BMCC’s Science Department offers a major concentration in Engineering, in addition to Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Our Engineering alumni have been very successful in their careers. Here are a few of them:
Ahmad (Sulaiman) Ilu
Year of graduation: 2018
Major: Engineering
Update: I am an Industrial Engineer at IET, Inc., where I focus on process optimization, material flow efficiency, and lean manufacturing improvements across multiple automotive and manufacturing projects. My recent work includes conducting time studies, optimizing facility layouts using AutoCAD, and leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency. I am particularly interested in applying my skills in assembly process optimization, quality improvement, and supply chain management to a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-ilu-62b97010a/
Advice for someone interested in this field: Stay curious and keep learning! Networking is also key—build connections.
Fadimatou Mossi
Year of graduation: 2018
Major: Engineering
Update: I completed my bachelor’s degree at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech) in Computer Engineering in Tech (CET) and just graduated from the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU with a Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). Working as a research assistant at the Advanced Science Research Center has been a valuable experience. In addition to my engineering studies, I am a multilingual (English, French, Zarma, and a bit of Hausa) New York based singer, songwriter, and vibe curator from Niger, born in Nigeria.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadimossi/
Advice for someone interested in this field: Make sure to network, speak with your professors about possible research opportunities – as that’s what helped me join CSTEP and gain experience and navigate into what specific area works best for me, and ask questions. The networking will also help you create a longterm mentorship between you and your professors, which will eventually allow you to ask them for referrals, references, or advice in the near future.
Karol Malachowicz
Year of graduation: 2017
Major: Engineering
Update: I am an analytics engineer at a mobile technology company headquartered in Denver, Colorado. After earning my associate degree in Engineering at BMCC, I continued on to Baruch College where I studied Mathematics and Real Estate.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karol-malachowicz-a15583138/
Advice for anyone interested in this field: Take advantage of everything your school has to offer, both within your major field as well as in other areas. While studying Engineering at BMCC, I expanded my knowledge and experience by joining the Finance and Banking Club and serving as their Vice President. In this role I was able to analyze and create monthly and quarterly economic updates using economic indicators such as GDP, FFR, Consumer Spending, Investment and Unemployment. I also created and analyzed economic forecast and regression models for weekly discussions.
While in BMCC’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), as a student researcher, I analyzed large collision data files and created heat maps to detect dangerous spots in New York and assisted in Machine Learning workshops focusing on the use of Bayes Theorem and Graph Theory. You can gain so much valuable experience while still in school–this will help you later on when starting your career.
JKrongchai (Chai) Praponpoj
Year of graduation: 2017
Major: Engineering
Update: I am currently a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Abbott Laboratories, where we develop advanced medical technologies such as ablation catheters and cardiac mapping systems. These tools are crucial in treating abnormal heart rhythms by targeting and destroying small areas of heart tissue that cause irregular beats, and helping doctors visualize the heart’s electrical activity to identify and treat arrhythmias. My role involves writing and maintaining firmware code in C++, analyzing code complexity, writing unit tests, and creating documentation. Additionally, I lead and architect firmware development projects, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical guidance.
During my time at BMCC, I had the privilege of leading the BMCC robotic team to victory in the 2017 TYESA robotic competition in Rochester, NY. Under the mentorship of Professors Mahmoud Ardebilli and Edgard Delgado, I gained early exposure to scientific research, 3D printing, CAD modeling using SolidWorks, advanced control algorithms, and embedded systems. This experience inspired me to pursue a degree in computer engineering at CUNY City College.
I am passionate about leveraging my skills and experiences to drive innovation in the field of embedded systems and contribute to impactful projects that improve patient outcomes. Additionally, I find great fulfillment in mentoring and guiding the next generation of engineers, helping them to develop their skills and achieve their professional goals.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpraponpoj/
Advice for someone interested in this field: Join a club or be part of engineering research experience. BMCC provided numerous opportunities to gain real-world engineering experience beyond the classroom, such as through undergraduate research, the robotics team, the engineering club, and more. Being part of the engineering community helped me narrow down my interests and choose my engineering specialty, while also offering mentorship and the chance to learn cross-disciplinary skills. I also made many friends who supported me through tough engineering classes and had the opportunity to travel across the country to compete and present my research to engineering colleagues.
Shannon Kidd
Year of graduation: 2016
Major: Engineering
Update: As a Cornell Engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I have been working as a Technical Services Project Manager at Northrop Grumman since December 2023. In this role, I collaborate with other Project Managers and coordinate tasks and resources with team members to ensure that program schedules are met and products are built according to specifications. I also act as a liaison between Program Managers and Value Stream team members to guarantee successful performance within the team.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-kidd-605180ba/
Advice for someone interested in this field: For anyone interested in this field, I’d recommend developing a strong foundation in both technical engineering skills and project management principles. Understanding the complexities of engineering and staying up to date with emerging technologies is essential. It’s also important to be adaptable and comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams, as collaboration is key to success in defense and space projects. Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of effective communication – being able to clearly convey technical details to both technical and non-technical stakeholders is critical.
Sobur Carim-Sanni
Year of graduation: 2014
Major: Engineering
Update: Following my studies at BMCC, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the City College of New York (CCNY), while concurrently serving as a research assistant at the Advanced Science Research Center. This research experience significantly strengthened my foundation as a biomedical engineer. In my current role as a Biomedical Engineer at a VA Health Care System, I am responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of critical medical equipment. My work involves implementing robust maintenance protocols that have notably reduced equipment downtime, as well as introducing data-driven tracking systems to streamline equipment lifecycle management and achieve cost reductions.
In previous positions as a Healthcare Engineer and Biomedical Equipment Technician, I managed complex healthcare technology projects—from installation and calibration to repair and preventive maintenance—while ensuring full regulatory compliance. I also developed training programs to enhance the technical expertise of clinical teams and delivered substantial cost savings. My early research experience further honed my ability to implement effective maintenance strategies and provide comprehensive technical training to clinical staff.
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sobur-carim-sanni-425445ba/
Advice for someone interested in this field: Form strong connections, remain eager to learn, network wisely, avoid burning bridges, and cultivate good work ethics to succeed.
Anna C. Smith
Year of graduation: 2014
Major: Engineering
Update: I’m an industry applied lead data scientist with a background in chemical engineering and material science. I work as a Solutions Architect at Databricks and am the Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Ephemeral Devices. Ephemeral Devices designs hardware and software systems to acquire imaging data from different data streams, build machine-learning models and deploys them to hardware controllers for automated analysis.
After BMCC, I continued on to SUNY Buffalo for a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and then to Carnegie Mellon for a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
Prior to BMCC, I had no relevant background for an engineering career. I moved to Paris after high school and developed and ran my own makeup business for magazines and catalogs–organizing, training and supervising crews of makeup artists for on-site photography shoots. But it’s a cutthroat industry and I wasn’t inspired by what I was doing. I didn’t feel challenged. And I wanted to do something that made a bigger impact. (Read more about Anna’s journey from a Paris entrepreneur to BMCC and the University of Buffalo as a Goldwater Scholar.)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-c-smith/
Advice for someone interested in this field: An education in engineering or some similar field can offer you a lot. You can come from nothing and an engineering degree can help you get somewhere, even if you don’t have money or if you come from an environment where people are unfamiliar with engineering as a career. If you work hard, you can make something of yourself.
Rachel Alexander
Major: Engineering
Update: After BMCC, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at City Tech and then an MS in Cybersecurity at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. i am currently a Traction Power Systems Engineering Specialist at STV, Inc. STV is a company that plans and designs the infrastructure systems such as transportation systems, buildings, water and other facilities.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-alexander-0812/
Advise for someone interested in this field: Get involved. While at CityTech I was president of our local chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). At NYU I was President of our President of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Chapter as well as a Cyber Fellows Ambassador.
Kamal El Fahssi
Year of graduation: 2013
Major: Engineering
Update: After BMCC, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Earth System Sciences and Environmental Engineering at CCNY. I currently work for the New York State Department of Public Service as a Utility I Engineering Specialist. I work in the field of natural gas transportation and distribution systems safety.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamal-el-fahssi-03b9486a/
Advice for someone interested in this field: My line of work is not in engineering design, but it provides the best training with the Federal government on how natural gas is processed, stored, and delivered. If anyone is interested in working with the state, there will be great benefits as well as a decent and secure financial compensation. We had young people leaving for the private sector, but trying to come back to the state later. I believe taking a government job was a great decision I made about 8 years ago. We have four regions within the stare including NYC and LI, so there are many opportunities.
James Park
Year of graduation: Transferred Fall 2011
Major: Engineering
Update: I am the Human Factors Engineering Manager at X-energy. My work involves engineering designs with cross-disciplinary teams to design a first-of-a-kind Generation IV Nuclear Power Plant. Human factors in nuclear energy, focuses on utilizing the latest human performance principles to design the best possible human-machine interfaces and environments for safe and efficient operation of the power plant.
I am also the Technical Lead for X-energy’s Extended Reality development program -an essential learning tool for plant personnel training programs. I oversee the technical development and design of virtual environments and associated technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-park-7b4760a8/
Advice for someone interested in this field: Human Factors is a high-impact field that broadly stems from multiple disciplines such as engineering sciences to social sciences to improve the way humans interact with technology and environments. My academic career started with engineering sciences and evolved into psychology-human factors, however you can also be a human factors engineer with an engineering-focused background or anything in-between. Gaining experience through internships or research projects focused on cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction (HCI), or user experience is a great way to break into the industry.
It is essential to develop both technical (e.g., data analysis, programming) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork) to effectively work together across disciplines and stakeholders at many different levels. Human factors is about solving real-world problems, so stay curious and be an advocate for the users.
Omar Duran
Year of graduation: 2008
Major: Engineering
Update: I am the Founder and CEO of LIFE3 and am dedicated to expanding the organization’s impact by advancing technology adoption within workforce development and nonprofit sectors. With a background in AI, product management and clean energy workforce development, I am committed to leveraging technology as a tool for inclusive economic growth and sustainable innovation. Through education, advisory services, and community empowerment, we enable organizations to develop digital solutions, harness data, and build pathways to sustainable employment. Our mission is to ensure technology serves as a catalyst for equity and opportunity.
To date, over 1,000 clean energy training alumni have successfully completed the program, with approximately 70% coming from disadvantaged and priority population communities. So far this year, 75% of graduates have secured jobs in the clean energy sector. Through education, advisory services, and community empowerment, we enable organizations to develop digital solutions, harness data, and build pathways to sustainable employment. Our mission is to ensure technology serves as a catalyst for equity and opportunity.
After BMCC, I earned a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at CCNY. Experience at the Zahn Innovation Center at CCNY, IBM, NYSERDA and Envirolution helped to prepare me for creating and running my own business.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-duran1/
Advice for someone interested in this field: Apply the technical and analytical skills gained through engineering to explore diverse industries, from technology and clean energy to product management and AI. Seek hands-on experiences, internships, and industry partnerships to understand how your background can be leveraged in real-world applications. Stay open to interdisciplinary opportunities—engineering principles are highly adaptable, and the ability to connect technical expertise with problem-solving and innovation will set you apart in any field.
Chimzy Ugbala
Year of graduation: 2008
Major: Engineering
Update: I have a passion for education as evidenced by my earning two associate degrees–Science and Engineering from BMCC; two bachelor’s degrees–Biological Sciences and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience from Hunter College; and two master’s degrees–Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and Engineering–from CUNY School of Public Health and Texas Tech University School of Engineering at Lubbock, respectively. I am now pursuing a doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at SUNY Downstate School of Public Health. I currently work at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an Industrial Hygienist, overseeing environmental, occupational, safety and health issues.
Additionally, I am the Founder and Executive Director of Help Along Foundation (HAF), New York where I direct programs that assist schools in Eastern Nigeria through planning, financing, and assigning mentors to underserved populations utilizing a community engagement model. Since 2017, HAF has provided a lifeline of programs and services that have enabled poor rural school children to overcome their challenges and work toward educational and social success. Through collaboration with seven primary schools and village-based organizations, HAF serves approximately 500 school children per year, providing them with educational supplies such as school bags, school uniforms, shoes, notebooks, writing materials, pens, pencils, recreational equipment, personal hygiene items, and free breakfast.
I am also a wife and mother of four children.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chimzy-ugbala-06b99052/
Advice for someone interested in this field: You will have a wide range of job opportunities and a secure career path. You will also be able to make lasting impacts in your community, and around the world.
Oluwarotimi Makanjuola
Year of graduation: 2002
Major: Engineering
Update: I am the Head of Analytics and Transformation for Commercial Lending Management the underwriting function for Citi’s Commercial Bank. My team comprises of individuals equipped with unique skill sets, banking industry backgrounds, lending process experience, financial acumen, and technical capabilities supporting the execution of the organization’s strategic initiatives.
After earning my Engineering Degree at BMCC, I studied for my Bachelor’s in Business Marketing at SUNY Plattsburgh and later on for an MBA in the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timi-makanjuola
Advice for someone interested in this field: I think this is universal and can apply either to staying in your current career field or changing direction: Find the person you want to be mentored by then develop and maintain the relationship. There is great value in having a mentor who over time can become a sponsor. Throughout my career, having mentors and sponsors has helped me navigate the different terrains I have been on.
