After a busy year of accomplishments, UC Riverside’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, or NSBE, was voted 2024’s Outstanding Student Organization of the Year and Social Justice Activists of the Year. This marks the second time UCR’s Student Life office has recognized NSBE in four years.
NSBE is also considered one of 18 engineering student organizations that are formally recognized by the Bourns College of Engineering.
Here to share more about the organization, its events, and its people is computer science major Aliyah Owens, who joined NSBE during her freshman year as part of the Passing the Torch Peer Mentorship Program. Owens was elected public relations chair in her second year, served as president for the 2023-24 academic year as a junior, and now leads the mentorship program that started her journey as NSBE’s director of professional development. She said her participation in the group has created lifelong friendships with other engineering students through study sessions, conferences, and social events.
Q: When was NSBE established?
A: The national organization started in 1975 and the UCR chapter was established in the early 2000s.
Q: How many members does UCR NSBE currently have?
A: 88 members.
Q: Who are some notable recent UCR NSBE members and how have they contributed to engineering?
A:
- Thomas Ferrer ’24: Mechanical engineer at DuPont, former NSBE vice president (2023-24), secured travel to NSBE National Conference for 14 engineering students.
- Kennedy Lincoln ’23: Environmental specialist at Chevron, former NSBE president (2022-23), and founder of a NSBE Professionals chapter in Texas.
- Abdirahman Abdi ’23: Software engineer at Nextdoor, former outreach chair, membership chair, and programs chair, who secured multiple internships and awards like the Nate Alan Irvin Award.
- Ogechukwu Ogbechie ’23: Environmental engineer at LA Sanitation, who raised the most funds during the Match Challenge and gained her role through conference opportunities.
- Jordan Edwards ’23: Mechanical engineer at Bourns Inc., founder of the Passing the Torch Mentorship Program, and instrumental in increasing membership from 10 to 50 members.
- Etchi Ako ’22: Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley in vision science, winner of the NSBE Technical Research Exhibition Poster Competition.
Q: What are some notable NSBE events/programs that occurred during the last school year?
A:
- Passing the Torch Peer Mentorship Program: We guided 22 mentees through academic, personal, and professional development.
- NSBE 50th Annual Convention: We provided fully funded participation for 14 members.
- First LEGO League: We mentored a middle school team from Garvey Allen Academy that advanced in LEGO robotic competitions.
Q: What are some notable NSBE events/programs planned for the 2024-25 school year?
A:
- Arduino Workshop
- First Lego League
- Resume Workshop
- Financial Literacy Workshop
- 3D Modeling Workshop
- Ethical Engineering Seminars
- NSBE 51st Annual Convention
Q: What can prospective/future members expect the NSBE culture to be like?
A: Members can expect a culture of academic excellence, professional development, and community engagement. NSBE offers mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a network of support for Black engineering students.
Q: Why do you think NSBE was chosen as Student Org of the Year?
A: NSBE’s recognition likely stemmed from impactful programs like mentorship, professional development, and outreach initiatives. Receiving the award reflects the chapter’s commitment to excellence and its influence within and outside the university, supported by the guidance of dedicated advisors such as Desmond Harvey.
Q: Why do you think NSBE was chosen as the Social Justice Activists of the Year?
A: Efforts such as K-12 outreach, mentorship, and promoting Black representation in engineering exemplify NSBE’s dedication to social justice. The award underscores the chapter’s meaningful impact in advocating for equity and inclusion.
Q: Is there anything you want people to know about NSBE and its members?
A: NSBE members are dedicated, ambitious, and community-focused, striving to uplift underrepresented groups in engineering and create a legacy of excellence. We are like a family, always supporting and empowering each other to succeed. These awards are indicative of well-balanced students developing the technical sophistication and soft skills necessary to lead the future.
Q: If someone is interested in joining UCR’s NSBE chapter, what’s the process?
A: Interested students should join on Highlander Link and participate in club events posted on our Instagram @nsbe_ucr.
