Rebecca Boxerman, master of mechanical engineering and proud UF MAE alum, is soaring to new heights. From her early days as a driven student at the University of Florida to her leadership role within the Navy’s cutting-edge technology programs, Boxerman’s career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and dedicated mentorship. With a passion for aerospace and mechanical engineering, she has continuously pushed boundaries—whether mastering complex computational analyses, pioneering unmanned naval systems, or guiding the next generation of engineers. Her journey is marked not only by impressive achievements but also by the meaningful relationships and challenges that shaped her along the way.
Boxerman’s career is also deeply personal. Growing up in a military family, she saw firsthand the sacrifices service members and their loved ones make. Those experiences inspired her to give back to the community that shaped her, and today, she’s passionate about developing technologies that help bring more sailors home safely.
“Having family members who served gave me a strong sense of purpose,” she said. “It made me want to use engineering to make a difference for those who serve.”
Boxerman launched her career at General Electric Aviation in Massachusetts after graduating from the University of Florida. For two years, she specialized in finite element analysis for military turbine engines, using advanced computational models to predict how components would withstand real-world forces. Although the work was technically challenging and rewarding, Boxerman soon realized she was craving more creative control, more hands-on design, and more opportunities to think beyond conventional boundaries.
During her time in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program at the University of Florida, Boxerman found herself truly challenged by both professors and peers.
“UF MAE is an outstanding program because it commits completely to its students, constantly pushing them to learn, innovate, and develop their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” she said.
In particular, Boxerman credited her mentor Anil Rao, Ph.D. and University Term Professor at MAE, for his devotion to his students. She recalled how, despite being brand new to the department, Rao took initiative with his students to ensure they really understood his course. He covered the basics of Dynamic Systems extensively, doubled his office hours, and worked individually with students to lay down the foundations to his subject material – Vibrations, at the time. To Boxerman, it was clear that Rao had compassion for his students and was committed to their success.
She recalled a favorite memory with Rao. An important exam had just passed in her class, and Rao was handing out grades. Having skipped over Boxerman in his roster, she became nervous. “He looked at me firmly and said that I needed to see him after class about the exam. I panicked, thinking I had made some horrible mistake. Come the end of class, I walk up to his desk, and he flips my exam to show a 100 written in red pen across the top,” Boxerman described. “I had studied so hard for this exam, and he had me thinking I failed it – it was an incredible moment.”
Boxerman was actively involved in the university’s chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She thrived in the competitive yet supportive environment, where she and her peers pushed one another to excel and lifted each other up. As a team, everyone brought their unique strengths to the table, offering help and guidance to those facing challenges in specific subjects. She reflects on her time in AIAA fondly, describing the atmosphere as one of simultaneous camaraderie and competition. “It was like being on a sports team, we would motivate each other, help other, and support each other by playing off of each other’s strengths.”
After leaving General Electric Aviation, Ms. Boxerman took a role with Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), contributing to the development of advanced helicopter systems designed to detect and neutralize mines. With a dual degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering, Boxerman continued her education during her time at NSWC PCD, earning her Master’s of Science in Systems Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2014.
In this post, Boxerman felt right at home. “It was satisfying to use my engineering degree to design systems that went directly to the Naval fleet for use,” she recalled.
After several years supporting the airborne mission, Boxerman moved on to be the Lead Systems Engineer for the first Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) delivered to the Fleet. Shortly after this, she then embraced a new challenge through the Office of Naval Research’s Global Science Advisors Program, embarking on a “tour” structured like a field assignment to serve as the Science Advisor to the Commander of Naval Surface Forces. This program enables civilian scientists to engage directly with the Navy by rotating through various high-priority scientific projects, immersing themselves in Navy operations while contributing their expertise. As science advisors, participants act as trusted consultants to senior officers, guiding decisions on research investments, resources, and project execution—all while working alongside the operational staff. This unique role positions advisors as vital bridges between the Fleet and the Research Enterprise, providing crucial insight into gaps between command intent and capability delivery.
In her role as the Surface Force Science Advisor, Boxerman led the execution of over $35 million in experimentation that resulted in accelerated delivery of systems and capabilities to the Surface Force. She provided critical guidance on allocating resources to weapons development, unmanned systems, and autonomous technologies. Today, she serves as the Acting Director of the Science Advisors Program—a meaningful full-circle moment in her career.
“The Science Advisors Program accelerates the delivery of capabilities to the Naval fleet by leveraging expertise from diverse engineers and scientists and enabling them to apply their knowledge across all warfighting domains,” Boxerman explained. “In these roles, every door, window, nook, and cranny opens, exposing you to a wide spectrum of engineering challenges and career opportunities.”
Above all her professional accomplishments, Boxerman is most proud to be the wife of Jason and the mother of two imaginative children, who often dream up their own engineering projects at home—like designing fixed-wing modifications for UAVs just for fun. Together, the family lives in San Diego, California, where curiosity and creativity are part of everyday life.
MAE is proud to be the alma mater of engineers like Rebecca Boxerman. She is an inspiring example of what it means to take your education and soar to new heights.
Read how Rebecca contributed to a cutting-edge missile test during her role as Science Advisor at Naval Surface Forces here.
Learn more about the Science Advisor program here:
Story & Editing by: Katherine Canev and Christi Swiers
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