On the road to graduation, Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams left their mark on the Tech community, just as the Tech community left a lasting impression on them.
This December, they are graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a minor in mathematics, and will address fellow graduates at Michigan Tech’s mid-year commencement.
The decision to study at Michigan Tech was made more easily through clearly defined goals.
“I wanted to be somewhere that connected me with nature and allowed me to pursue my environmental interests through practical, hands-on experiences,” says Aliyah. “I chose Michigan Tech because of its focus on sustainability and collaboration.”
Combining their interests in sustainability with passions for architecture and mathematics, Aliyah chose to study civil engineering.
Undergraduate student commencement speaker Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams will share insights and memories with fellow Huskies during the commencement ceremony at 10:30 a.m.on Saturday, December 14 in the Wood Gym in the University’s Student D.
“Civil engineering felt like the ideal balance—a broad field that allowed me to focus on green design and build a career in sustainable infrastructure.”
Aliyah attributes the technical and leadership skills they both gained and shared at Tech to on-campus work as a tutor, teaching assistant for the Department of Mathematical Sciences, success coach with the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, and as a volunteer coach with Makerspace. Their expertise in project management and collaboration came from serving on the executive boards for organizations including the Aikido Club, Association of Women in Mathematics, the engineering honors society Tau Beta Pi, and Tech’s Alternative Energy Enterprise where they served as project lead.
“These experiences prepared me to succeed in both my career and entrepreneurial pursuits,” says Aliyah. “Michigan Tech offers countless opportunities to grow—from leadership programs to the Career Fair, which opened doors to different career prospects. The environment encourages collaboration, creativity, and exploration, making every experience here unique.”
Speaking of entrepreneurial pursuits, in addition to their endeavors as both a student and community leader, Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams has been working on a social venture, the Sunny Buddy, a solar portable WiFi kiosk. The project seeks to offer a sustainable and accessible solution for the Internet and renewable energy extreme climates and resource-strained environments.
In July 2024, following a study abroad trip to Costa Rica combined with their work in MTU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), Aliyah presented their research on the Sunny Buddy and renewable energy access at the UCLA McNair Research Conference. In addition, they entered the Sunny Buddy in the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge, where 20 startups in Michigan competed in the Table Top/Elevator Pitch Showcase Challenge. “This shaped my future outlook by allowing me to have an avenue to explore renewable energy and sustainable solutions on both a global and local scale,” says Aliyah.
For the undergraduate speaker, experiences outside of the classroom were just as important as academic and professional opportunities.
“I loved immersing myself in Houghton’s natural beauty, from enjoying fall colors to trying winter activities like snowboarding at Mont Ripley and participating in Winter Carnival,” says Aliyah. Some of my favorite memories include hiking the Nara Natural Trails with friends, volunteering at the humane society, and visiting Lake Superior to watch the northern lights. From clubs and cultural events, to a variety of courses through the Student Development Complex like yoga, swimming, and Aikido, Aliyah found no shortage of ways to be active on campus.
“The UP’s peaceful, remote, and often freezing atmosphere fostered a strong sense of community, making Michigan Tech a truly special place.”
After graduation, Aliyah is looking forward to beginning their career in Chicago, where they’ll work as an engineering-in-training for Stantec, a global company focused on sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. They plan to continue to work on the Sunny Buddy as a side venture and to one day become a self-published author. The future will also hold grad school. Aliyah is considering business, architecture, or furthering their engineering education.
As they look toward their bright future, Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams is grateful for the people who have helped them along the way.
“I’d like to recognize Alyssa Fredin and Rachael Hathcoat in the Financial Aid Office and Karen Patterson in the Success Center for their support. I’d also like to recognize my research mentors, Joe Azzarello and Robert Schneider, who guided me in my work on renewable energy and sustainable solutions. And a special thanks to the McNair Scholars Program team and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion staff who encouraged me to reach for new goals in furthered education.”
For future Huskies, Aliyah says the road to success at Michigan Tech is found through being open to new experiences.
“Surround yourself with supportive people, stay active in the campus community, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Michigan Tech has so much to offer, not just snow, so make the most of it!”
About the College of Engineering
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering offers more than 15 bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil, environmental and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering fundamentals, geological and mining engineering and sciences, manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate programs for busy professionals. Follow Michigan Tech Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest happenings.