Sitting in the back of her fifth-grade math class, Maria Russo dreaded hearing the voice of the next guest speaker.
Then the speaker started talking about her job as an engineer and the importance of math and science, the only two subjects Maria felt she could easily understand. Maria spoke with her brother about the experience. This conversation opened her eyes to the work of biomechanical engineers, and her future profession became clear.
By observing the world around her, Maria had developed a passion for helping people who can’t control the obstacles they face in life and struggle to access their most basic needs. That fifth-grade guest speaker made Maria realize that a career in engineering would enable her to make a difference in people’s lives.
“It is surreal to imagine the positive domino effect… of this scholarship on me, and I am left more driven and passionate than ever to achieve my dream of bringing clean drinking water to third- world countries.”
Maria lives by the quote, “If you allow your passion to become your purpose, then one day it will become your profession.”
She earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where she served as president of the school’s ASME chapter. Maria’s senior project focused on improving the health of ecosystems around the FAU campus and researching new technology.
Today, Maria is a civil analyst with Kimley-Horn, and a bright future lies ahead. She is still grateful for her scholarships because they allowed her to focus more time on academics and less time working to pay for tuition.
About the ANSYS, Inc. Scholarship
The Ansys, Inc. Scholarship program supports active ASME student members seeking a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Students are chosen based on financial need and leadership skills, while special consideration is given to women with diverse backgrounds. Scholarship recipients include first-generation college students, children of immigrants, and children of single parents who share a passion for solving problems and making a positive impact on people and the planet.
Ansys is a global leader in engineering simulation software with a mission to empower innovators to drive human advancement. Ansys simulation provides certainty superpower that enables engineers to innovate as never before, speed time to market, lower manufacturing costs, improve quality, and decrease risk.
About the ASME Foundation Scholarship
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Foundation awards more than 150 scholarships each year to advance the technical knowledge and careers of future engineering leaders. ASME Foundation Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or a closely related field.
The goals of these scholarships are to expand the engineering workforce pipeline, help promising students overcome financial obstacles to education, and encourage ongoing participation and leadership in ASME, and empower students to advance the art, science, and practice of the mechanical engineering profession.
