After years of dedicated service to the MAE family, Stephanie Wells is heading off to begin an exciting new chapter in her education and career. During her time at UF, she contributed to MAE operations in a wide range of roles, always bringing her signature energy and creativity.
Wells has demonstrated excellence across a variety of endeavors. She began her studies in Computer Science, exploring different subjects and career paths before discovering a hiring advertisement at MAE. Intrigued by the engineering field, she decided to seize the opportunity.
Wells started as a student assistant for MAE Facilities in her freshman year. As the department underwent changes, she stepped into the role of Interim Assistant to the Chair, supporting then-incumbent Warren Dixon, Ph.D., in management of the department.
She later transitioned back to being a student assistant – this time with the Administrative team – as she focused on finishing her degree. In the four years she spent with MAE, Wells consistently went above and beyond for the department and showed flexibility in the roles she assumed.
“Every role I held built my confidence and helped me grow. I got to know every faculty and staff member in MAE by name,” she reflected. “That kind of community, that level of appreciation and belonging, is rare.”
Wells earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology in spring of 2025 and plans to continue her education at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. She is interested in biomechanics and sports performance, subjects she explored during her time with MAE at the Artificial Intelligence Biomechanics Lab (AIBL). Under the guidance of Peter Schaefer and Kerry Costello, Ph.D., Wells pursued research on osteoarthritis. She was involved in launching the Pain Flares study and assisting the team with data collection for other projects.
In all of her roles, Wells built strong relationships to the people at MAE.
“My mentors, Melanie DeProspero, Dr. Costello, and Dr. Dixon offered consistent support and trust, which helped shape me – not only as a professional and student, but also as a person.”
Beyond her work at MAE, Wells also worked at the UF Diabetes Institute, supporting Director Mark Atkinson, Ph.D., in managing research and patient care programs. She enjoys working with people and plans to work in healthcare in the future.
Wells extended a hand to her community by taking on roles involving the Brazilian community in the US. She volunteered with the College of Nursing as an assistant to the Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement, translating seminars and welcoming Brazilian experts in healthcare. She also worked at Samba Brazilian Kitchen on the weekends, building bridges between the diaspora and the greater Gainesville community.
Wells also turned her efforts towards the UF student community. For several years, she delivered the keynote address at Warrington Welcome, a first-year course designed to orient students at the Warrington College of Business. There, she spoke about her experience as an immigrant and encouraged insightful conversations between international and native students.
Within her impressive resume, Wells cited her time at MAE as the most impactful.
“From starting UF at 17 to finally graduating, MAE was a constant. The people there were foundational to so many of my accomplishments, always offering encouragement, guidance, and genuine care,” she expressed. “They’ve truly been a family – a home away from home.”
Story & Editing by: Katherine Canev
Marketing & Communications Student Assistant
UF Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering