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Profiles

Ida Bernice & John Brooks Slaughter Scholarship Fund
Helps Student Realize Dream of Becoming an Engineer

Nicole Thomas, a senior at the University of Maryland at College Park and computer engineering major was selected as a recipient of NACME’s Ida Bernice & John Brooks Slaughter Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship, which will help Thomas realize her dream of becoming an engineer, “is priceless,” she says. “It has been really mind-easing knowing that I can focus more on my studies rather than my financial situation. I know other students who have to worry about how they will pay for school while also worrying about how they are performing, and that is a really huge burden. I’ve been fortunate to have that burden lifted. For that I am extremely grateful.”

Thomas says she knew from an early age that she wanted to be an engineer. “Ever since I was a kid I have always been into math and science,” Thomas said. “I remember tinkering with things around the house as a kid, taking my parents stuff apart and putting them back together… I’d get in trouble once in a while.”

The fascination with the way things work, was influenced by her uncle who was a computer engineer, carried through to middle school and eventually, high school where she began taking programming classes. “Those classes reinforced what I already knew; that I’ve always wanted to be an engineer.”

Thomas graduated high school with a sure sense that she wanted to pursue computer engineering. She has now served several internships where she has put the skills she has learned to great use. One of the more memorable experiences, according to Thomas, was when she interned for General Dynamics, where she served as an ethical hacker. Her task was to send out e-mails to employees and fish for information. “A lot of times these e-mails will tell recipients that a password on an account has expired and they make you follow a link, then ask for your information,” Thomas said. “The information can then used by hackers.” Her role as an ethical hacker was to make people aware of this practice and warn them about what to look for in the future.

As for her future plans, Thomas says she is looking into both consulting and defense contracting. She adds that regardless of where she ends up, she owes a lot of her success so far to her support system. “I have gotten a lot of support from organizations such as NACME but also from my involvement with NSBE (National Society for Black Engineers) which has been very beneficial in my success at school,” Thomas said. “The on-campus center for minority students in science and engineering has been another great asset.” Thomas adds that the staff at the center and the assistance they provide has been an invaluable resource for her and other students like her.

Thank You Letters

 Dear Dr. Irving McPhail,

I would like to take this time in thanking you for the opportunity you have given me through NACME. Since being initiated as a NACME scholar, I am one step closer to accomplishing my goal to becoming a successful electrical engineer. Since my first year at college, I have faced many struggles, particularly financial struggles. Because of NACME I am able to overcome these obstacles and be able to move forward with my academics. In addition NACME, has inspired me to push myself further, such as pursuing a masters after I graduate. Also the idea of helping others as well whenever I can and giving back to the community after I graduate. I would also like to thank you for coming to POLY-NYU and taking the time to get to know us. I really appreciate your understanding of our stories/struggles and how far we have gone and excelled ourselves to make it to such a great achievement of becoming a NACME scholar. Not many people have the opportunity to have someone by their side giving them that extra push to succeed and move forward. This is what NACME is to me –a caring supporter that holds you under their wing toward the right direction. You have given me a opportunity of a lifetime and it is something I will bring along with me and remember for the rest of my life. Once again thank you for your time and attention, along with selecting me as a NACME scholar which is something I take with the highest honor.

Sincerely,

Jose Reynoso
NACME scholar 09-10   
Polytechnic Institute of NYU