Lynch Engineering Scholarship

I have always believed engineering is not just about equations and efficiency, it is about people. I am a mechanical engineering student with a double major in criminal justice, and my dream is to make the world fairer, more accessible, and innovative by using engineering to solve real problems. Whether it is developing safer infrastructure, advancing clean energy, or designing assistive technologies, I want my work to serve people, especially those whose needs are often overlooked. I come from a low-income background, and like many students in my situation, I have had to be resourceful and determined. I started working at age 15 and graduated high school at 17 with an associate degree. I have juggled jobs, classes, and leadership roles to afford college and stay on track academically. It has not been easy, but I have never lost sight of my goal: to use engineering as a tool for good. My values—empathy, integrity, and drive—guide every decision I make. As a woman in engineering, I know what it feels like to be underestimated. But I also know the power of defying expectations. That is why I mentor younger students through organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and serve as a Resident Assistant, Mock Trial leader, and Student Government senator. I want others to see that they belong in STEM, and that their background does not define their potential. My long-term goal is to work at the intersection of engineering and law. After completing my engineering degree, I plan to attend law school and become an intellectual property attorney. I want to help protect the ideas and innovations that change the world, especially those that come from underrepresented communities. At the same time, I want to ensure that new technologies are safe, ethical, and accessible. I believe that combining my technical background with legal expertise will allow me to advocate for responsible innovation and help people bring their ideas to life. This scholarship would allow me to stay focused on these goals. It would mean fewer hours at work and more time in the lab, on research, and mentoring others. I have already overcome a lot to get here—but with support like this, I can go even further. What drives me is the belief that engineering is not just about solving problems, it is about choosing the right problems to solve. I want to build a world where safety, accessibility, and sustainability are not afterthoughts. I want to stand up for people with good ideas but limited means. And I want to prove that being low-income is not a limitation, it is a launchpad.