Great Minds in STEM has named a Penn State College of Engineering student an “Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader in Engineering,” according to the College of Engineering Media Relations. Randy Blanco was selected because of his academic success, and dedication to Penn State chapters of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Multicultural Engineering Program.
“This award reinforces my drive to push on with making an impact to support and motivate others the same as it was done for me,” Blanco said in a Penn State College of Engineering interview.
Blanco also told the college media that the support he found with SHPE encouraged success. Currently, he is earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in engineering leadership development.
In addition, he serves as a mentor for the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP), an intern ambassador and an intern for Lockheed Martin Corporation, a research and development engineering intern for the Applied Research Lab, and a maker space assistant for the School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs.
“Being a first-generation Hispanic college student, I was intrinsically pushed to be independent which led to me having to figure out many things on my own,” Blanco said in the interview. “Finding my familia away from home within the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers helped shape me to be motivated and gave me direction on how to succeed.”
During his time at Penn State, Blanco has helped organize a regional conference. In 2020, he served as media director, re-designing a website, running social media channels, and fostering community engagement. Blanco has also completed several internships and a co-op for two semesters with Toyota. In addition, he earned a place on the Dean’s List during four semesters.
Blanco was recognized on Oct. 21 at the Great Minds in STEM conference, held virtually. After graduating this May, he will work for Lockheed Martin Space as a mechanical engineering associate. He also plans to pursue his master’s in systems engineering with space applications.
As he continues his academic career, Blanco said he will always appreciate the support of his family and fellow students.
“To this day, I pay it forward by being what they were to me, to incoming students,” Blanco said. He was also awarded the Leidos Scholarship, which recognizes excellence in academics and leadership for Hispanic students.
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