What Makes a Great Mechanical Engineering College?
When comparing mechanical engineering colleges, look for programs that are ABET-accredited, taught by faculty with experience in the field and connected to top industry employers. The best colleges offer strong graduate outcomes, top rankings and engineering labs with modern technology that prepare students for real-world innovation.
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology—based in Queens adjacent to LaGuardia Airport—offers these advantages along with a proven track record of student success.
What Makes Vaughn’s Mechanical Engineering Degree Unique
1. ABET Accreditation
Vaughn’s mechanical engineering bachelor of science degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. In addition, Vaughn’s mechanical engineering technology bachelor of science is degree is also accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering Technology and Similarly Named Programs.
ABET accreditation is important to students because it means the program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources meet the profession’s expectations for graduates. This accreditation is crucial because it is often a prerequisite for professional licensure, highly valued by employers and can be necessary for graduate school admission.
2. Expert Faculty and Small Class Sizes
With a 16-to-1 student-faculty ratio, Vaughn provides a personalized learning environment where professors know students by name and can provide one-on-one support when needed. Vaughn’s engineering professors have experience working in the fields they teach, which gives students a competitive advantage when entering the job market. Vaughn is well known and has maintained a stellar reputation in the industries it serves. Vaughn maintains an engineering and technology advisory board of seasoned industry professionals who provide guidance and ensure the curriculum meets current workforce demands.
3. Deep Industry Connections and Strong Career Services Support
Vaughn has relationships and partnerships with top industry employers providing students with unique opportunities for site visits, internships and mentorship which ultimately lead to job opportunities. Vaughn graduates land at companies such as Lockheed Martin, Tesla, SpaceX, GE Aerospace, Sikorsky and NASA.
Vaughn’s career services department is always open, offering resume writing assistance, interview support, career fairs, employer engagement days and career preparation courses/workshops covering everything from setting up a LinkedIn profile to becoming an effective communicator. The career services team can help students achieve their career goals, wherever they are in the process.
4. Strong Student Outcomes
Vaughn students graduate with jobs–in fact, 97% of graduates are employed or continue their education within one year, 77% in their chosen professions.* In addition to the College’s upward mobility rankings, it was also ranked in the top 4% of colleges with the highest ROI for students from under-resourced communities by a study completed by Georgetown University’s Center and Education and the Workforce. Learn more about the ROI of a Vaughn education.
5. Cutting-edge Engineering Labs
Vaughn offers hands-on learning through advanced laboratory spaces that support all engineering and technology degree programs, which include:
Electronics Lab
Energy Conversion and Smart Grid Power Systems Lab
Thermo-Fluid Lab
Mechanical Testing and Evaluation Lab
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine and Manufacturing Lab
3D Prototyping Innovation Center
Automation Laboratories
6. Top Rankings
Vaughn College is consistently recognized (for 12 consecutive years and running) by US News & World Report as a top regional college in the Northeast and a top college for social mobility. In 2026, Vaughn was also recognized for its engineering programs. In addition, Vaughn continues to be acknowledged as a top college in the nation for upward mobility and in New York City.
7. Clubs and Activities
The Vaughn student experience is truly unlike what you’ll find at other colleges. There are many ways students can engage in the community and participate in activities, clubs and professional organizations that support academic studies, build networks and help prepare for careers.
Professional or academic-based student organizations:
Robotics Club
NASA Rovers Club
Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Club
Student-run organizations that have a national affiliation with a professional group:
Engineers without Borders
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Women Engineers
Why Earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
A mechanical engineering degree opens doors to one of the most versatile and in-demand career fields. Graduates design and develop systems and technologies that power everything from aircraft and drones to renewable energy and manufacturing.
High Demand for Mechanical Engineers
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for mechanical engineers is expected to grow by about 9% through 2034 creating roughly 18,100 openings each year. This rate exceeds growth in other engineering disciplines and is significantly higher than the national average.
Automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing systems continue to grow in complexity, increasing the need for skilled mechanical engineers across industries including biomedical technology, automotive engineering and sustainability.
Mechanical engineers are well compensated for the challenging careers they’ve selected. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the 2024 median base salary for mechanical engineers is $102,320 per year and according to Lightcast it is $109,000 in New York City. US News & World Report notes that the top 25% of mechanical engineers in the US make over $126,000. Mechanical engineering is also ranked number two in best engineering jobs and number 27 out of the top 100 careers.
At the Forefront of Technical Innovation
Mechanical engineers drive innovation across multiple sectors. Current trends include automation, waste reduction through technologies such as kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) and advancements in environmental conservation, including carbon capture.
Vaughn’s mechanical engineering curriculum combines theory with hands-on learning using SolidWorks and Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) tools used by engineers worldwide.
What Courses are Needed for a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
The program includes foundational engineering and advanced technical courses such as:
Elements of Machine Design: Principal stresses, failure theory, fatigue and dynamic loading
DC/AC Circuits: Sinusoidal analysis of resistive, inductive and capacitive circuits, including transformers
Engineering Mechanics: Forces, vectors and rigid-body equilibrium
Finite Element Analysis: One-dimensional modeling for truss, rod and heat-transfer problems
Introduction to Robotics: Robot construction and programming using the VEX platform
Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, ideal gases, energy cycles and entropy
Current and prospective students can view our full course catalog for a mechanical engineering degree to plan their schedule. Our undergraduate mechanical engineering program requires a combined total of 133 lab and course credits.
All of these advantages, combined with Vaughn’s industry-driven programs, personalized instruction and strong career outcomes, make it one of the top mechanical engineering colleges for students who want a futureproof education.
Take the Next Step
Explore how Vaughn can help you earn a mechanical engineering degree that leads to high-demand careers and lifelong success.
To see Vaughn’s engineering labs in action, visit vaughn.edu, email or call 1-866-6VAUGHN to schedule a campus tour. We can’t wait to hear from you!
*Outcomes include data within one year of graduation for graduates who reported via survey. There were a total of 289 reported graduates in 2024. 230 reported an outcome for an 80% response rate. The 2024 graduate class includes September 2023, December 2023 and May 2024 graduates.
Theresa M. Claiborne retired United Airlines Capt. delivered the commencement address and received an honorary degree on Saturday, May 17, as the Class of 2025 celebrated its annual commencement ceremony. Claiborne’s speech emphasized trusting in oneself, rising above and blazing new trails.
Dr. Paul LaVergne, vice president of academic affairs, extended a warm welcome to all attendees as he introduced the senior administrators, department chairs and student speaker, Mr. Matthan Mbanefo, a distinguished recipient of a bachelor of science degree in mechatronic engineering. Mbanefo was honored with the prestigious Board of Trustees Award in recognition of his exceptional academic accomplishments and dedicated service to the institution. Mbanefo and fellow graduate Aasem Ghoneim have been selected to join GE Aerospace’s prestigious Edison engineering program after graduation.
“We are now Vaughn College alumni — a title that comes with honor, pride and responsibility,” said Mbanefo to his fellow graduates. “Nothing can stop you if you remember who you are and where you come from.”
Doctor Claiborne was the first black woman pilot in the history of the United States Air Force before becoming one of only 24 black woman pilots out of 17,000 at United Airlines. She earned more than 23,000 flight hours and worked her way up to Captain the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. She serves as the president emeritus of Sisters of the Skies to support the next generation of Black women pursuing pilot careers, and as a board member of the Grand Dames of Aviation. Claiborne shared insights from her extensive aviation career and urged graduates to create new paths forward, trust themselves and speak up even when uncertain. Claiborne was awarded an honorary doctoral degree for her pioneering spirit, service to her country and inspiring the next generation of leaders including Vaughn students.
Providing advice she had received from a mentor during her career she noted, “In navigating life remember no matter how cloudy the surface, you will rise above,” encouraged Claiborne. “The sky was never the limit. You are trailblazers ready to take your place to keep the world moving forward.”
President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo highlighted the College’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. She recognized the faculty, board of trustees and industry partners for their contributions to Vaughn’s vision to change the world one student at a time with a transformative education that leads to a lifetime of opportunity. “You have been challenged and tested – and have prevailed. This event marks the beginning of a new phase in your lives. I encourage you to take the time today to appreciate this incredible milestone, and to celebrate your triumph!” said DeVivo.
During the ceremony, special recognition was given to a group of high school students who attended the ceremony and received the Uncrewed Aerial Systems Certificate. A posthumous degree was awarded to Justin Diaz, an aviation maintenance student whose family was in attendance to accept his degree. Additionally, outstanding students were acknowledged for their educational excellence and contributions to the College community in clubs, competitions and degree programs.
As the ceremony concluded, Dr. DeVivo congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of staying connected as Vaughn alumni. She encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in their careers and to be ambassadors for the College in their professional endeavors.
Starting your college career is an exciting time in taking the first step toward your future. At Vaughn, you will receive the tools, support and opportunities you need from day one to not only enhance your experience during college, but also ensure that you’re positioned for success after college. We spoke with Elaine T. White, assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Vaughn, who shared her best tips for how new students can start off strong.
Tip #1—Get involved early
White explained there are several ways students can get off to a strong start during their freshman year. Vaughn offers a wide range of options to make everyone feel welcome. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new friends!
Here are “first semester” tips to follow:
Attend orientation—Yes, attending orientation is mandatory for you and all new students. It is a great way to become acclimated to the campus, meet fellow classmates and gain access to student-only systems and terminology.
Attend the welcome assembly and clubs/activities fair—These events will help you get an overview of the College and all available extracurricular and recreational activities available.
Attend one-time social activities, industry speaker and career-focused events—There’s always an industry speaker to see, a yoga class to attend or a study group to join. Don’t hesitate to start participating in these opportunities early.
Participate in intramural sports—Check out Vaughn’s intramural athletics program which can be joined at any time. You have the choice of soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country and tennis.
Take advantage of common hour—Common hour is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon when classes are not in session. Take this time to attend club meetings, study, connect with a professor or attend an event.
Become a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)—This honor society is the largest in the nation and has over 800 chapters, including Vaughn! Since the College has a partnership with American Airlines, inducted students enjoy a lifetime membership with access to resources and support for personal and academic growth.
Tip #2—Take advantage of support services and resources
Vaughn is proud to provide students with a variety of academic and student support resources which include:
Academic Success Center (ASC)—A welcoming environment where students will find resources such as academic advisement, disability services, testing center, tutoring services and writing/math center. White said tutoring is one service everyone can benefit from. “Tutoring is not only for when a student is struggling or failing. It can help them organize themselves to turn that ‘B’ into an ‘A.’ The key to tutoring is to start early!”
Career services department—Led by Chaundra Daniels, this department offers employer engagement days, career fairs, career newsletters and other activities throughout the year.
Counseling and wellness—Led by Dr. Stacey Dutil, this department offers free counseling services, health/wellness events, workshops and more.
Veteran services—Vaughn offers several support services for veterans including peer mentoring, counseling, academic advising and more.
Scholarship Universe—Free portal offered to all students where they can find scholarship opportunities available to them and apply.
Tip #3—Balance academics, social life and finances
Balancing your new life in college can be difficult and stressful – between your classes, homework, extracurricular activities and job responsibilities, it’s a lot. We get it. White said it can be easy to fall behind trying to manage it all and recommends these tips to keep it all together:
Time management—Attend class and budget enough time for homework and asking for help when needed.
Self-care—Make time to recharge to avoid burnout. This can include listening to your favorite music, taking an exercise class or playing games with friends.
Keep a close eye on your finances—Educate yourself on the financial aid process and how to manage your money. Understand that loans are a great way to finance your degree and your future. Also, seek out internships and work-study opportunities.
Live on campus—Residential life is like “home away from home.” It cuts down on commuting and provides an excellent support system. Students who live on campus are more likely to graduate—and graduate on time.
Build relationships with faculty and staff—Take advantage of office hours and engage in conversations to discuss career paths, as well as outline opportunities and goals.
A final message from Elaine White
“We understand that adulting is a challenge. At Vaughn, students not only earn a degree that leads to a futureproof career; they receive all the resources they need to be successful. We love our students and want to get to know them on a personal level. By hearing their interests and career goals, we can help them make the right choices that will lead to a successful future.”
Are you interested in coming to Vaughn? Check out our degree programs that can give you a direct path to an in-demand career. Apply today!
With the fall semester around the corner, now is the time—if you haven’t already—to gear up for a successful and strong start to the year. We know you have a lot to do, so we’ve compiled a checklist of helpful tips to make sure your semester gets off to a fantastic start.
Administrative preparation
Administrative tasks are essential to ensure your first day of classes goes well. Here are a few things to make sure you do before the semester begins:
Complete registration and other important requirements before the deadline—Ensure that all paperwork and deadlines have been met for registration, financial aid, vaccinations, housing, health insurance (if required) and orientation.
Plan transportation—Figuring out how to get to and from campus is an important step in the college preparation process. Being punctual is key. If you are driving to campus, be sure to include time for traffic and if you’re taking public transportation, familiarize yourself with the bus, train and/or subway schedules.
Explore campus resources—Research campus resources ahead of time, such as academic advising, career services, counseling and libraries so you can easily access support when you need it.
College email account—Make sure you get your college email address set up and functioning properly when you arrive on campus.
Academic preparation
Now that you have checked off the administrative tasks on your list, it is time to prepare for the reason you are there, which is to attend classes and earn your degree. Here are some key tasks to complete to seamlessly begin your first week of college.
Review your course schedule—Familiarize yourself with the location and times of your classes.
Purchase, rent or borrow textbooks—Be sure to acquire the necessary textbooks in advance so that you won’t fall behind later on. If available, digital versions can save you money and space. Check out this list of resources for finding affordable textbooks without compromising quality.
Create a study plan and routine—Use your time effectively by designating specific study hours and locations for each subject.
Set up a calendar—Whether you use a digital or physical planner, tracking important dates, deadlines and timelines will help keep you on time and on track.
Financial planning—Set a realistic budget to manage your finances, including tuition, books, supplies, food, entertainment and other incidentals. It’s important to set aside a small emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Familiarize yourself with any financial aid package you may have, such as scholarships, grants or loans. And don’t forget about taking advantage of student discounts!
Gather essential tech gear and supplies—Don’t wait until the last minute to check if your laptop, tablet or other tech gadgets are working! Be sure to have all the necessary chargers, headphones and software, as well as notebooks, highlighters, binders and all other supplies you may need.
Organize your living space—Whether you’re living at home or on campus, it’s important to organize your space so that it is functional and decluttered of any unnecessary items. If you are living on-campus, purchase essentials such as bedding, toiletries, cleaning and kitchen supplies and small appliances early so you’ll be ready to set up your space.
Personal well-being
Succeeding at college is more than just earning good grades. Having a healthy and positive mindset means all the difference—especially during challenging times. Practice these self-care tips to prepare for the best college experience:
Connect with classmates and professors—Making connections early-on with peers, roommates and professors helps establish relationships that can be invaluable during this and future semesters. Joining clubs and attending social events are also a great way to meet new people!
Establish academic and personal goals—Setting GPA goals and developing new skills are great ways to stay motivated and focused.
Self-care—Mentally prepare for college by cultivating a positive outlook. Have strategies in place to manage stress. Incorporating healthy habits like exercise, eating healthy and getting sufficient sleep collectively play a big role. And remember that it’s okay to seek help if you need it.
We hope you have a great year at college!
It’s college fair time and we have great tips to help you make the most of these fantastic networking events which are held right on college campuses. At these events, students can network, speak with employers and fellow students and even have an opportunity to interview and land an internship right on the spot!
We had the opportunity to talk to Chaundra Daniels, director of career services at Vaughn, to learn about the benefits of attending a career fair and valuable tips to make the most of these incredible employment opportunities.
Why attend a career fair?
Career fairs offer students a variety of unique benefits that can give them a jump-start in the job search process. Industry-relevant employers come to the college fairs searching for eager young minds to join their companies in a variety capacities. It’s an opportunity for both the employer and student to interact and see if it might be good a fit from both sides. There’s literature about each company, the jobs that are available and next steps for students to take should they want to learn more or apply to certain internship and job opportunities. Students may also have the chance to have a screening or on-the-spot interview right then and there, to be considered for an immediate position, which is one of the biggest perks to attending a career fair.
Daniels explained how these career fairs are not just for seniors. “We welcome underclassmen, as well as junior and seniors, to our career fairs. It’s important to develop these relationships early on—especially for purposes of landing internships.” There are so many benefits to landing an internship during college – among them are:
Give students a competitive edge over their peers.
Provide hands-on experience
Opens the door to possible full-time employment after graduation
Provides invaluable real-world work experience, as more internships lead to more options when applying for a job—such as salary negotiation, for example
Personal insight into whether a job is right (it’s a short-term opportunity to try something out)
How to prepare for a career fair
If you are wondering how to prepare for a career fair, imagine that it is a job interview. It’s all about bringing you’re A-game and looking your best. Remember: You’re competing against your peers for these in-demand jobs. Who are the employers going to take seriously—a student in ripped jeans and a t-shirt or one who’s dressed professionally? Daniels offers some valuable tips on how to prepare for a successful career fair experience:
Research and prioritize employers: Do your homework, know something about the companies you are interested in, have questions prepared and listen to what the recruiters share about their opportunities. (Each Employer has a QR code on their table for you to scan and review their website and available opportunities.)
Bring your updated résumé: Review and update your resume ahead of time and bring at least 10 copies to the event. Employers may ask for it.
Talk to other students: You will probably have to stand in line while waiting for your turn to talk to each employer, and you should use that time wisely. Ask other students who they’ve spoken with and what their impressions were. This might inspire you to connect with companies you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Arrive early: Allow yourself enough time to speak with as many employers as you had planned, plus a few extra.
Be courteous: You should always show courtesy and respect to every prospective employer. If it helps, think of them as if they are your manager.
Ask questions and take notes: It’s a good idea to write down the answers to the questions you ask throughout the career fair. You should also consider making a note of any information employers give you about applying for their positions and working for their companies.
Daniels stated that when it comes to hiring, it’s always an employer’s market. “Students must remember that employers want the best of the best when hiring for a position in their company,” she said. “Landing a job is never a guarantee. It’s important to remain focused throughout the entire interview process. It’s a fight to the very end.”
Here are two nuggets of wisdom that Daniels offered to keep in mind when interviewing for a job:
A résumé may get you an interview. It doesn’t guarantee you’ll be hired for the job.
An interview is a conversation. This is the only time you can brag about yourself. Be clear, be succinct and always be yourself. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. It’s about seeing if it’s a good fit for both sides.
Vaughn provides the tools and resources students need for a successful career
As part of Vaughn’s commitment to the success of its students, Daniels was excited to share information about the newly revamped Career Development course that Vaughn offers. The course gives students assistance with their job and internship research, resume and cover letter development, networking and interviewing tips and more. Students leave the course prepared to conduct their job search with all the tools they need to succeed.
“I’m excited that our students have these opportunities,” Daniels said. “Vaughn had the vision to incorporate this class into its curricula. Graduates from Vaughn leave with a job, it’s as simple as that. And the Vaughn Guarantee shows the College’s commitment to students’ success.”
Vaughn’s Spring 2023 Career Fair is Thursday, March 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the main campus which is open to all students and alumni. With more than 250 students attending and 30+ employers, Chaundra said that the event is sure to be a big success.
The notion, “It’s never too late to pursue your dream,” was the driving force for Vaughn graduate Ehab Zaki ’21 to earn his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate at the age of 35. Now, at 37, he’s living his dream as an aircraft maintenance technician at American Airlines, with the goal of landing a management position in the future. Read on to learn how his ambition and dedication to his family brought him to where he is today.
Coming to America
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Zaki said his passion for aviation began at an early age. “Growing up in Egypt, I knew I wanted to work in the aviation field, but I didn’t foresee an opportunity to make it happen in my country,” he said. When he was 18-years-old, he enlisted in the Egyptian Army as part of Egypt’s military service, which is mandatory for men between the ages of 18 and 28. While completing his service, Zaki didn’t waste any time. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and graduated in 2004. One year later, while vacationing with friends on the north coast of Egypt, Zaki was introduced to Dina, who he went on to marry. In 2006, he and Dina moved to Lynbrook, New York, where—with a baby on the way—they began their new life.
Starting a business—or two
Zaki was fearless and determined to grow roots in New York to provide a great life for his family. Shortly after settling into their new home, their son Mohammad was born, which further inspired Zaki’s ambitions to become successful. “I took a job selling restaurant supplies and realized soon after that this was something I could do for myself,” he explained. Two years later, he and Dina welcomed their daughter Asia into the world. Determined to succeed, Zaki opened his own business—Kham Restaurant Supplies—which he still operates today.
With an abundance of drive and passion, Zaki fueled one of his other hobbies—a love for cooking. He opened a restaurant in Lynbrook, which he owned and operated up until last month. “Cooking is one of my hobbies that I can pour my creativity into,” he said. “Owning a restaurant was the perfect complement to my love for cooking. Plus, I do all the cooking at home, so it’s a win-win all around.”
Finding his way to Vaughn’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI)
As a successful business owner and family man, Zaki knew the time was right to put his plan for an aviation career into action. In 2020, he enrolled in Vaughn’s ATI program where he earned his A&P certificate and graduated summa cum laude. “Waiting to pursue my career in aviation was the right move for me,” Zaki said proudly. “It was important to me that I was established, and my family was secure before I moved on to pursue my passion.” Balancing work and college kept him busy, as he operated his business during the day and attended college at night and on the weekends. “I’m an ‘all in’ kind of guy,” he said. “Either you do it, or you don’t.”
Why Vaughn’s aviation maintenance program is top-notch
Zaki said his time at Vaughn was instrumental in helping him get to where he is today. “Vaughn gives you all the fundamentals you need to succeed,” he explained. “The professors and instructors are at the top of their games. They take you through the program from A through Z. I had a great relationship with them.”
Here are a few of the reasons why Zaki chose Vaughn to pursue his aviation maintenance degree:
Vaughn’s credibility, history and reputation as a leading aviation institution
The program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Professors and instructors have real-world experience
Classes are small, which means students get a lot of personal attention
The 16-month program enables students to enter the workforce quickly
Landing his dream job as an aircraft mechanic
In December 2021, Zaki received his A&P license and immediately applied for positions at Endeavor Air as well as at American Airlines, where he really had his sights set. Eager to get to work, he accepted a position at Endeavor Air, where he only trained for about four weeks. “While I was training in Minneapolis with Endeavor Air, I heard back from American Airlines about the open position,” he explained. “I interviewed with American Airlines and was offered the job on the spot!” Zaki was thrilled to begin his dream job. “It was my goal from the start to land a position at American Airlines,” he said emphatically. “The company displays a great culture of diversity. I’m looking forward to building seniority with the airline and move to a management level position. My current job as an aircraft mechanic is just the beginning.”
A day in the life of an aircraft mechanic
Zaki loves his job at American Airlines and believes that starting his career later in life was a great decision. “Every day is totally different which I love,” he explained. “We work on planes from the nose to the tail. Every time a plane lands, it needs to be serviced. It’s an exciting job with a new set of challenges to solve every day.” But above all, Zaki said landing this job offers benefits which money can’t buy. “As a father and husband, working as an aircraft mechanic has its perks,” he explained. “The flexible and rotating schedules make balancing family time so much easier—and I still get to cook for my family, too!” he said laughing.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone thinking about starting a career later in life, Zaki said, “It’s important to keep learning. Don’t let your age stand in your way of pursuing your dreams. Everything happens at the right time. You’ll know when that time is. You just have to be open to it.”
Now is the time to join the field
In response to the travel rebound and workforce cuts that happened during the pandemic, airlines are scrambling to staff their fleets back up – nearly all jobs are in high-demand including mechanics, pilots, flight attendants and customer service agents. Now is a great time to get into the aviation industry. In a short period of time—just 16 months—you could earn your A&P certificate and begin working in this futureproof—and in-demand—field where salaries are at an all-time high. And were you also aware that Vaughn College is one of just a handful of FAA-approved aviation programs in the state of New York? Get your certification from an institution that holds an excellent reputation in the industry for 90 years and counting which started with aviation maintenance.
Are you interested in joining the exciting field of aviation maintenance? We invite you to learn more about it at our next Aviation Maintenance Information Session on July 14 at 6 p.m. Mark your calendar and check our homepage for a link to register soon! You can attend on-campus—or, if you choose—we will be streaming it live for you to view from home or on-the-go. We hope to see you there!
The excitement is building at Vaughn as the College’s robotics team gears up for the 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship after having won several awards at qualifying matches held earlier this year. The 15-member team is hard at work with hopes to regain the World Championship title from their 2016 win. With only weeks to go, it’s sure to be a fun and action-packed competition which is being held from May 3-12 in Dallas, Texas.
Challenge accepted
This year, the name of the game is VEX Robotics Competition Tipping Point—an exciting challenge based on the elements of football. The game will be played on a 12′ x 12′ square field. Two alliances (one “red” and one “blue”)— each composed of two teams—will compete in matches consisting of a 15-second (0:15) “Autonomous Period,” followed by a one-minute-and-forty-five second (1:45) “Driver Controlled Period.” The object of the game is to score rings, moving mobile goals to alliance zones and by elevating them on platforms at the end of a match. The team to score the highest number of points is declared the winner.
Building the robot
Driving the excitement is team president and mechatronic engineering major, Misael Marquez ’22. Entering his fourth year on the team—and first year as acting president of the club—Marquez explains how the team began building their robot last July. “The first design took one month to plan and one week to build,” he said. “We are now on our fifth design and built a twin to our robot as a backup.” He said the diverse talents of the team members—which range from mechanical engineering and mechatronic engineering majors to management—was the winning combination to delegate the tasks required to build the robot. “Everyone has a valuable role on our team,” Marquez said. “From those who are tasked with designing the robot to others who focus on the rebuild, we all work together as a team. It’s rewarding to watch the classroom come to life as we use our knowledge of mechanical theories, moments and statics, and apply to it to the robot’s design for the competition.”
Winning tournament awards
The team participated in three qualifying tournaments earlier this year, where they placed first in two of the three matches. At the first VEX U tournament, which was held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worchester, MA at the end of January, the team won the Robot Skills Championship Award and the Excellence Award. At the second tournament, the team placed first; and at the third tournament, they won a second Robot Skills Championship Award and Excellence Award.
Planning for competition
When it comes to gaining field advantage, Marquez said it’s all about strategy and design. He explained that a major advantage of competing in the qualifying matches is having the opportunity to see the opponent’s robots and how they react. This insight, he said, helps the team build accordingly. “Robots get a little beat up during the qualifying rounds,” he explained. “Seeing our competition gives us an inside edge to upgrading our robot to make it more competitive—faster and more efficient.”
Silver lining to the pandemic
Although it’s no surprise that the pandemic was a challenging time for students, Marquez said his team used that time to hone their skills. “We all worked remotely but that didn’t stop us from improving our designs.” This year, he said the team is able to work together without any restrictions, which makes the process more exciting. “COVID empowered the team to prepare for this year’s competition,” Marquez said proudly. “We are excited to be competing against larger colleges and even more excited to go for the win. Everyone at the competition is friendly, but when it comes to the team to beat—all bets are off on the field!”
Winning spirit
Marquez shares his leadership with Christopher Walker ’24, vice president of the robotics team. Walker, who is studying mechatronic engineering, said the team’s spirit is soaring. “This is an exciting time for our team,” Walker said. “We are confident in our abilities. We believe in our robots, and we believe in ourselves. Our amazing teamwork work has us ready for the win!”
Leaving his legacy
With graduation quickly approaching, Marquez reflects on his years at Vaughn as well as his time spent on the robotics team. “I’ve always had a passion for robots,” he expressed. “So, choosing Vaughn to study mechatronic engineering was an easy choice for me.” Marquez plans to work in robotics after graduation with the hope to someday build robots to be used on the International Space Station. “Vaughn has been instrumental is giving me the foundation I need to pursue my dreams in robotics,” said Marquez. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the robotics team this year as president.” When asked about leaving a legacy at Vaughn, Marquez replied: “I hoped my time and dedication to the team would be my legacy but winning the championship and regaining the title would be the ultimate way to leave my mark at Vaughn. We are dedicated to the competition and are preparing for the win!”
Are you interested in building robotics or simply figuring out how things work? Consider coming to Vaughn to earn a valuable degree in engineering and technology at Vaughn. See what the VCAT robotics team is up to by following them on Twitch, Instagram and Facebook. Stay tuned for recap of the results from the VEX Robotics World Championship at the end of May.
’Tis the season—for final exams, projects and papers, that is. Just think—in a few short weeks, the semester will end and you’ll be ready to enjoy your holiday break with friends and family. Until then, it’s time for one last round of studying or putting the finishing touches on your project.
We’ve come up with the best ways to study for final exams, work on projects or write papers that will keep you calm, focused and ready to conquer. So, sit back, relax and take it all in. Oh, and no note taking is required.
Set a study schedule
The chances of you having more than one final exam this semester is pretty high, so the first thing you should do is check the due dates of each exam or project and plan a schedule around them. If you are working on a group project, plan dates and times that people can get together to work on it and include those in your overall study schedule. Set boundaries and limits for the amount of time you can study for each class – this brings us to our next tip!
Prioritize the material
Part of the game plan is to prioritize what material for each class may require more time to focus on. For exams, the best way to approach this is to break everything down into three categories:
Material that will definitely be on the exam.
Material that will probably be on the exam.
And (the dreaded) material that “might be” on the exam.
If you have a good handle on one portion of the material, then you know you’ll need to spend more time on the other sections.
Make your own study guide
It’s great if your professor has put together a study guide for you but you may also benefit from making your own. Recreating the material in your own words not only reinforces your knowledge of the material, but it’s as if you are teaching yourself the material in your own way that makes sense to you.
Organize or join a study group
Ever hear the expression, “Two heads are better than one”? People have been “brainstorming” for centuries, although the term is new to the modern world. When it comes to studying, not everyone has the same style. The beauty of a study session is the combining of different study styles and the bouncing of ideas and material off one another. You’ll be surprised at how just listening to the way someone else explains certain material may help your own understanding of the subject. Additionally, being in the same study boat with your friends can help relieve the pre-exam jitters.
Take practice tests
They say, “practice makes perfect.” Unfortunately, we can’t go so far as to say that taking practice tests will earn you a perfect grade on the final. What we can say, however, is that studies have shown that taking practice tests improves performance on exams. Since the chances of seeing a version of the final exam is slim, experts suggest using flash cards to quiz yourself and your friends on the material. This study tip is an important step in keeping your mind sharp, focused and ready for exam day.
Take five
Did you know that taking a five-minute break every hour does your brain good? It’s true. One of the keys to successful studying is to take a “brain break.” Use that time to stretch, take a quick walk or grab a bottle of water and a healthy snack. Did someone mention food? That brings us to our next tip.
Eat healthy and get enough sleep
You’ve heard it a thousand times: It’s important to eat healthy and get enough sleep, when in fact the reality for most college students is dining on pizza, chugging energy drinks and burning the midnight oil. It’s hard to turn down a pizza, but instead of overloading on heavy food that can make you sluggish and lose your focus, experts suggest stocking up on water, nuts, yogurt and other healthy foods. And, if you must indulge in sweets, try to limit the sugar as much as possible – this will avoid a sugar crash!
Take a deep breath and know you’ve got this. Staying positive and visualizing yourself doing well on the exam can also help! And remember—your mental health and wellbeing are what truly matter.
The engineering and technology department at Vaughn College hosted its Seventh Annual Manufacturing Day Conference which took place virtually on October 29, 2021. Participants—which included the Vaughn community, students, and industry advisory members—were enlightened by a diverse group of six industry leaders who discussed the latest innovations in the fields of biomedical manufacturing, aerospace virtual reality and manufacturing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and 3D scanning and precision measurement tools.
About the conference
In celebration of National Manufacturing Day, the conference focused on the advancements in the engineering and technology industries and showcased the opportunities for manufacturers to highlight their work while raising awareness about the advantages of pursuing a career in manufacturing.
The presenters
As part of Vaughn’s ongoing commitment to the futureproof education of its students, we were honored to host this year’s presenters, who discussed how the latest cutting-edge technologies are proving to be solutions to some of today’s modern-day challenges. Here is a quick recap of what the six presenters discussed:
Diogo Roquette Osorio: Director of Engineering at East Coast Orthotic and Prosthetic Corporation
Osorio, the Director of Engineering at East Coast Orthotic and Prosthetic Corp., discussed the challenges of producing surgical masks during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the demand and short supply of masks, Osorio explained how he and his team established a local automated production line that quickly and efficiently produced masks while maintaining ISO standards and compliance. Their ingenuity and rapid response enabled them to produce masks two years ahead of competitors.
Jefferson Maldonado ‘16: Senior Robotics Engineer at ArcBest Technologies
As a Vaughn graduate and former robotics club president, Maldonado is a perfect example of how hard work and an engineering degree from Vaughn—is a winning combination to a futureproof career. As senior robotics engineer at ArcBest Technologies, Maldonado’s presentation focused on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), along with a variety of robot deployment regimes that relate to manufacturing and logistics. He discussed the progress of emerging technologies such as AMRs and their advantages in comparison to automatic guided vehicles (AGVs). Additionally, he addressed concerns such as path planning, cybersecurity and efficient deployment. Maldonado closed his presentation with the exciting announcement that ArcBest is hiring new engineers for career opportunities in robotics development.
Christian Gerbick and Dan McConnell: Territory Managers at EMS3D (Engineering and Manufacturing Services)
Industry experts Gerbick and McConnell from EMS3D presented information about metrology-grade advanced 3D scanners. They gave an informative overview of scanning technology, followed by an impressive demonstration that featured several high-profile 3D scanning case studies in the military and consumer aerospace fields. The scanners featured had the power to scan a variety of objects that ranged from small tabletop items to full-scale aircraft interiors and exteriors at high resolution.
Dr. George Kyriakou: Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer at BotFactory
BotFactory produces circuit board 3D printers. Dr. Kyriako spoke about his extensive work in the development of amplitude modulation (AM) for electronics and explained how this new aspect of the 3D printing landscape is changing the way printed circuit board (PCB) and electronics design is conducted. The use of his 3D PCB printing technology allows fully functional prototypes to be developed in rapid sequence, in contrast to traditional PCB related electronics development—which can take weeks to design and iterate.
Michael Nager: Co-founder of The Solution Center at Festo Didactic
Nager delivered an intriguing presentation about cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in the field of manufacturing engineering. As an industry 4.0 expert, he led the discussion, and identified career opportunities in 4.0 manufacturing, which include collaborative robotics experts and lead engineers who deliver solutions in modern manufacturing by leveraging robotics and management experience. In terms of cybersecurity, Nager explained how programmable logic controller (PLC) devices and interconnected network devices were seen as a venerable attach surface in the industry’s 4.0 manufacturing infrastructure. He showed how network security tactics—such as a demilitarized zone (DMZ), subnetting and proper sub-segmenting of networks—are viable methods to protect factory PLCs from attack. An important takeaway was his explanation of how the maintenance of secure manufacturing networks has grown beyond “on-the-job training” that now requires a focused educational program to deliver results. Nager’s company, Festo Didactic, has developed a comprehensive curriculum and courseware training product to properly prepare engineers in cybersecurity.
Olesya Kopteva: Training and 3D Scanning Team Leader, Artec 3D
Kopteva continued on the topic of 3D scanning with her presentation on Artec 3D scanner hardware, which included the new Space Spider and Eva range of scanners. She presented post-processing of 3D scans using Scan Studio 16. The results revealed this as an asset in post-processing 3D scans for consumer, medical, reverse engineering and entertainment computer graphic industries. Artec scanners feature high-quality, best-in-class 3D scanning technology—and comparative low pricing—for the education and engineering markets. Since 2015, Vaughn faculty and staff have utilized Artec scanners for work in club activities, technology presentations, degree projects, outreach activities and course offerings.
Q&A with Dr. Hossein Rahemi, Chair of Engineering and Technology Department at Vaughn
We sat down with Dr. Hossein Rahemi, department chair of Vaughn’s engineering and technology department, for his insight into the future of manufacturing and how these latest advancements are leading to excellent job opportunities for Vaughn engineering students.
Q: Virtual reality and artificial intelligence are playing big roles in today’s manufacturing industries. In your opinion, what does the future look like?
A: Today, we are learning through data collection, programming, AI, and virtual reality that functionality, safety, and productivity can be facilitated and further enhanced. As a matter of fact, the AI contributed to the advancement of manufacturing process through automation and autonomous mobile robots. Virtual reality in manufacturing is used for training environments, product development, visualization, and product configuration simulators. This sort of visualization speeds up safety and the product development process through robust interactive experience that facilitates rapid decision making and approvals.
Q: What are the best engineering degrees offered by Vaughn to prepare for today’s most in-demand jobs?
A: All of our engineering degrees meet the specific needs of today’s industry employers. For manufacturing and automation, specifically, our mechatronic engineering and mechanical engineering degrees, along with additive manufacturing—or 3D printing—are proving to be excellent degrees to pursue. Our students are receiving job offers prior to graduation from prestigious companies such as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Volvo and others.
Q:This year, high school students also attended the conference. Were there any specific topics that resonated with them?
A: Yes! The high school students loved the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robots. It’s not only cool to see and learn about, but it resonates with an appreciation for the engineering field and development process. The students love the challenge. It’s a hands-on field where they can compete against each other and see their efforts put into action.
Do you have a passion for engineering? Discover how an engineering degree from Vaughn College will set you on a futureproof path to some of today’s most sought-after careers. Apply today.
If you study to music, then you’re already “in tune” with the amazing effects it may have for helping put your brain in optimum study mode. But did you know that certain genres of music could set the tone for even greater concentration, focus and well-being?
As we kick off a new semester, we’d like to introduce the latest music craze to add to your study playlist. It’s called “lo-fi,” and it’s getting high marks from students across the globe for its positive effects on helping them bring their A-game when it comes to reducing stress, increasing focus and keeping them relaxed while studying. Haven’t heard of lo-fi music? Grab your earbuds as we tell you all about it.
What is lo-fi music?
Low-fidelity music, or lo-fi, is music that is recorded with intentional imperfections, such as misplayed notes, environmental noise, low hum, or phonographic audio imperfections. Unlike hi-fidelity, or hi-fi, which is the high-quality reproduction of sound, the imperfect elements of lo-fi music are a popular choice when it comes to the positive results when studying is concerned. So, why would imperfect sound be one of the perfect genres to study to? Sit back and take a listen as you hear why. Lo-fi music helps the front lobe in our brain to focus – those flaws or low hums can also put the brain in the mindset to focus.
Why lo-fi is a popular playlist choice
Music speaks a universal language, so it comes as no surprise that students from all walks of life enjoy the wonder of music while studying. Some of the reasons as to why lo-fi is so popular are:
Relaxing effect and perfect tempo to keep listeners engaged without making them sleepy
As there are no lyrics, there are no distractions, which leads to better reading comprehension and writing
Listeners keep lo-fi on an endless loop, keeping music predictable and not a distraction while studying
And, if those aren’t good enough reasons to give lo-fi a try, here are some other reasons on how music can help you focus when you need it most:
Mood booster—Music can lift your spirits, even after a long, hard day. Playing your favorite tunes can be all you need to turn your frown upside down.
Positive attitude—The right kind of music can make you happy and help kick-start a study session. It’s been said that happy people tend to be more productive. In fact, people who listen to music may be happier than those who don’t.
Drowns out distracting noises—Does the sound of background noise make you irritable? Listening to music is a great way to drown out annoying background noises and help you focus on the task at hand. If possible, consider in investing in a quality set of headphones or earbuds for optimum sound quality and noise cancellation.
An “alternative” decision
Lo-fi music is considered an “alternative” genre of music—and for good reason. It’s not only easy to listen to, but it’s also easy to produce since there are no lyrics. Ever thought of becoming a songwriter? Try producing some music on your phone or laptop.
One of the most popular app services is FL Studio. Or, Apple and Android users can try those respective sites to create their own lo-fi playlists.
Creating a playlist
It may sound obvious, but research revealed that brain function decreases when you listen to music and sounds you don’t enjoy, making it difficult to focus and concentrate. So, be sure to choose music and sounds that make you happy. Here are some tips for creating your playlist:
Create your playlist in advance, so you won’t be fumbling to find a new song every few minutes.
Keep your playlist to around 40-50 minutes. This is a great reminder to take a study break when it’s over. Plus, it helps you plan your study sessions to meet your concentration level.
Avoid listening to the radio. Dialogue between radio personalities and commercials can be distracting.
Turn it down. Listening to music at a moderate level is best.
Don’t forget the classics—Mozart, anyone?
If you haven’t already done so, check out our popular 2018 blog, “Studying to Music Can Put Your Brain in the Right Frame of Mind,” where Vaughn College explores the mind-boosting effects of studying to classic music. (Have you heard of the Mozart Effect?) Additionally, this blog explains how the calming sounds of nature can help to increase concentration.
With the new semester kicking off, this is the best time to add lo-fi music to your playlist so it’s ready to go when you need it. Happy listening!
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Vaughn College is consistently recognized (for 12 consecutive years and running) by US News & World Report as a top regional college in the Northeast and a top college for social mobility. In 2026, Vaughn was also recognized for its engineering programs. In addition, Vaughn continues to be acknowledged as a top college in the nation for upward mobility and in New York City. 
“We understand that adulting is a challenge. At Vaughn, students not only earn a degree that leads to a 
Career fairs offer students a variety of unique benefits that can give them a jump-start in the job search process. Industry-relevant employers come to the college fairs searching for eager young minds to join their companies in a variety capacities. It’s an opportunity for both the employer and student to interact and see if it might be good a fit from both sides. There’s literature about each company, the jobs that are available and next steps for students to take should they want to learn more or apply to certain internship and job opportunities. Students may also have the chance to have a screening or on-the-spot interview right then and there, to be considered for an immediate position, which is one of the biggest perks to attending a career fair.
Daniels explained how these career fairs are not just for seniors. “We welcome underclassmen, as well as junior and seniors, to our career fairs. It’s important to develop these relationships early on—especially for purposes of landing internships.” There are so many benefits to landing an internship during college – among them are:
If you are wondering how to prepare for a career fair, imagine that it is a job interview. It’s all about bringing you’re A-game and looking your best. Remember: You’re competing against your peers for these in-demand jobs. Who are the employers going to take seriously—a student in ripped jeans and a t-shirt or one who’s dressed professionally? Daniels offers some valuable tips on how to prepare for a successful career fair experience:
Driving the excitement is team president and mechatronic engineering major, Misael Marquez ’22. Entering his fourth year on the team—and first year as acting president of the club—Marquez explains how the team began building their robot last July. “The first design took one month to plan and one week to build,” he said. “We are now on our fifth design and built a twin to our robot as a backup.” He said the diverse talents of the team members—which range from 
Although it’s no surprise that the pandemic was a challenging time for students, Marquez said his team used that time to hone their skills. “We all worked remotely but that didn’t stop us from improving our designs.” This year, he said the team is able to work together without any restrictions, which makes the process more exciting. “COVID empowered the team to prepare for this year’s competition,” Marquez said proudly. “We are excited to be competing against larger colleges and even more excited to go for the win. Everyone at the competition is friendly, but when it comes to the team to beat—all bets are off on the field!”