The SWE section at Embry-Riddle offers opportunities for members to network with professionals, attend conferences, participate in outreach events, develop leadership skills and socialize with other women in engineering.

During the 2023-24 academic year, SWE members organized, hosted and participated in various events that showcased their commitment to the future of women in STEM. Recruitment Chair Megan Chann compiled this look at what SWE has been up to recently.

How Does SWE Support Women in Engineering?

During Women’s History Month, SWE celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of women in STEM fields, promoting gender equity and awareness of the critical role women play in these industries.

SWE members are all smiles as they get set for a General Meeting.

Our Campus Events Committee organized a “Walk Through Women’s History Month” tabling event on International Women's Day, March 8, where we partnered with 13 other student groups to showcase educational displays dedicated to influential women in STEM.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender equity and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of women in STEM throughout history. Moreover, this program involved SWE members participating in various activities throughout that month, demonstrating our commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity in STEM.

On March 20, members dressed in purple and white, symbols of loyalty, dignity and justice, to make a statement and raise awareness. We also collaborated with Pratt & Whitney to host a Women Empowerment/Resume workshop on March 27, while our joint effort with student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers in painting the Spirit Rock also helped raise awareness and promote inclusivity.

These events embody SWE's values of integrity, inclusivity, trust and professional excellence. By celebrating Women's History Month, we honor women's achievements in STEM and inspire future generations to pursue careers in these fields, contributing to greater diversity and inclusion.

SWE Gives Girls the Gift of STEM

To lead into Women’s History Month, SWE hosted its biggest outreach event on February 17 at the Daytona Beach Campus, with 40 volunteers and seven SWE committee members dedicating their time to lead the “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” Workshop (IGEW).

The event brought over 140 third- through fifth-grade girls from around Volusia County to campus to engage in hands-on engineering activities.

Activities ranged from building marshmallow towers to learning about boat physics, and all of them helped demonstrate the practical applications of engineering in a relatable and enjoyable way.

As the sole funder of this event, SWE provided money for essentials such as IGEW T-shirts and lunch for all volunteers and participants, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.

The IGEW event aligns with SWE's mission to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM by sharing knowledge and resources while contributing to advancing educational equity and fostering a sense of belonging among underrepresented groups in STEM.

Katie Swenson, who is graduating in 2024 with her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, served as SWE’s 2023-24 President.

“Being SWE president has been my favorite role at Embry-Riddle,” Katie said. “It helped me foster a community that allowed women to be heard and take steps in their journey in STEM. Not only were we able to reach college students, but elementary students as well. Leading the planning of IGEW was my favorite part of this year. I got to work with an amazing committee that worked tirelessly to ensure IGEW was special for everyone. Watching each girl learn and develop a lifelong love for learning was so special, and I hope they understand that they're capable of great things.”

How Else Does SWE Impact the Community?

SWE’s outreach work didn’t stop there. We also participated in the STEM Fair, a platform to engage and inspire over 120 local children by inviting them onto campus to explore the wonders of STEM. Through various activities displayed by SWE and other student organizations and research projects from students and professors, the STEM Fair provided an interactive experience, sparking inspiration among the community.

We also were involved in a tabling event for the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, which enables students to talk directly to ISS astronauts. This was in addition to our participation in the Museum of Arts & Sciences “Space Day” and several visits to local schools that helped increase awareness of STEM opportunities for girls.

Does SWE Help Members Make Professional Connections?

Beyond our advocacy work, SWE also provides direct connections to some of the world’s top employers and helps members build professional networks and direct connections to industry leaders.

This year, SWE was involved in the Lockheed Martin Mentorship Program, Pratt & Whitney resume workshops and networking events, an American Airlines networking event and the Society of Women Engineers’ WE23 event in Los Angeles. A total of 37 SWE members were part of these events, securing 90 job interviews and landing 27 employment offers.

“SWE hosted several impactful professional events, each contributing to my personal and professional growth,” said Ashley Cathon, a rising junior majoring in Aerospace Engineering who will serve as SWE’s 2024-25 Professional Development Chair. “Among these events, WE23 was particularly instrumental in growing myself professionally because it allowed me to receive 12 internship offers for summer 2024, which I am immensely thankful for. Additionally, the Pratt & Whitney resume workshops and Lockheed Martin Mentorship Program that SWE coordinated were valuable for providing me with direction in selecting a suitable internship and understanding corporate expectations. As Professional Development Chair, I am committed to expanding our outreach by inviting more companies to campus to discuss internship opportunities and to offer resume support and interview preparation workshops. I look forward to witnessing further growth in SWE!”

SWE Keeps the Focus on the Future

SWE is also deeply involved on the Daytona Beach Campus, and our “SWEek” recruitment events include an open house, field day and fun activities such as karaoke and DIY sugar scrub and mask making.

We also visited EGR 101 classrooms and were part of the Registered Student Organization Showcase and E-Week, among other campus events. In addition, we registered two “SWENext” clubs in the Daytona area, forming connections with younger girls interested in engineering/science and competitions and paving the way for many opportunities in the future.

During the past academic year, we had eight fundraisers, including bake, slime and plant sales, along with raffles featuring prizes such as LEGO bouquets and model planes. We even designed new merchandise, giving our members another opportunity to represent SWE.

Altogether, we made over $2,500 on fundraising this year, not including corporate donations.

The social aspect of SWE is addressed too, and we routinely get together for things such as Ice Cream Karaoke, Starbucks Wednesdays, ice skating and Women in Aviation International Karaoke Night. We also hold a yearly banquet to celebrate our accomplishments and each other.

In addition to their work in class, on campus and in the community, SWE members also know how to enjoy themselves as they do here during a recent Ice Cream and Karaoke event.

While SWE members are dedicated to the mission no matter what, it is nice to see our section and members singled out for recognition among the many outstanding students and groups at Embry-Riddle.

This year, we were honored to earn the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy) award in addition to being acknowledged with the Community Building, the Eagle Service and the Exceptional Eagle awards, along with being named an Outstanding Diversity Program.

On top of that, SWE members also stood out by earning individual accolades:

• The Ascending Eagle - Ashley Cathon
• Eagle Service Awards - Katie Swenson, Logan Price
• Academic Excellence Award - Lynn Boudani
• Elite Eagle - Jessica Sammons
• Outstanding Advisor - Professor Claudia Ehringer Lucas

The SWE members who are graduating this year look back fondly on wonderful memories of the experiences and opportunities that their membership in the section offered.

“I joined SWE four years ago, and I wouldn’t change a thing!” said Esh Bhargava, who graduated with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and served as SWE’s 2021-22 Secretary and 2022-23 Vice President. “I will always be grateful for the professional engagement and development resources SWE provided me. The organization gave me the confidence to attend career fairs and apply for internships and, eventually, full-time jobs. More importantly, the students provided an open and safe social outlet to get to know each other and make some lifelong friends even though we were freshmen. I cherish every memory made laughing, studying and traveling with other members.”

Carly McDonald earned her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and served as SWE’s 2023-24 Professional Engagement Chair.

"I joined SWE as a freshman and immediately got involved,” Carly said. “I did a lot of planning and behind-the-scenes work for the Lockheed Martin Mentorship Program, the American Airlines event and the Pratt & Whitney events, and I've seen firsthand how valuable SWE is. Most companies I worked with actively reached out and wanted to work with us. I've also had the opportunity to meet amazing people, from other students to industry leaders. I've noticed that during my four years here, everyone in SWE genuinely cares about helping each other, and it's nice to have someone willing to help."

This has been an outstanding year for SWE, and as we say goodbye to some of our senior leaders, we’re also looking for committed young women to join SWE for the upcoming 2024-25 year.

If you love STEM and want to inspire young girls to follow in your footsteps, get involved in helping SWE empower women and create communities.

Learn more about becoming part of SWE at Embry-Riddle!

Growing up in the bustling city of Mumbai, India, Mechanical Engineering major Arjun Menon (’26) got hooked on “motorcycle culture” early and began working on them when he was still a young boy. His initial fascination with internal combustion engines has grown into a passion for making motorcycles safer, particularly bikes with high horsepower or those used for adventure tours.

Taking advantage of the unique research opportunities available to undergraduates at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Arjun is now working on a project called Motorcycle Traction Control, and he is getting help from fellow members and faculty advisors who are part of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers club on campus.

We sat down with Arjun to discuss his Embry-Riddle journey, his current passion project and the benefits of joining a student club such as ASME.

Why Did You Choose Embry-Riddle for Your Mechanical Engineering Degree?

I believe the future is going to be autonomous, and Embry-Riddle offers a specialization in robotics, focusing on unmanned systems, which perfectly aligns with my interest in autonomous technology.

The M Building (Engineering Special Projects and Labs) on the Daytona Beach Campus provides all the necessary tools and resources for creating autonomous systems. Students have made autonomous cars, planes, trucks and even chess boards and lawnmowers.

The opportunity to work on diverse autonomous projects convinced me that Embry-Riddle was the ideal place to pursue my degree and work at the forefront of the autonomous revolution.

Working inside one of Embry-Riddle’s leading-edge labs, Arjun Menon researches his traction control device. (Photo: Arjun Menon)

Tell Us About Your Motorcycle Traction Control Research

The traction control project offers significant benefits to motorcycles. By integrating a MATLAB simulator, I can create the perfect power outputs to improve safety and bike performance in challenging scenarios.

The project's simulator considers crucial factors such as front and rear wheel speeds, lean angle, rider and pillion weights and speed. This information enables the system to deliver appropriate power outputs, effectively preventing wheel overspin and skidding accidents.

Additionally, the traction control system excels in the difficult terrain encountered by adventure tourer bikes, such as rocky or sandy roads. By utilizing sensors and power impulses to the rear wheel, the system ensures optimal traction and prevents slippage, even on adverse surfaces.

This capability becomes particularly critical for motorcycles with power outputs exceeding 180hp, as it mitigates the potential safety hazards.

Traction control also presents several other advantages, such as allowing manufacturers to enhance the safety features of their motorcycles and make them more appealing to safety-conscious riders, while the inclusion of a reliable and effective traction control system aligns with current demand for advanced rider aids and cutting-edge technology.

What Benefits Does Joining a Club Like ASME Offer for Students?

The ASME club serves as a hub for projects focused on automobiles, robotics, biomedical devices and energy systems. With a history spanning over 140 years, ASME is more than just a school club; it is an esteemed organization founded by mechanical engineers.

ASME is the perfect mix between an SGA-run club and a fraternity house for any student from the College of Engineering.

By becoming a member, students gain access to hands-on project experiences, allowing them to develop academic and professional skills by applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Moreover, the club provides ample networking opportunities, connecting students with like-minded individuals who share a passion for engineering and innovation.

The ASME club also boasts renowned advisors, such as Dr. Birce Dikici and Dr. Christine Walck, who offer guidance and mentorship to students. Their wealth of experience in research enhances the quality of projects and supports students in overcoming challenges.

Participating in ASME's social events helps students expand their professional networks, develop interpersonal skills and establish valuable connections. Additionally, ASME's presence at campus career fairs demonstrates its appeal to employers, making it a valuable addition to any student's development.

What is Your Career Goal and How Will Embry-Riddle Help You Achieve It?

My goal is to launch my own startup focused on developing smart devices for automobile intelligence and IoT. I want to create innovative dashboards, displays and connected technologies that enhance user interaction with their cars and bikes.

At Embry-Riddle, our labs are equipped with an extensive range of research and development equipment, which has enabled me to explore and create the circuits, devices and structures necessary for my startup.

The most important part of the Embry-Riddle experience is an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. The professors and clubmates I have interacted with have been incredibly supportive, offering guidance and assistance whenever I encountered challenges.

Joining the ASME club has been a particularly valuable experience, as it has provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who share my passion for technology and entrepreneurship.

In addition to this, the David B. O’Maley College of Business has the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which helps provide you with every suitable approach to establishing your own brand.

Entrepreneurial Origins

Looking for a university that brought together STEM and baseball, Alex Britton ('24) says choosing Embry‑Riddle was a no-brainer. The student-athlete is a Mechanical Engineering major with a focus on biomedical systems. What drew him to this path was a desire to help people with math and science.

He learned in class about technology that detected cognitive function in pilots, which led him to begin to consider how the same systems could be applied to concussion research, specifically in athletes. This was the conception of CerebriTech, LLC.

Britton and his team of two other students were recently given the opportunity to work with StarterStudio, a nonprofit that assists tech startups and gives entrepreneurs resources to aid their development.

“It was an awesome program because that was advice from industry experts that I could have never gotten from anywhere else,” he said.

Britton’s motivation behind the project is the younger generation of athletes. He wants them to be more aware of the severity of concussions and protect them from the consequences. From abnormal aggression to severe depression, the effects of brain damage are not to be taken lightly.

What does he say is the most rewarding part of his research so far?

Aspiring rocket scientist Marielle Lenehan (’23) finds herself just as fascinated by what can be found beyond the stars as what lies beneath the surface of the ocean.

When it came to choosing a school where she could pursue both her passions, Embry-Riddle’s proximity to the ocean and Space Coast made it the perfect fit.

“There's nothing more encouraging than to look out of your dorm window to see a rocket launch into the sky – a steady reminder of what you might be working on in the future!” she said.

Nailing Down a NASA Internship

In 2021, Lenehan was accepted to NASA Johnson Space Center’s Pathways Internship Program, which provides students with opportunities to work at various branches in preparation for a career with NASA after graduation.

With multiple SCUBA diving certifications under her belt and a keen interest in human space studies, it’s no surprise she ended up at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), an astronaut training facility that houses the agency’s neutral buoyancy pool.

“The underwater environment serves as one of the best microgravity analogs out there, and divers face many of the same restrictions as an astronaut during extravehicular activities,” she said.

What Is a NASA Internship Like?

Successful completion of rigorous medical, swimming and diving evaluations cleared Lenehan for what would be her most impactful experience yet – scuba diving in the NBL and exploring its full-scale model of the ISS.

She even played a crucial role in the setup of several underwater lunar lighting tests designed to replicate shadows found in the polar regions of the moon where the Artemis missions are set to land. When she wasn’t in the water, Lenehan also assisted with the design and structural analysis of a new platform to increase the fidelity of water survival training for astronauts.

“The fact that I worked at the NBL during my first co-op rotation is really special, especially when you consider that applying to the branch is highly competitive,” she said.

Outside of her studies, Lenehan keeps busy as a principal investigator for a research project in the Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology (S.U.I.T.) Lab. She also served as president of the university’s marine conservation diving club for three years.

The Aerospace Engineering program has given her the knowledge and hands-on experience to dive into the internship – and wherever the aerospace industry takes her next – with confidence.

What Does an Aerospace Engineering Degree at Embry-Riddle Offer?

For more than 17 years, the Aerospace Engineering undergraduate program at Embry-Riddle has held the top ranking in the nation among schools whose highest degree is a master’s, according to U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges Guide.

Students benefit from the most modern, state-of-the-art resources available today — the same tools in use by aerospace engineering professionals around the globe. No other Aerospace Engineering program in the United States attracts more students.

“People at Riddle really do want you to succeed and are always there for you if you need them,” Lenehan said. “That kind of support was integral and gave me the motivation to not only do well in my classes, but to take my shot and apply for experiences like the Pathways program.”

Ready to take your shot? Apply at Embry-Riddle today.