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The newly formed Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology Early Career Alumni Council held its first in-person meeting last week

The council’s initial cohort of 14 members, formed in May and made up of 91��Ƭ�� engineering alumni who graduated within the past 12 years, is dedicated to strengthening connections among alumni and students while advising the college on mentorship programs, networking opportunities and other initiatives that bridge current students with industry professionals. The council, whose numbers will grow over time, will augment the existing Engineering Leadership Council and departmental advisory boards. 

“Alumni who are relatively early in their careers provide a valuable perspective that complements the perspective of the more senior members of typical advisory councils,” said Jeffrey Fergus, Ph.D., dean of the Batten College. “The members of this initial cohort are enthusiastic to engage with the college and provide input to enhance the educational experiences of our students and prepare them for successful and impactful careers.”

During their visit, members met with Dr. Fergus to discuss college updates, draft bylaws, select committees and determine selection criteria for new members. They also connected with representatives from engineering student organizations, faculty and college leadership.

The council members represent a range of engineering disciplines—civil, mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer, and engineering technology—and work across government, private industry and research organizations. Employers include NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, GE Vernova, Newport News Shipbuilding and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Council member Tanashia Scott, an engineer with the Naval Information Warfare Center, is looking forward to supporting the Batten College community. “Being able to share my experiences, provide mentorship, and foster leadership and service, I believe that I can help others develop successful academic and professional careers,” she said. “Being able to participate in activities interacting with college leadership, students, and alumni is paying it forward and it is an honor to serve.”

Early Career Alumni Council

Juliana Beauchamp, B.S. ’17, civil engineering – Dragados USA

Stephanie Bueche, B.S. ’16, civil engineering technology – Virginia Department of Transportation

Kylee Cope, B.S. ’18, mechanical engineering – G2 Ops Inc.

Dara Emami, B.S. ’15, mechanical engineering; M.S. ’21, engineering management – Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

Holum Fong, B.S. ’17, mechanical engineering – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Macayla Gillis, B.S. ’20, civil engineering technology; M.S. ’24, engineering management – Newport News Shipbuilding

Ian Little, B.S. ’19, civil engineering technology – Rinker Design Associates, LLC

Robert McElhinny, B.S. ’17; M.S. ’19, civil engineering – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Rose Miner, B.S. ’17, electrical engineering technology – Newport News Shipbuilding

Daniel Payne, B.S. ’18, electrical engineering technology – Fusion Technology

Michael Polanco, B.S. ’13, aerospace engineering; M.S. ’22; mechanical engineering; Ph.D. ’22, mechanical engineering – Aberdeen Proving Ground

Erich Schimpf, B.S. ’22, mechanical engineering technology – Picatinny Arsenal

Tanashia Scott, B.S. ‘14, electrical engineering, computer engineering; M.S. ’18, engineering management – Naval Information Warfare Center

Kyle Wade, B.S. ’14; M.S. ’17, mechanical engineering – GE Vernova