This graduation season, more than 1,100 Michigan State University College of Engineering graduates are taking their next steps into careers, research, continued education and professional growth. Their paths reflect the range of opportunities shaped by technical preparation, hands-on learning, mentorship and problem-solving.
For Kaitlyn Nguyen, Md Wahidur Rahman and Eliza Ajro, those paths lead to manufacturing, national laboratory research and engineering consulting.
Kaitlyn Nguyen
Kaitlyn Nguyen, a mechanical engineering graduate from Miami, Florida, is beginning a manufacturing internship with Owens Corning in Yulee, Florida.
“I’m excited to continue gaining hands-on experience and eventually pursue a full-time role in manufacturing and process improvement,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen said MSU Engineering prepared her through coursework, design projects, leadership opportunities and internships. Her senior capstone project was especially meaningful because it allowed her to see an idea move from concept to working prototype.
“Seeing a concept go from an idea to a working prototype and presenting our solution to industry professionals reinforced why I chose engineering and showed me how much I had grown throughout my time at Michigan State,” she said.
Moving from Miami to Michigan was a major adjustment, Nguyen said, but it became one of the best decisions she has made.
“Being a Spartan Engineer has meant pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, embracing challenges and becoming part of a supportive community,” Nguyen said. “Michigan State challenged me academically, helped me grow personally and introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors. I am grateful for every opportunity, and I will always be proud to be a Spartan.”
Md Wahidur Rahman
Md Wahidur Rahman came to MSU from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to pursue graduate study in electrical and computer engineering. This spring, he earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Rahman will next join a U.S. national laboratory in New York as a researcher working on particle accelerators and accelerator technologies.
“My time at MSU Engineering challenged me to grow as both a researcher and a professional,” Rahman said. “The knowledge, mentorship and opportunities I received here have prepared me to contribute to cutting-edge scientific and engineering advancements.”
At MSU, Rahman conducted research in computational electromagnetics, vacuum electronics and high-power microwave devices. His work focused on modeling and simulation of linear beam devices and related accelerator structures. He also gained experience through research collaborations, publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
Rahman served for two years as vice president of the MSU student chapter of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society, where he helped promote student involvement in nuclear and plasma science.
He credited Adjunct professor Peng Zhang, with helping shape his academic and professional development and Professor John Verboncoeur for guidance and support that contributed to his growth as a researcher and engineer.
Rahman said his journey as an international student was both challenging and rewarding.
“I am grateful for the support of the faculty, staff and fellow students who helped create an environment where I could succeed academically and professionally,” he said.
Eliza Ajro
Eliza Ajro, a biosystems engineering graduate from Northville, Michigan, studied with a concentration in biomedical engineering. She will begin her career as a staff engineer at NTH Consultants Ltd. in Northville.
Ajro said she chose MSU Engineering because the biosystems engineering program allowed her to combine her interests in engineering, sustainability and health.
“MSU Engineering gave me the knowledge, experience and confidence to grow from a student into an engineer ready to make a meaningful impact in the world,” Ajro said.
During her time at MSU, Ajro was involved in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Alpha Epsilon Honor Society and the Albanian-American Student Organization. She also worked as a research intern with Fraunhofer USA.
Ajro received the DeBoer Family Scholarship/Fellowship Fund, was named to the Dean’s List every semester, earned a 2026 WM-AWMA Scholarship and graduated with honors for her GPA.
She said Dr. Wei Liao was an influential mentor during her time at MSU.
From manufacturing and consulting to national laboratory research, these graduates show how MSU Engineering prepares students to pursue technical fields where collaboration, applied learning and problem-solving matter.
Written by McKenzie Schrah, a student writer in the College of Engineering Marketing Communications Office
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page