Student Recognized by Women’s Network for Academic Excellence

Published: February 12, 2019 | Author: Andrew Brown | Read Time: 2 minutes

Kelly Lou Pelicano, currently a third-year engineering major at Southern Utah University has been recognized by her department and the SUU Women’s Network for her exceptional academic performance as well as her community engagement.

Kelly has come a long way to study at SUU. Born in Cebu City in the Philippines, she spent her early years in Papua New Guinea before moving to California with her family where her parents teach high school. Now Kelly has found a great fit at SUU where she gets hands-on instruction in engineering.

“Kelly is a great student,” said Dr. Ali Siahpush, associate professor of engineering at SUU. “She is always committed to doing her best and is very self-motivated. I have the utmost respect for her in how she conducts her professional life.”

“My favorite thing about studying engineering at SUU is learning from professors who have years of experience working in the engineering industry,” said Pelicano. “The professors regularly connect the material in class to projects they've worked on, which is so interesting to hear about! I never have to think ‘will I ever use this?’ because my professors make the real-life applications clear.”

This past summer Kelly got to expand her education by conducting research at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as a part of a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) for the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP)

“Other students in the program hailed from the University of Southern California, Purdue University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of California Merced, and many more,” said Pelicano. “Though they came from more widely-known institutions, I felt well-prepared and equipped to work and learn with them because of my experience at SUU.”

Kelly’s achievements aren’t limited to the classroom, she has also worked as a tutor for the Department of Engineering and Technology, as well as a teacher’s assistant for engineering and mathematics courses. She has served as an assistant event director on the SUU Student Programming Board, activities coordinator and vice president of the SUU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and vice president of the Newman Club. Somehow, she still finds time to volunteer with her church’s music ministry, travel, and spending time with her family.

“I’ve learned the importance of time management and working well with others in my time as a tutor, TA, and officer of Engineers Without Borders,” said Pelicano. “I am still able to do homework and study, work, attend many basketball games, be active in clubs, and still have time to myself.”

After she graduates with her bachelor’s degree, Kelly looks forward to pursuing a graduate degree in mechanical engineering and working in the engineering industry. She hopes that her education will allow her to see more of the world.

“The fundamental engineering of machines or structures is something that doesn’t vary internationally so I hope that my future job has opportunities to work in places all over the country and world,” she said.

Learn more about the Department of Engineering and Technology at SUU.

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