Stanford University
Junior
Mechanical Engineering
The Boeing Company Scholarship
The 2020 GMiS Conference theme was “Every Challenge, Every Frontier.” Jennifer Lugardo exemplifies that theme. The challenges and obstacles she has encountered, have empowered her to accomplish her goals. In recognition of her perseverance, dedication, and leadership, Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) presented Jennifer with The Boeing Company Scholarship at the 2020 GMiS Conference. Jennifer is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineer at Stanford University and is expected to graduate in Spring 2022.
Jennifer has faced many adversities such as financial hardships, imposter syndrome, and loneliness. These adversities have only made her stronger. She is committed to facing each challenge and using her experience to help other students with the same obstacles. She states, “These hardships have allowed me to realize that with hard work, anything can happen. It has also shown me that you never really fail unless you quit because each failure gives you more experience than not trying.”
“These hardships have allowed me to realize that with hard work, anything can happen. It has also shown me that you never really fail unless you quit because each failure gives you more experience than not trying.”
Jennifer uses her own experience to inspire and motivate other students, especially those students, who also come from underserved communities. She takes charge and steps up to various leadership opportunities. She is actively involved in community groups, including the 3rd Street community Center, where she serves as an engineering mentor. At the Center, Jennifer led and taught a group of middle school students to develop and design a product that would satisfy the requirements of an engineering design challenge. Jennifer also serves as a rocket co-lead at the Stanford Space Initiative where she leads a team in the creation and development of a rocket. Additionally, Jennifer is also an alumni director at the Society of Latino Engineers at Stanford where she aids in organizing career networking events for its fellow members.
She strives for excellence and pushes everyone around her to strive for excellence and reach outside their comfort zone. That mentality has led her to be part of groundbreaking projects. She designed and constructed her own obstacle avoidance robot in order to solidify her understanding of various mechatronic principles. With a team, she designed and created an effective fire suppression system using a combination of autonomous vehicle and rovers.
Even when faced with difficulties, Jennifer has shown her passion for the STEM fields. Jennifer’s academic goals are to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and continue her academic journey towards a Master’s in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering while learning electrical engineering and furthering her computer science knowledge.
Jennifer is a leader, a supporter, and a mentor. For her patience, willingness, perseverance, and academic excellence, GMiS is proud to recognize Jennifer as Scholar of the Week.