March is Women’s History Month, when we recognize and celebrate the lives, contributions and achievements of women who made their marks in history and modern-day society.
In observance of this celebration, Vaughn College is honored to spotlight Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu, an extraordinary aviation pioneer who paved the way for women pilots and gender equality. Haydu turned 100 years old last December but sadly passed away in January. Read on to learn more about some of the events in her amazing life—from being among the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in World War II to being awarded with an honorary doctorate degree by Vaughn as we highlight her exemplary career and service for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8.
Earning her wings
Born in Montclair, New Jersey on December 15, 1920, Haydu was the younger of two children raised during the Great Depression. Due to financial hardship, Haydu’s parents could not afford to send both children to college. Haydu therefore stayed behind and worked as a secretary while her brother, Lloyd, went on to further his education and later enlisted in the Army Air Force. After realizing that she, too, had a passion for flying, Haydu enrolled at the Newark College of Engineering where she took aviation classes on the weekends. In 1944, she attended the WASP training program in Sweetwater, Texas, where she trained for seven months and logged 210 flight hours flying aircraft that included the Boeing PT-17 Stearman, Vultee BT-13 Valiant, North American AT-6 Texan and the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat. In 1944, Haydu graduated from WASP Class 44-W-7 and served at Pecos Army Airfield as an engineering test pilot as well as utility pilot for the remainder of the WASP program.
History in the making
Haydu’s career as a woman pilot during World War II was nothing short of groundbreaking. As one of the first women to fly military planes, she—along with other women pilots in the WASP program —entered and excelled in a predominantly male field. During that time, the Army needed additional pilots. With 3,000 trained male pilots already on board, the Army began recruiting and training women through the WASP program. These women received the same training as their male counterparts; however, because the program was considered experimental and categorized as a “civil service,” the women could not serve overseas. Instead, Haydu’s job was to “break in” the engines of overhauled planes by flying them a particular way for a specified amount of time. It is believed she earned her nickname, “Bee,” from the way she flew the planes—similar to that of a bumblebee. An interesting side note: On Sundays, she flew chaplains to various fields so they could present their sermons.
Making her mark
The cancelling of the WASP program in 1944 wasn’t the end of Haydu’s career—it was the beginning. After the war, finding work was difficult. Haydu regrouped, however, and in a big way. She earned her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating so she could continue to fly. Her various jobs included flying in a comedy show’s airshow act, opening a Cessna dealership and starting a flight school with other veterans. In 1951, she married Joe Haydu, a fellow aviator with whom she had three children.
Through it all, Haydu remained committed to the Women Airforce Service Pilots organization and her fellow women veterans. From 1975-1978, she served as president of the WASP organization, where she led the fight in Congress to recognize women pilots as veterans—more than 30 years after the end of the war. Her efforts—along with those of her fellow WASPs—came to light when President Jimmy Carter signed the G.I Bill Improvement Act of 1977 into law, which not only recognized the members of WASP as veterans but also allowed the WASP access to Veterans Administration benefits.
Recognizing an aviation pioneer
From a young girl who was born and raised in New Jersey to becoming an aviation pioneer, Haydu has left a trailblazing legacy for women in the aviation industry. She and the WASP organization have paved the way for women to soar to new heights. In 2009, Haydu was one of only three surviving WASPs who were present in the Oval Office when President Barack Obama awarded the WASPs the Congressional Gold Medal for their service. Some of her other awards and recognitions include:
A plaque commemorating her work at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey at Teterboro Airport
Silver Service Medallion from The National WWII Museum in New Orleans—2018
Her original uniform on display in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Vaughn honors Haydu with an honorary doctorate degree
Vaughn awarded Haydu with an honorary doctorate degree during a commencement ceremony in 2015. Sharon B. DeVivo, president of Vaughn College, stated:
“Bernice Falk Haydu is an outstanding patriot and it is our pleasure to award her with an honorary doctor of science degree and recognize her service to this country. She also spent her life devoted to aviation and blazed a path for women in this industry, and we are thrilled to salute all of her achievements. WASPs have assured that women pilots everywhere are recognized for their achievements and receive the acknowledgement they deserve.”
Haydu’s later years
Haydu’s husband Joe passed away in 2001. She spent her later years in South Florida and published a memoir in 2003, “Letters Home 1944-1945: Women Airforce Service Pilots, World War II,” which includes letters she wrote home to her mother and brother while serving with WASP during the war years. Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu’s extraordinary service has earned her a spot of recognition during Women’s History Month.
In her own words
“Bee” may be gone, but her legacy will remain a constant reminder of her commitment to women who hold prominent roles in the military and aviation. Here are some parting words to remember her by:
“Follow your dreams. There may be pitfalls along the way but just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue on your way.”
—Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu
Photo credit: United States Department of Defense
February is Black History Month. It is a time when we celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their notable contributions to our country and its history.
To honor this special time, we are spotlighting influential African Americans whose lives, careers and pioneering efforts in the fields of aviation and engineering have paved the way for future generations.
Guy Bluford: First African American Astronaut in Space
Born in Philadelphia in 1942, Guy Bluford served as both an officer and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force before he went to work for NASA. In 1978, he was selected to participate in the NASA astronaut training program. With several degrees in aerospace engineering to his merit, Bluford made history in 1983 when he became the first African American in space as a member of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
It’s important to note: Historically, Bluford may be known as the first Black astronaut in space; however, it was Robert Lawrence who became the first Black astronaut in American history. Sadly, he was killed on a test flight in December 1967, never realizing his dream of traveling into space. Lawrence earned his PhD in physical chemistry and—like Bluford—served as both an officer and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
Wanda Austin: First Woman and African American to Hold CEO Position of The Aerospace Corporation
Born in The Bronx, New York in 1954, Wanda Austin is considered a trailblazer and pioneer for women in the U.S. aerospace industry. With a doctorate in systems engineering, she was the first woman—and first African American—to hold the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Aerospace Corporation, which employs approximately 3,600 employees and has annual sales revenues totaling more than $917 million. Austin was not only responsible for ensuring the national security within the space community, but she was appointed by President Obama to be on the Review of Human Spaceflight Plans Committee (a group that advises the government on the future of space missions.) Austin retired in 2016 but remains an active consultant for the corporation.
Lonnie Johnson: Successful African American NASA Engineer and Inventor
Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1949, Lonnie Johnson has made a name for himself on many levels. He is not only a successful NASA engineer and an important member of the U.S. Air Force government scientific establishment, but he is the inventor of the wildly popular toy, the “Super Soaker,” which topped $200 million in sales in 1991! Johnson’s passion for engineering began at early age when he entered a science fair in high school. He was the only Black student in the fair and created a compressed air-powered robot that he named “Linex,” which earned him the first-place award. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. He also holds an honorary PhD in Science from his alma mater, Tuskegee University. Johnson founded his company—Johnson Research and Development Co.—and currently owns two technology-development companies that develop and manufacture revolutionary technology. Notably, Johnson is “part of a group of African American inventors whose work accounts for six percent of all U.S. patent applications.”1
Walt Braithwaite: Pioneer of Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing at Boeing and Highest-Ranking Executive at the Company
Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1945, Walt Braithwaite knew from an early age he would enter the engineering field. Raised from humble beginnings, he took correspondence courses in diesel engineering and worked as an apprentice in a maritime machine shop. He moved to the U.S., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in computer science. As a Boeing Sloan Fellow, Braithwaite attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned another master’s degree in business management. Little did he know when he joined Boeing’s Fabrication Division in 1966 as an associate tool engineer that he and his team would go on to develop one of the most important inventions of the 20th century—a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system for Boeing. This groundbreaking achievement helped transform the aerospace industry, allowing airplanes to be designed and “manufactured” digitally instead of through the time-consuming task of manually drafting the mock-ups of new airplane models. After an extensive and impressive 34-year career with Boeing, Braithwaite was named President of Boeing Africa, making him the highest-ranking Black executive at Boeing. He retired in 2003.
Ursula Burns: First African American CEO of a Fortune 500 Company
Born in 1958, Ursula Burns is the ultimate success story of an intern who worked her way to the top. Raised by a single mother in the housing projects of New York City, she attended what is now New York University Tandon School of Engineering, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. She went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. Burns joined Xerox as a summer intern, straight out of Columbia, and worked her way up to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), making her the first African American CEO of a Fortune 500 company. She served as CEO for seven years and then held the position of Xerox chairwoman for another seven years. In 2014, Forbes rated Burns as the 22nd most powerful woman in the world. She is also known for other civic positions, which include serving as a leader of the STEM program of the White House and the head of the President’s Export Council. From 2018-2020, she served as the chair and CEO of VEON and as a senior adviser to Teneo. Burns currently serves on the board of directors of Uber.
Do you have a passion for engineering? As you can see from these amazing success stories, an engineering degree can set you on a path to a futureproof career. It could even land you in the history books someday! Discover what possibilities are open to you with an engineering degree from Vaughn College. Apply today.
Investing in your education is the first step toward a successful career. For engineering majors the field is wide open, as there are job opportunities across many industries. Here, we explore the many careers you can pursue with a mechanical engineering degree. But first, let’s discuss what mechanical engineers actually do.
The role of mechanical engineers
Look around you. Nearly every machine or process you see has been influenced in some way by a mechanical engineer. As one of the broadest engineering disciplines, mechanical engineers perform tasks that range from the planning and designing of tools, engines and mechanically functioning equipment to the generation, distribution and use of energy—and so much more. Even your refrigerator and microwave are possible thanks to mechanical engineers. (Who knew?) Today’s industry trends have opened up a world of exciting career opportunities. Here are our picks of the top five mechanical engineering careers:
1. Biomedical engineer
If you’ve ever had an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or a dental implant, then your life has been touched by the work of a biomedical engineer. This fascinating area of engineering is diverse as it combines biological sciences with engineering design. The role of biomedical engineers is to improve the quality of human life while advancing healthcare. Their work has aided the efforts of doctors in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a scope of medical conditions. Here are just some of the products biomedical engineers create:
Prosthetic limbs
Wearable technology
Implantable drug delivery systems
Dialysis machines
Injectable nanorobotics
Large full-body imaging
In addition to the broad scope of jobs performed by biomedical engineers, the area of working with biomaterials is just as critical to today’s healthcare. Here are some examples of engineered materials that are changing the lives of patients:
In a time when sustainable energy is at the forefront of our environmental agenda, the demand for sustainable engineers is on the rise. The role of sustainable engineers is to redesign and retrofit existing systems by applying the principles of engineering and design, and analyzing current operations, production quality and deficiencies. The goal is to accomplish this in a way that has a positive effect on social and economic development balanced with limited impact on the environment, and without depleting materials for future generations. Some examples of sustainable design include:
Geothermal construction
Solar and wind-powered lighting, heating and cooling systems
Waste, heat and water recovery systems
3. Automotive engineer
There’s so much more to automobiles than filling the gas tank and checking the oil and tire pressure. Most of us don’t think twice about the design and inner workings of our cars; we just want to get to where we’re going. Automotive engineers are the professionals “behind the scenes” who work in all aspects of vehicle design and performance. They design the systems and mechanisms of prototype cars and also ensure that these vehicles are built within the parameters of quality and cost-effective materials. Automotive engineers are responsible for analyzing and resolving any design problems and overseeing their manufacture. Here are some other key skills and requirements that aspiring automotive engineers need in order to land the job:
A special shout out is in order for Vaughn graduate, Niki Taheri ’19, for landing her dream job at Volvo Trucks Technology in Greensboro, NC. Way to go, Niki! In addition, the automotive industry will continue to generate new engineering jobs with advancements in electric cars and autonomous (self-driving) vehicle technology.
*It is advised to consider an institution, such as Vaughn College, that offers a mechanical engineering program that is ABET-accredited, since few institutions offer bachelor’s program specifically for automotive engineering. ABET accreditation ensures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies.
4. Construction/structural engineer
Did you ever cross a bridge and wonder: “How did they build that?” These marvelous structures are possible thanks to the ingenuity and amazing design, problem-solving and analytical skills of construction or structural engineers. These professionals possess excellent communication and leadership skills, and must pay close attention to detail. Construction engineers play a key role in the successful design, execution and maintenance of load-bearing structures including:
Railroads
Roadways
Buildings
Drainage and sewer systems
Construction engineers specialize in particular types of projects. These specialties include:
Building commercial housing or buildings
Electrical systems
Mechanical systems such as plumbing, heating and cooling systems
Highway or heavy projects that include bridges, airports, highways or water-waste systems
5. Civil engineer
A civil engineer may seem similar to a construction engineer, as the two careers involve the design and construction of buildings, roads and bridges. The difference between the two is that a civil engineer works in a more STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-focused field that involves environments where people live. In addition, the civil engineer does more of the designing where the construction engineer specializes in on the on-site implementation of the plans created by the civil engineer. A civil engineer ensures that the design meets federal, state and local building codes.
There are several specialty areas of civil engineering, all of which require a solid foundation and knowledge in math, physics, design, economics and even materials science. Some examples of these specialty areas include:
Architectural engineering
Water resource engineering
Transportation engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Civil engineers typically design large projects. Some examples of these projects include:
Subway systems
Tunnels
Dams
Water supply networks
As you can see, engineering is all around us. What field of mechanical engineering interests you? Discover how a mechanical engineering degree from Vaughn College can set you on a futureproof path to success. Apply today!
Since George Tavares ’15 was a young boy, he had an interest in aviation. His father worked at LaGuardia Airport for many years and brought home lots of entertaining aviation-related items like toy planes that continued to fuel his interest. He was not quite sure what his father’s job was at first, but even years later when he learned his father was a chef at an airport restaurant, not a pilot, his intrigue with aerospace never wavered.
Tavares didn’t know that at the time, but his aviation maintenance training would land him in a different, but related field: a utility company. His current position as an electrical, mechanical, construction, and maintenance manager at Power Generation, allows him to continue his passion for working on turbine engines and training others with his knowledge.
His aviation journey began when he set his sights on becoming a pilot, but the cost to pay for the fuel proved too expensive for himself and his family, so he needed to change direction. His parents came to the United States from the Dominican Republic and did not have a lot of extra income while raising six children. Tavares and his five sisters, all first-generation Americans, were the first to attend college in the family.
When Tavares was very young the family lived in Washington Heights and then moved to Corona, Queens. At that time, this was a rough neighborhood and there was a lot of criminal activity taking place. Tavares remained on the straight and narrow due to his family’s religious nature and stability that helped keep him grounded while setting his sights on achieving his goals. He had a friend who attended Aviation High School and then Vaughn College—known as the College of Aeronautics at the time. Tavares applied to the Air Force with the hope of flying, but when he was not accepted he decided to follow in his friend’s footsteps and attend Vaughn.
Tavares enrolled in 2012 at the Aviation Training Institute. “I loved the College. It had small classes and I fell in love with what I was learning,” he said. While working towards his airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificates, he secured a part-time internship at a job fair held at the College and that led to an offer of a full-time position at Lucas Aerospace. “I jumped at the chance, and didn’t wait to finish the A&P program because I thought I had all the classes I needed to succeed.”
Unfortunately, the aviation field suffered a downturn after 9/11. Though Tavares wanted to stay with aviation, a friend told him to look at positions at Con Edison. While not widely known, power generation and utility companies have gas and steam turbine engines that are utilized for restoring power quickly, and regularly hire graduates with A&P certification. Tavares went on an interview where he was slated for a position, but a hiring freeze was in place. Fortunately for Tavares, KeySpan took over the company, interviewed him, and he was hired to work at the Ravenswood Generating Station in Queens.
Tavares soon learned that in order to move up the ranks he needed to finish his degree. He was offered various positions that included construction, maintenance, electrical and mechanical supervisor—but all required a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Tavares returned to Vaughn and finished his associate in occupational studies and A&P certification in 2015 and began working on a bachelor’s degree in airport management in 2016.
After working for several years at Ravenswood, Tavares was offered a management position at Eastern Generation in Astoria, where he’s been working for the last 10 years.
Tavares is married with four children—two girls and two boys—and his career choice has allowed him to provide for his family and buy two homes. “I’m grateful to Vaughn for helping me through out my journey,” said Tavares. “I owe my success to the College. It’s a great place to study.”
Cultural differences have proven to play a role in pursuing a career. For 20-year-old Zarin Tasnim ’21, her dream of becoming a doctor was quickly replaced by pursuing a bachelor of science degree in airport management and taking air traffic control courses after she attended an Open House at Vaughn College in 2017.
Learning from a cartoon
Born in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Tasnim moved with her family to Queens, New York when she was nine years old. She recalls life being difficult then as she did not know how to speak the English language. This obstacle kept her from having many friends. “I knew even at an early age that I needed to learn how to speak English,” said Tasnim. “Believe it or not, I credit the cartoon character ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ for helping me learn English,” she said laughingly. “I watched the show every day and before I knew it, I was able to speak the language well enough to make myself understood.”
Breaking cultural barriers
Growing up, Tasnim aspired to become a doctor but she said something did not feel right about it. She believed she had a different path to take. When she entered high school, she enrolled in the science technology engineering and math (STEM) program. She admits biology was not her favorite subject and soon realized the medical field might not be the right path for her. She switched her focus toward mechanical engineering and decided that would be her track when she moved onto college. Tasnim thought her future was set. She received a full-ride, four-year scholarship to Brooklyn College and was ready to dive into her engineering degree—until she heard about Vaughn. “In my country we are encouraged to become doctors or engineers,” Tasnim said. “I always thought becoming a doctor would be my path. That all changed when I discovered Vaughn.”
Changing paths
Even with the full scholarship in place at Brooklyn College, Tasnim wasted no time attending an Open House at Vaughn. “From the minute I saw the radar and tower control simulators, I knew Vaughn was the perfect college for me. It felt like home,” she said. At that moment, Tasnim was at a crossroads. Her parents were excited that she was considering a college closer to home, but the financial hurdle came into question. She had her tuition covered at another college, but her heart was set on Vaughn. The question Tasnim asked herself: “How can I afford to attend Vaughn?”
Finding Financial Opportunities
In the summer of 2017, Tasnim attended an express registration event and was accepted on the spot. She enrolled in the airport management program for the upcoming fall semester. Soon after, Tasnim realized she and her family could not afford the program. With a heavy heart, she began the process of withdrawing from her fall classes when Vaughn approached her about the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) which provided her the financial assistance to remain a student at Vaughn. One of the requirements of HEOP is to complete a summer semester. Vaughn enrolled her right away and Tasnim was on her way to pursuing her dream.
The HEOP program is an important part of life at Vaughn, and its mandate closely follows the College’s own: Providing economically and educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students the possibility of a college education. The primary objective of both HEOP and Vaughn is to help provide a broad range of services to students who—because of academic and economic circumstances—would otherwise be unable to attend college, yet have the potential and desire to obtain a college degree.
Balancing work and studies
Although Tasnim is pursuing a degree in airport management, she is focusing on air traffic control to be her ultimate profession. With help from Vaughn’s career services department, she was hired by the Washington Center for a summer internship, where she works at LaGuardia Airport’s air traffic control tower. “It’s important that I position myself wisely to prepare for my future in aviation,” Tasnim said. “Working as an airport manager will give me the experience that I need right out of college to help lay the groundwork for my future. I hope to be hired as an air traffic controller after graduation to land my dream job.” In addition to her internship, she holds a second part-time job working as a receptionist at the security desk at Vaughn.
Grateful to Vaughn
Without the support and guidance from HEOP and the Vaughn family, Tasnim said she wouldn’t be where she is today. “It’s important for me to break the stereotype of working in a predominantly male profession,” she stated. “I still pinch myself every day that I’m where I am now. Even my parents can’t believe it.” She explains how the professors at Vaughn have been instrumental in helping her on her journey, but the driving force is her close relationship she has with her siblings. “My younger sister and brother look up to me as a role model,” Tasnim said lovingly. “I need to show them that anything is possible and not to settle in life. It’s acceptable to change your mind. Change is a good thing and I’m living proof of that.”
Friends come into our lives for a reason. For 18-year old Daniel Cianov ’21, it was his close high school friend Edward Carmona who proved to be the driving force that inspired Cianov to pursue an associate degree in occupational studies (AOS) at Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI).
Finding his way to Vaughn
Deeply rooted in his Russian and Jewish heritage, Cianov was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York before moving to his current home in Queens. Throughout his early years, he always believed he would work in the medical field, following in the footsteps of his family. But something changed along the way. “As I got older, I realized working in the medical field wasn’t for me,” Cianov said. “I was lost for a while until my friend approached me two months before high school graduation and told me about the ATI program at Vaughn.
Launching his future
Cianov was excited about Vaughn. He researched all the information he could find and knew the College would be the turning point to guide him toward his future. “I was never a great student,” Cianov said humbly, “but I have always been good at using my hands. Studying to become an aircraft maintenance technician was never on my radar, but thanks to my friend, my passion became my future profession.” Both Cianov and Carmona enrolled at Vaughn in the summer of 2019 and, according to Cianov, they have not looked back since.
Gaining hands-on experience
Growing up, Cianov recalls fond memories of helping his father, Abraham, with various tasks around the house. “My father taught me the importance of knowing how to use my hands,” he explained. “He is a jeweler by trade, which requires skill and precise techniques.”
At Vaughn, Cianov said the hands-on skills he is learning are a perfect fit for him. The mechanical skills involved in airframe and powerplant maintenance operations has validated his passion for working as an aircraft maintenance technician. “The professors teach you everything from the ground up,” he said. “The curriculum is the perfect balance of lecture and lab. Everything you need to know is presented professionally and carefully so the students have a full understanding of the material.”
Having a good support system
Having the full support of his family was an important factor for Cianov to pursue his degree at Vaughn—but affording his education came at a price. “I wasn’t sure how I could afford a college education,” he said. “I learned of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and took it a step further. I am grateful to be a part of the program and the opportunity it afforded me to pursue my degree.”
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program is an important part of life at Vaughn, and its mandate closely follows the College’s own: Providing economically and educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students the possibility of a college education. The primary objective of both HEOP and Vaughn is to help provide a broad range of services to students who—because of academic and economic circumstances—would otherwise be unable to attend college, yet have the potential and desire to obtain a college degree.a
Like son, like father
Abraham’s excitement for his son to work in the aviation industry has inspired him to possibly pursue a career in this field as well. At this time, Abraham is considering enrolling at Vaughn in the future to begin a new career path for himself.
Looking to the future
Cianov is working toward completing his coursework in the AOS program so he can move on to taking the airframe and powerplant licensing exams. He said he plans on working in the New York area and eventually earning his private pilot license.
“There comes a time when you just know you’re in the right profession,” said Cianov. “I owe it all to my friend. I know I’m not there yet, but I have no doubt I’m on the right path for a bright future.”
Are you interested in a career as an aviation maintenance technician? In as little as 16 months, Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute can prepare you for a high paying career as a certified airframe and powerplant technician. Interested in learning more? Sign up for our next Info. Session on July 22 at 6 p.m. – you’ll receive the opportunity to apply for FREE and a chance to win a $500 scholarship. In addition, learn how you can take advantage of Vaughn’s HEOP program which may include a variety of services including workshops, supplemental financial assistance, counseling, tutoring in several subject areas and more.
Calling future engineers! Vaughn has pulled out all the stops as the College introduces its first-ever virtual engineering competition as part of its summer academy program. Imagine putting your ingenuity and problem-solving skills to the test while competing for a chance to win scholarship money to Vaughn? If you are passionate about engineering and have the competitive edge to show off your skills while solving some of the world’s most serious problems right now, then buckle up for a fun and exciting summer experience. Here is what you need to know:
Who is eligible?
The Engineering Innovation Summer Academy is open to local high school students and transfer students who have a passion for both engineering and problem solving.
About the program
The six-week program offers qualifying students a chance to earn three (3) Vaughn College credits at no cost, as well as a chance to win scholarship money to Vaughn. Here is what you need to know about the program:
Students will make a difference by tackling a contemporary problem related to modern circumstances—such as pandemics, societal issues, climate change and the like—that may have an engineering-related solution.
Students will work in small teams of three to create an idea and sustainable operations model that will take the form of a product or service that is responsive to clients and investors.
Classes will be synchronous and completed online via Zoom.
Webinars will feature guest speakers (engineering entrepreneurs) on a variety of topics discussing real-world experiences.
Students will pitch products/services to simulated investors on August 14 for the chance to win scholarship money to Vaughn.
First Place – $7,500 per team member
Second Place – $5,000 per team member
Third Place – $2,500 per team member
When is it?
The course runs Monday, July 6 through Friday, August 14.
Speaker Series Schedule: Fridays 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
July 10: Young Entrepreneurs Speak
July 17: Women Entrepreneurs Speak
July 24: Global Entrepreneurial Programs
July 31: IP and Standards Explained
August 7: Getting Financing
August 14: Summer Academy Pitches
NOTE: There is a nine-student minimum to run the program. Scholarship awards can be combined with current offers but cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
How do I enroll?
(Submissions are due no later than June 18 at 12:59 p.m.)
Eligible students should post a 30-45-second video on Instagram that details a world problem they are passionate about solving.
The following information should be addressed in the video:
A world problem that you are passionate about which could be solved with an engineering solution
How Vaughn’s Engineering Innovation Summer Academy would help you explore that world problem
Why you are excited about winning scholarship money to Vaughn College
The following criteria is required:
Tag @vaughncollege on your video to ensure we can access your video for consideration
After acceptance to the summer program, you will be asked to complete an application to attend Vaughn College, where your application fee will be waived.
Gaining a valuable experience
In such uncertain times, the summer academy program at Vaughn opens the door to students to gain valuable experience at both a personal and professional level. Here is what you will gain:
Making your mark among your peers by solving some of the world’s current modern-day problems
Studying locally, studying safe
Enjoying small class sizes and individualized attention
Engineering Entrepreneur Speaker Series
For those who want to hear from the experts but not compete, Vaughn is also offering a webinar speaker series where you can hear engineering entrepreneurs speak about their experiences. Webinars will be held every Friday from July 10 to August 7 at 12 p.m. You can listen to the webinars for FREE, or purchase access to the videos for a limited time, receive the ability to ask questions of the speakers and obtain membership to the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE).
Tier One Access: FREE
You will receive FREE live Speaker Series Webinar access every Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. from July 10 through August 7.
Going above and beyond and embracing opportunities has led Vaughn senior Atif Saeed ’20 to achieve academic success throughout his life. At 22 years old, Saeed will be graduating summa cum laude next month with a bachelor of science in mechatronic engineering—completing the program one year early.
He credits Vaughn College for supporting him every step of the way and offering opportunities that he says were stepping-stones to his success. Here’s his story.
Humble beginnings
Born in Pakistan, Saeed moved to upstate New York with his parents and two siblings when he was three years old. In 2012, his family moved to New York City where Saeed attended high school. Knowing he and his siblings could be first-generation college graduates in his family, Saeed said he was very motivated to attend college earlier than the normal timeframe. He began a dual-enrollment program in high school, where he took online college courses to fast track his graduation in three years instead of four. “I watched my father work 14-hour days to support our family,” Saeed said humbly. “I felt strongly about working and studying hard to earn my college degree and pursue a career that could help my family.” Looking back, he said taking engineering courses early on in high school gave him a head start to gain the knowledge he needed to succeed in college.
Passion for aviation
Growing up, Saeed said he was obsessed with watching documentaries that explained how things are built. He explained how his passion for aviation stemmed from a family trip to Dubai about 10 years ago. “We boarded an Airbus A380 aircraft and I was immediately in awe of the size of the plane,” he said. “That day was the turning point for me. It was then I realized I wanted to work with aircrafts.”
There’s no denying Saeed studied diligently throughout his time at Vaughn; however, he believes it was going beyond the walls of the classroom that helped set his future on a track for success. “I made it a priority to take on leadership roles in several clubs at Vaughn,” he said. “I embraced every opportunity that was offered to further my education and knowledge in the field.” To date, he holds two licenses and certifications, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant License and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator license. Additionally, he has authored four publications presented at industry conferences and has received several awards throughout his time at Vaughn. Saeed said he believes the strong relationships he built with his professors, faculty and career services department were instrumental in helping him prepare for a successful career.
Stepping-stones to his future
First and foremost, Saeed believes anyone can be successful if they are willing to work hard and do what it takes to achieve it. “Attitude is everything. From a young age, I was taught to go above and beyond anyone’s expectations, including your own,” he said humbly. “You only answer to yourself. If you do whatever it takes to rise above the rest, you can achieve anything.”
He shares some tips on what students can do while in college to make themselves competitive after graduation:
Connect with faculty and build strong relationships
Keep an open mind
Start building resumes early
Don’t give up
With several job offers on the table and numerous acceptances to graduate programs across the country, Saeed is gearing up for the next chapter in his life after graduation. “I believe today’s students need to be laser-focused on acquiring the necessary tools and knowledge to be competitive in today’s market,” he said. “Vaughn can get you there.”
The next chapter
Saeed loves a challenge and the next chapter of his life will be no different. In June, he will begin his new job at Lockheed Martin Space in Sunnyvale, California, working as a mechanical engineer. Alongside his job, he chose the University of Southern California to pursue his master’s in aerospace engineering, where he will be taking online courses beginning in August. “I believe education is the cornerstone of success in the field of engineering,” Saeed said. “I plan on earning my master’s degree to help me advance in the industry, then move onto earning a master’s in business administration (MBA) to round out my credentials.”
Home is where the heart is
He may be moving across the country, but Saeed says his close-knit family will be close at heart. “It will be hard leaving my family, but they are amazing people who have supported me my entire life. My father worked hard so I could go to college. Now, it’s my turn to return the favor.”
Are you interested in learning more about Vaughn College, but social distancing is keeping you at home? Vaughn is excited to announce its first-ever Virtual Open House, where we brought the experience to you. If you were unable to attend, you can check out recorded video presentations from the event here. The event covered everything you need to know about the college, financial aid, student life, the admissions process and our Aviation Training Institute where you can study to become an aircraft mechanic. So, stay safe, stay home and check out the Virtual Open House to see what could be the start of your futureproof career at Vaughn College. Take our virtual tour and apply today.
Have more questions? You can schedule a one-on-one Zoom meeting with one of our admissions counselors at any time by emailing . In this video meeting, you can discuss any questions you might have regarding financial aid, the application process or student life. We invite you to visit our admissions page for further details.
Social distancing due to the COVID-19 outbreak may be grounding us at home, but that isn’t keeping drone enthusiasts down. In fact, there are several types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are available on the market today that can have hobbyists spreading their virtual wings safely both indoors and outdoors.
Peter Kalaitzidis ’20 is a drone expert and a highly decorated retired staff sergeant of the United States Air Force, who is graduating this year with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. We asked for his top picks of the five best drones on the market today. Did you know there are drones that are even safe enough for kids to fly indoors? Check them out!
Best Indoor Drones
1. Tiny Whoop
Appropriately named, the Tiny Whoop is a small first-person-view aircraft that is perfect for small apartments or any indoor drone flying—even around kids! Weighing less than one pound (40 g) its shrouded propellers gives users a comfort factor of safety while providing tons of fun! Plus, it’s perfect for beginners. (Check with manufacturer for age requirements.) In addition, the Cradle of Aviation Museum hosted Vaughn’s unmanned aerial vehicles club for its first Tiny Whoop Contest in February.
2. Tinyhawk EMAX
Indoor drone racing has never been so much fun. The Tinyhawk EMAX is a micro indoor racing aircraft that has the perfect power-to-weight ratio. Here are some key features:
75 mm indoor racing drone
8 mm diameter brushless motors with durable ball bearings for increased flight time/performance and low maintenance
Durable polypropylene plastic frame with propeller guards
Motor beeper function to help locate after an unintentional landing
25 mW video transmitter and 600 TV-line camera included
Best Outdoor Drone
3. Mavic Mini
When it comes to outdoor drones for beginners, the Mavic Mini is Kalaitzidis’ pick as the best all-around UAV. Weighing in at only a half-pound (249 g), the Mavic Mini places in the lowest and safest weight class of drones, which in some countries—like the US and Canada—make it exempt from certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations such as having to register it with the government. Here are some fun facts about the Mavic Mini:
Operates through a smart device
Will follow you wherever you go
Maximum flight speed 13 m/s
Dedicated remote control included
Flies by itself
Built-in camera
Best First-Person View Drone
4. Tinyhawk 2
The EMAX Tinyhawk II is the ultimate racing drone. With the ability to reach speeds of 15 to 30 miles per hour based on the battery, this UAV is a dream to fly but is reserved only for established pilots who have a grasp on flying and protocols. Some key features of this outdoor drone include:
Perfect flight performance allows for navigation in a variety of situations
Nano 2 FPV camera takes pictures with crisp colors, wide dynamic range and sharp optics
Cleaner video
Increased power and faster propeller speeds
Adjustable camera mount allows pilots to customize preferred angle of flight
Redesigned durability with built-in throttle response LED system increases brightness
Best Semi-Professional Drone
5. Mavic 2 Zoom
For photography enthusiasts, the Mavic 2 Zoom captures everything you want in an outdoor drone. Its optical zoom capabilities and long-range time make it a top pick for taking outstanding photos and video. Plus, it can handle winds of up to 20 knots. Here are some key features:
Maximum speed of approximately 48 mph
Fly time of up to 31 minutes
Shoots 4K video at 100 Mbps
Zoom lens allows for perfect compositions from a farther distance
Ability to change the field of view for a dramatic look
Operating a drone is a privilege. It comes with great responsibility, along with the education and understanding of operation within the FAA guidelines. Keeping the world’s safest and most efficient aerospace is the FAA’s primary mission—and indoor or outdoor drones are part of that responsibility. Are you interested in becoming a drone pilot? Here are some ways to get involved:
Enroll in a drone course: Drone Laws and Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems
Join the Vaughn UAV Club
Here are some reasons why students are encouraged to take our drone course:
To acquire a better understanding of controlled and uncontrolled airspace
To understand weather patterns and how it impacts flying
To learn about aerodynamic issues
To gain the power of professionalism
Whether you want to design and build drones, become a drone pilot or pursue an aviation career, Vaughn College has the courses you need to help you get to where you want to be.
“Drones are a pivotal part of our future,” said Kalaitzidis. “Although the engineering of UAVs is still in its infancy, teaching our younger generation about it now is key. It helps them to think about engineering before they even know what it is. Flying drones is a great way to get them thinking out of the box now to fuel their passion for the future.”
