Category: Alumni Highlights

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 […]

As we welcome summer, I’m proud to reflect on another extraordinary season at MAE. This edition of our newsletter showcases the incredible breadth and depth of work happening across our department—from space biomanufacturing and award-winning research to student-driven innovation and alumni distinction. Each story speaks to the excellence that defines us. Our faculty continue to […]

For Josh Ehrlich, a University of Florida Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering alumnus, a passion for space has fueled a career with some of the most prestigious names in aerospace, including NASA, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Blue Origin. His journey, from designing space systems to an eight-month Mars analog mission, proves that success isn’t about flawless […]

The UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering gathered at the Wayne J. Reitz Union’s Rion Ballroom for a vibrant evening of celebration, honoring the outstanding achievements of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Dr. Warren Dixon warmly welcomed the crowd as guests enjoyed dinner, lively conversation, and a shared sense of pride in the […]

Outstanding Alumni News UF alumni have made their mark in varied industries and have inspired future generations of engineers. Read on to discover the stories of Logan Hickox, Frank Gillette, and Alberth Franco. Logan Hickox: From Robotics to Revolutionizing Footwear at Nike What do robotics and basketball shoes have in common? For UF mechanical and aerospace […]

Diego Acevedo’s grand life – from kite surfing in his Aruba neighborhood to three engineering degrees from three countries – stems from mere curiosity. Maybe a bit of restlessness, too.  Born in Colombia, Acevedo, Ph.D., earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Florida in 2003. There, he met his wife, Monica […]

What do robotics and basketball shoes have in common? For UF mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE) alum Logan Hickox, the answer is simple: engineering. Hickox, now a mechanical engineer at Nike’s Bowerman Footwear Lab, is at the forefront of blending cutting-edge technology with athletic performance. His journey, which began at P.K. Yonge and the University […]

An intimidated freshman from Miami walks into a SHPE general body meeting.  No, this isn’t the beginning of a trite joke, but the prologue to Alberth Franco’s career testimony. Now a systems engineering and verification specialist at Rolls-Royce, Alberth was once a new gator, finding his way through the Marston French Fries and the Turlington […]

With a long and illustrious list of accomplishments, the career of Frank Gillette was as powerful and high-flying as the fighter jets that rely on his engine designs. And his success story took off in Gainesville, where he graduated from UF in 1962.   “He just loved his job and appreciated the education he got at […]

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 […]