From Machinist Mate to Mechanical Engineer: Gillian Negrón Burgos Builds Her Future

A Call to Service

At just 17 years old, Burgos made the life-changing decision to enlist in the Navy, leaving home in Puerto Rico shortly after high school graduation. Following her training, she was sent to Washington state to work as a machinist’s mate on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

“My grandfather was a mechanic, and years later, I became a mechanic in the United States Navy,” Burgos said. “I worked directly with propulsion systems aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.”

She served for five years in the Navy, deploying twice to the Middle East and the South China Sea, then transitioned to Embry-Riddle to pursue a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

“Serving in the United States Navy is the accomplishment I’m most proud of,” she said. “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but also the best one. It pushed me to grow in ways I never expected and taught me to value the things we often take for granted — especially time with family.”

From Aircraft Carrier to Academia

Burgos was drawn to Embry-Riddle because of its reputation in engineering, high rankings for veterans and strong ties to high-performance industries.

“I knew Embry-Riddle would challenge me, and that’s exactly what I wanted,” she explained. “The coursework is rigorous and very applied, pushing me to stay disciplined and grow technically.”

Burgos has also benefited from Embry-Riddle’s strong support system, finding professors who genuinely care and create opportunities for growth beyond the classroom.

“Working with classmates also reminds me a lot of the military — teamwork matters,” she said. “In engineering, collaboration is everything, and the people you work with today could easily be the colleagues you work with tomorrow.”

While studying thermodynamics, Burgos learned the “why” behind what she did during her time as a machine mate on the USS Nimitz.

“Studying cycles that I had actually operated in the Navy made everything finally click,” she explained. “It was the first time I really saw my real-world experience connect directly with engineering theory.”

Burgos is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. She is working to develop a mini-split system, giving her hands-on experience and strengthening her interest in energy systems.

Valuable Lessons Learned

The lessons she’s learned during her time in the Navy and while at Embry-Riddle have taught Burgos to stay humble.

“Everyone starts knowing very little, and growth comes from asking questions and learning from others,” she explained. “I hope to become an engineer who not only performs well technically but also helps and mentors those who are just starting.”

A Foundation in Family

In high school, Burgos’s grandfather encouraged her to pursue engineering, but she thought it was too hard and joined the Navy instead.

When Burgos began her studies at Embry-Riddle, her grandfather was beyond proud. She learned discipline and resilience in the military, but she learned the value of hard work from him. Knowing her grandfather was proud of her carries her through the long semesters and challenging coursework.

“I used to call him after every grade, and he would say, ‘Viste? Eso lo sabía yo. Tú puedes con eso y más.’ — ‘See? I knew it. You can do that and so much more,’” she reminisced. “Even though he is not here anymore, his words stay with me. They remind me of who I am, where I come from and what I’m capable of.”

Words of Wisdom

If Burgos were to go back in time, she’d share some words of wisdom with her younger self.

“Engineering is hard, but nothing worth pursuing comes easy,” she said. “There will be good days and bad days. Just don’t lose sight of why you chose this path. Remember your ‘why' — that will carry you through.”