Sarah Akhtar, of Stockton, California, is an aspiring engineer whose passion for creation began at a young age, whether through crafting artwork or selling handmade pieces at local markets. Her curiosity evolved into a love for STEM as she explored mathematics, physics, and computer science in high school, where she also became acutely aware of the gender gap in technical fields. Rather than being discouraged, Sarah was inspired to represent and empower her community through engineering.

Now a dedicated University of the Pacific student and NSPE member, Sarah actively uses her voice to advocate for issues affecting the engineering profession. She has connected with mentors, engaged with US Representatives, and found inspiration through NSPE’s community and resources. Her commitment to responsible innovation, inclusivity, and service continues to guide her path.

Over the next few years, Sarah hopes to lead impactful projects, grow her technical and leadership skills, and help create products that make life better in meaningful ways. Outside of the classroom, she volunteers with the YWCA and San Joaquin Emergency Food Bank and enjoys exploring new creative projects that blend art, technology, and hands-on problem solving. For Sarah, engineering isn’t just a career, it’s a calling to build a better, more inclusive future.

Emma Koehler, of Ocoee, Florida, is a rising junior at the University of Florida, majoring in chemical engineering. She originally entered college planning to pursue a career in medicine but quickly discovered that her passion lies in creative problem solving and innovative design. That insight led Emma to explore various paths before finding her ideal fit in chemical engineering, a field where she could blend analytical thinking with real-world impact.

Emma is particularly driven by the opportunity to improve existing processes and develop new solutions that create meaningful change. She plans to gain hands-on experience through internships and, in the future, pursue an MBA to expand her leadership capabilities and advance engineering initiatives that make a difference.

As a student member of NSPE, Emma has been inspired by the organization’s emphasis on ethical engineering and is committed to earning her PE license as she builds her career. Outside of academics, she enjoys staying active with walks and pickleball, and loves exploring new places with friends.

Mary Helvie is a master’s student in structural engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is an engineer-in-training (EIT). She is excited to continue on the path toward full engineering licensure and is passionate about bringing sustainability into structural design.

Originally from Dahlonega, Georgia, Mary’s early interest in architecture led her to a summer program that introduced her to the world of structural engineering. She enrolled at Georgia Tech as a civil engineering major and, through coursework and internships, developed a deep appreciation for the engineering profession. For Mary, engineering is more than designing beams and columns; it’s a discipline grounded in integrity, responsibility, and respect.

Inspired by her professors, mentors, and industry professionals, Mary plans to work in the vertical building sector, gaining the experience needed to pursue a structural engineering license. She is especially motivated by the role engineers can play in advancing sustainable design practices.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Mary is an avid reader with dreams of building her own in-home library. She’s most often found with a book in hand and her cat curled up nearby.

Hannah McCormick is a senior at Kansas State University majoring in architectural engineering. Originally from Spring Hill, Kansas, Hannah discovered her passion for engineering in high school, recognizing it as a pathway to broaden her perspective, solve meaningful problems, and connect with others. Her goal is to utilize her degree to advance sustainability efforts by helping reduce energy consumption in buildings nationwide.

Driven by determination, curiosity, and a strong desire to succeed, Hannah has maintained a 4.0 GPA while remaining actively involved on campus. She recently completed her term as chapter president of Alpha Xi Delta and currently serves as secretary for ASHRAE and fundraising chair for the Illuminating Engineering Society. Outside the classroom, she also volunteers with the local USD 383 FIT Closet, reflecting her deep commitment to service.

Hannah credits scholarships like the one from NSPE for making it possible to pursue her education and extracurricular passions without overwhelming financial stress. In her free time, she enjoys cheering at football games, playing ultimate frisbee, treating herself to Coldstone BOGO ice cream, and spending time with friends in the engineering hall.

Diego Balino Martinez, of Sunnyvale, California, discovered his passion for civil engineering during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. At just 16, he juggled multiple jobs — working in restaurants, running a car-washing hustle, and doing construction labor — to help support himself and his family. Burned out and unsure of his future, Diego stumbled upon a YouTube video by civil engineer Kienen Koga, P.E. That story lit a spark.

Drawing from his hands-on construction experience, Diego realized engineering could offer the stability and growth he was seeking. He became a stronger student, pursued college, and is now entering his fourth year as a civil engineering major with a minor in data science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Diego is a proud NSPE member and looks forward to engaging more with the organization. With five internships already completed, he aims to begin his career as a project engineer and work toward a leadership role — ideally reaching assistant project manager within five years. When he’s not studying or working, you’ll find Diego at the park, passing a soccer ball and staying connected to his love of fútbol.

Caden Chin, of Sugarland, Texas, is an aspiring engineer who discovered her passion for engineering through a love of hands-on work, math, and science. Drawn to the versatility and technical nature of the field, Caden, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, is excited to turn that passion into a lifelong career. She is spending the summer interning with ExxonMobil and hopes to return next year for another internship to continue developing her skills and industry experience.

Receiving the Steinman Scholarship will play an important role in helping Caden take greater ownership of her educational journey. She is grateful for the opportunity and support as she works toward her career goal of joining the oil and gas industry in a full-time role—ideally one that emphasizes technical growth, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Outside of the classroom and workplace, Caden enjoys making matcha lattes, spending time with friends, and exploring her creative side through various crafts. She’s excited about the future and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the engineering profession.

Douglas Coulter, of Durham, New Hampshire, discovered his passion for engineering in a burst of creativity and problem solving as a young student. When the rechargeable batteries in his toy water gel blaster failed, Douglas salvaged parts from an old speaker, rewired the circuitry, and converted the blaster to run on single-use batteries. The thrill of bringing a “hopeless” project back to life sparked a lifelong fascination with engineering and set him on a path he’s proud to follow today.

Now pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of New Hampshire, Douglas is especially interested in the field of aerospace and aspires to work for a rocket company before eventually launching his own startup. As a member of NSPE, he has gained valuable insights into the profession and regulatory trends, often engaging in conversations with senior colleagues during his internship and impressing managers with his initiative and curiosity. NSPE’s resources have helped broaden his view of what’s possible in engineering and continue to inspire his professional growth.

When he’s not studying or working, Douglas enjoys spending time at the gym, trying out new Chinese recipes, and fishing by peaceful forest lakes, always hoping for that next big catch.

Michael T. Schoff, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is an electrical engineering student entering his third year of undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College. His passion for clean energy systems is what initially drew him to the field of engineering, where he is now building a strong foundation for a career focused on innovation and sustainability.

Michael has gained valuable hands-on experience through internships at Petersen Engineering and TRC Companies in New Hampshire, where he developed his technical skills and discovered the importance of professional licensure. These experiences inspired him to pursue his FE exam during his senior year as a key step toward becoming a licensed engineer.

Michael is particularly interested in how electrical engineering can contribute to cleaner, more efficient energy systems, and he’s excited to continue exploring this path through future coursework and professional opportunities.

Outside of school and internships, Michael enjoys watching professional soccer and staying active through sports. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially caring for their four beloved pets.