Where are they now?
New Haven, CT
Research Electrical Engineer,
NASA Glenn Research Center
What have you been doing since receiving your award?
I graduated from Yale University with a Ph.D. in chemical engineering in May 2019. I now work at NASA Glenn Research Center as a research electrical engineer. In October 2019, I was awarded a $2 million Early Career Initiative research grant to develop a method to print solar cells in space (like printing on demand). I am now a principal investigator, managing a team of researchers and a large budget. It's a learning experience, and it has been really fun so far.
What was the best part of being back on campus for the 18 of the Last 9 award celebration?
The best part of returning to campus was returning to campus! It meant so much to see the red bricks, visit with professors, eat at my favorite locations and relive one of the greatest experiences in my life. A small group of fellow alums came back to campus to celebrate with me, and it was wonderful to be reunited and revisit our favorite spots uptown. It was also wonderful to share the campus and uptown expereinces with my (now) husband and parents.
Lyndsey McMillon `13
2015 18 of the Last 9 honoree
B.S., Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Doctoral student at Yale University; co-op with NASA Glenn Research Center
After earning her B.S. from Miami in 2013, Lyndsey completed her M.S. in chemical engineering at Yale University and is now continuing toward a Ph.D. at Yale with a research focus on alternative materials and nanostructures for enhanced light trapping in solar cells. Since 2011, Lyndsey has been a co-op for NASA Glenn Research Center, conducting solar cell research. Her research at Yale and NASA has yielded two peer-reviewed publications. Lyndsey has always been passionate about increasing the involvement of minorities and women in STEM professions. She makes strides toward this goal by serving as a NASA Student Ambassador, which allows her to visit schools to encourage students to pursue STEM. She also has co-founded the Society of Women Engineers Grad Chapter at Yale and serves as an adviser to summer undergraduate research students in an effort to inspire underrepresented students in STEM.
Hometown: Novelty, OH
High School: Hawken School
Twitter handle: @LMac_365
First year residence hall:
Havighurst
Favorite place to eat on campus?
Bell Tower
Favorite place to eat uptown?
45 East
Favorite thing to order at Bagel & Deli?
Weight Watchers
In which student organizations were you involved?
Resident Assistant (RA), Society of Women Engineers, Student Advisory Council for Mechanical Engineering Department, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
Did you study abroad/away?
I spent the summer of my senior year in San Francisco completing my senior design project for the College of Engineering and Computing. I was able to share the experience with one of my closest friends, and we had a marvelous time. It was a great experience from an engineering standpoint, as we were able to interact with a client and see the impact our product would have on the area. I also learned a great deal as we worked to design a toy for children with spatial awareness challenges. While in SF we were able to connect with local alumna Cassie Kim '92 who showed us the Bay Area and really enhanced our visit.
How would you summarize your Miami broomball career?
Short but sweet!
Favorite place to study?
Engineering Building glass atrium overlooking North Quad.
Has a Miami alum opened any doors for you?
I've been fortunate to run into Miami alumni at each internship or job I've hadr. When I was an intern at a Johnson & Johnson company, Natalie Carne '09 and Johnny Alexander '96 welcomed me and helped me get acclimated to Cincinnati and the workplace and would often check in on me. After some time at NASA, I met center director Jim Free '90, who welcomed me and was so kind. It's a great feeling to meet someone I shared the Miami Experiences with. We exchanged stories of our times in Miami, and although some things had changed, many had remained the same. I thank all three of them for bringing Love & Honor to the workplace.
What Miami moment most influenced or continues to influence your life today and how/why?
Osama Ettouney, Ph.D. was a tremendous influence during my time at Miami and continues to serve as a key figure in my life today. Dr Ettouney was never too busy to answer questions on assignments, provide guidance for internships or assist me with graduate school applications. I learned so much from him, including but not limited to engineering fundamentals, the ethics of the profession and what to expect as a graduate student. Dr Ettouney greatly enhanced my Miami experience and I'm so grateful to have him as a mentor and friend.
Favorite quote?
"Do something every day that scares you." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Memorable Miami concert, guest lecturer, etc?
Jerry Springer, Dr Sanjay Gupta and Erin Brockovich were my favorite guest lecturers.
Favorite Miami tradition? Why?
Slant Walk - some of my fondest memories are late walks home with friends from uptown, an activity meeting, or study session.
One thing you’d change about your college experience?
Nothing, it was the best.
What do you miss most about Miami?
I miss everything--the red bricks, the residence halls, the sunsets, the football and hockey games, the close proximity to friends. I also miss Skippers and dancing at Brick Street.
What advice would you give to the class of 2019?
Time is going to fly, so do as much as you can while you're in Oxford. Don't be afraid to try something new. Be sure to call home regularly, eat your vegetables, go to office hours and explore uptown!