The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida proudly recognizes seven distinguished alumni from the class of 2024, each exemplifying the highest standards of engineering excellence and leadership in their respective careers.
Ms. Shitarria Battle: BSME ’10 – Ms. Battle serves as the Chief Engineer for the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) Systems Development branch within the Missile Defense Agency. Her exceptional leadership in managing a $450M program involving over 100 personnel across multiple states highlights her technical prowess and strategic acumen in critical defense systems development.
Dr. Benjamin Boesl: BSAE ’04; MS ’09, Ph.D ’09- Dr. Boesl has excelled as an engineer, materials scientist, and educator, contributing significantly to materials science and engineering research. His role as an Associate Professor and Associate Chairperson at Florida International University underscores his dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in academia.
Mr. Sean Dotson: BSME ’97- Mr. Dotson is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive in the industrial machinery industry. His success in founding and growing RND Automation into a prominent robotics and automation firm demonstrates his innovative spirit and commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies.
Mr. Stephen Kowkabany: MS ’98- Mr. Kowkabany’s diverse career in fire protection and process safety, leading him to serve as the Executive Vice President at Vertex, reflects his interdisciplinary approach and global impact in engineering solutions.
Dr. David Mills: MS ’10; Ph.D ’14- Dr. Mills is the President of IC2, focusing on innovative precision instrumentation solutions. His expertise in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) highlights his dedication to cutting-edge engineering applications.
Mr. Bill Reuter: BSA ’84- Mr. Reuter’s distinguished career as a Navy strike-fighter pilot and subsequent leadership in coaching and organizational development underscores his commitment to leadership excellence and business consultancy.
Mr. John Sullivan: BSME ’83- Mr. Sullivan’s remarkable journey from Pratt & Whitney to Collins Aerospace, leading major systems on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, showcases his extensive experience and impact in the aerospace industry.
These distinguished alumni embody the values of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, showcasing excellence, leadership, and innovation. Through their outstanding achievements, they inspire current and future engineers, making significant contributions to their fields and communities. The department takes immense pride in their accomplishments and celebrates their exemplary careers as shining examples of what it means to be great engineers.
