsports engineering, I would love to learn how she approaches problem solving, communicates under pressure, and navigates leadership in a male dominated field.
If you could travel anywhere in the world to see an engineering marvel, where would you go?
I would travel to France to experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe. The race is an engineering marvel because it pushes teams to design cars that balance speed, durability, efficiency, and reliability over 24 hours. Seeing how engineers adapt strategy, technology, and performance in real time would be incredibly inspiring and closely aligned with my interest in motorsports engineering.
When you're not being an engineering student, what do you like to do?
When I’m not being an engineering student, I love making coffee. I enjoy experimenting with different methods and flavors, and I find the process both creative and relaxing.