On Becoming a Next Generation Problem Solver

I recently delivered a talk at the 2026 VJC STEM in Community Learning Series on April 10. Titled "From Engineering to Entrepreneur: On Becoming a Next Generation Problem Solver," my talk shared my personal journey in STEM and actionable advice for students.

My Journey

From my JC days: building a strong STEM portfolio through participation in the SRP, build-a-solar car competition and Math+Chem S-papers, I advanced to a PhD in Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech, innovated with projects like magnetic pollen for water remediation and later left academia to start Ryse Education. Engineering opened global doors and versatile paths for me, while setbacks like my undergraduate scholarship rejections taught me resilience and to look for alternate pathways.

My Advice for Students

• Start portfolios early: Dive into research (H3 or self-starter projects), competitions (Olympiads, SSEF, EIC) and diverse experiences (e.g. internships).

• Go beyond grades: Craft a coherent narrative for holistic admissions, especially amid AI essays and rising global competition.

• Adopt an engineering mindset (adaptability, creativity and collaboration) for success in university applications, scholarships and eventual careers.

I hope my session empowered the student attendees with strategies for clarity, confidence and competitive edge on planning for their future pathways.