Hilde Axelson
Hilde Axelson is a chemical engineering student and one of eight members of the inaugural cohort of the Shah Academy’s Scholarship for Leadership and Innovation. She grew up in Massachusetts, moving from town to town during her childhood and throughout high school. She now lives in the city of Hopedale with her sister, her mother, two dogs and three cats.
Hilde has always loved learning, so attending college was a natural choice — despite being the first person in her family to pursue a four year degree. While her mother didn't have the same opportunity, Hilde entered higher education with enthusiasm, even if she felt like she was stepping into it “totally blind.” At UMass Lowell, she has found a deeply supportive community that has made her first two years of college truly amazing.
When Hilde first heard about Shah Academy, she was skeptical and didn’t believe she’d be selected. Applying felt like a leap — why invest time and effort into something that might result in rejection? But her interest in the program outweighed her self doubt. A month after completing the application and interview process, she was thrilled to learn she had earned a spot.
Since joining Shah Academy, Hilde has begun to gain a clearer vision of her future — one that now includes leadership, something she hadn’t initially considered for herself. Throughout mentorship and program experiences, she’s learned that success isn’t a solo journey. It’s built on relationships and shared growth. A good leader, she believes, lifts others up, earns their trust, and fosters mutual learning. These insights were deepened through her relationship with a mentor she was matched with through the program.
Entering college, Hilde wasn’t sure what path to take. She was strong in math and science, but it was discouraging at times to realize how much effort she had to put in compared to peers for whom these subjects came more naturally. During the beginning of her sophomore year, she began to question whether she truly fit in her major.
But Shah Academy helped her recognize the value of her unique strengths. While she is confident in her scientific and technical skills, she’s also discovered a talent for communication and personal connection—skills that complement her engineering knowledge. The program’s most meaningful lesson for her, had been that there is no single, defined path.
Hilde envisions a future that blends chemical engineering, hands-on work, and strong interpersonal engagement. She wants to be part of teams where she not only contributes technically but also supports, mentors, and leads others in ways that make them feel seen, valued, and excited to collaborate.
Aidan George
Aidan George is a Biomedical Engineering major with a French Language and Culture minor from Lynn, Massachusetts, and a 2023 graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School. He is passionate about longevity, fitness, and hands-on work, and is currently interning at Werfen as a systems engineering intern, where he validates and tests clinical hemostasis equipment. He is active on campus and in the local community as a math, chemistry, and physics tutor; president of eNable Lowell, a prosthesis engineering club; a volunteer in the Lowell General Hospital emergency department; a member of the UMass Lowell (UML) powerlifting team; a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) currently interviewing for an on-campus position; a former grant writing intern for the Lowell Youth Leadership Program; and a participant in the Immersive Scholars program, where he studied in Bordeaux, France in July 2024.
The mentorship and networking opportunities were what originally peaked his interest in the Shah Academy. However, he has come to see that these benefits merely scratch the surface. He has stayed for the underlying wisdom that can’t be found in any book.
"Leadership is simply one’s ability to guide others to a common goal. This requires loyalty to a cause and to a team. It should be the leader’s upmost mission to not only direct his or her team but also learn from them. Remaining loyal to a cause requires discipline to push through difficulties and setbacks and courage to act on implicit wisdom when the circumstances prove uncertain."
As a Shah Academy scholar, Aidan has been learning about professional representation and the complex interactions that refine a leader’s wisdom. He has obtained a sense of this from the Shah Academy workshops, seminars, networking events, and discussions; however, this also originates from unexpected sources. It’s not the things that have outright been said, but the almost subliminal realizations Aidan made from talking with the other impressive Shah Academy scholars. Although he had never imagined it, interacting with his peers has helped him to identify who the ideal should be. Only after trial and failure to embody this image, he has been able to watch himself become a more confident leader in his eNable club and in tutoring, certain in his ability to one day do great things. He believes this view is the true cornerstone to future accolades and leaving behind a legacy for others to follow.
Aidan's mentor is Bill Geary, an intellectual property lawyer. So far they have discussed the benefits of different career paths and what it takes to become a great leader. Aidan finds it intriguing to see how Geary's advice reflects his own lived experiences. Geary has brought a new awareness to ideas Aidan was previously unaware existed. "This mentorship truly is a unique benefit of the Shah Academy. Just having another source of wisdom to consult is enriching."
John Bennett
John Bennett is an Electrical Engineering major in UMass Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering. From Worcester County, Massachusetts, John chose UMass Lowell because of the strength of its Engineering programs, as well as the familiar setting of a mill city, having spent a significant amount of time in Fall River growing up. Additionally, he appreciates the hard-working culture of UMass Lowell, noting that students and faculty alike are very down to earth and approachable. He was inducted into the Shah Academy as part of its inaugural class in September 2024. Outside of classes, he likes to read philosophy, go outside, and train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, taking the role of Vice-President for the University’s club.
He currently works at the Printed Electronics Research Collaborative (PERC) on campus, where he is an Undergraduate Research Assistant to the faculty and graduate students. He enjoys the opportunity to use advanced equipment to assist cutting-edge research.
As a member of the Shah Academy, John has greatly appreciated the numerous opportunities to speak with successful engineers in industry, as well as his relationship with his mentor in his field. He believes that these experiences will help him in making better informed decisions in his career.
After graduation, John plans on pursuing a Master of Science and Philosophical Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, utilizing UMass Lowell’s 4+1 Degree program.
Sean Roper
Sean Roper is a mechanical engineering student and emerging leader from Southington, Connecticut, graduating with the Class of 2027 and a proud member of the Shah Academy of Innovation and Leadership. He takes a values-based approach to leadership, combining problem-solving skills with a commitment to learning and growth. Through his involvement in the Shah Academy of Innovation and Leadership, Sean is working towards being a more empathetic and action-driven leader.
“I was drawn to the Shah Academy because it offered more than just leadership development — it offered a community and a mindset,” Sean shares. “From the beginning, the Academy gave me a space to challenge my assumptions and rethink what leadership really means.”
Through workshops, networking events, and mentorship, Sean discovered that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition — it’s about integrity, self-awareness, and empowering others.
Mentorship and community have been central to Sean’s development. “Honestly, mentorship has exceeded anything I could have imagined,” Sean says. His mentor, Paul Makris, President of Graham Investment Capital and Consulting, has encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges. That support — along with insights from industry leaders and fellow students — helped Sean realize that leadership is not a solo effort — it’s a journey shaped by community and connection.
On campus, Sean is involved on the Executive Boards of Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma, where he works to create inclusive, supportive spaces that help others grow both personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, Sean hopes to continue growing as a leader and engineer. He’s especially passionate about using his skills to make a meaningful impact in the world through collaboration, innovation, and a purpose-driven approach.
“The Shah Academy has been the cornerstone of my development,” he adds. “Leadership starts with showing up — with an open mind, a willingness to grow, and the courage to lead by example.
Kenneth Hawey
Ken Hawey is from Lincoln, Massachusetts, and graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. He is currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell. In high school, he participated in the First Tech Challenge, and he now serves as the Powertrain Team Lead for the university’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) team, River Hawk Racing.
Ken was originally drawn to the Shah Academy because of the opportunity to learn from experienced and established leaders. He believes that leadership is about helping others reach their full potential and sees dedication as a powerful form of inspiration. His conversations with Bhupen Shah have influenced his decision-making as a leader within FSAE, reinforcing the value of applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects.
Leading an FSAE team is similar to managing a small company, offering numerous chances to develop leadership and technical skills. Ken values the opportunity to grow in this environment before entering the industry. Looking ahead, he envisions himself working in the automotive or defense industry, leading the development of vehicles or programs.
Ken also appreciates the personalized guidance that comes from having a mentor. He plans to implement suggestions from his mentor, Maria Abreu Sepulveda, to improve the team’s recruitment process in the coming year. Each meeting with her provides insight into how she leads at BAE Systems, offering Ken valuable lessons for his own leadership journey.
Allison Reading
Allie Reading is originally from Draper, Utah — about 30 minutes south of Salt Lake City — and is the second youngest in a family of seven. While her siblings are musically talented, she has always been drawn to athletics, especially lacrosse, which she has played for most of her life. She graduated from Corner Canyon High School and is now a junior at UMass Lowell, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. She also competes on the Division I Women’s Lacrosse team.
Allie was drawn to the Shah Academy because it offers opportunities that go beyond the standard university curriculum. She was especially excited about the chance to connect with entrepreneurial peers and learn directly from industry professionals. The Academy’s emphasis on real-world insight and hands-on experiences aligns perfectly with her academic and career goals.
To Allie, leadership means building emotional connections — leading with trust, active listening, respect, and by example. She believes true leadership is about inspiring and empowering others. Through book clubs, workshops, and exposure to tools like SMART goals and Hoshin Kanri, she has strengthened her ability to contribute meaningfully to any team or organization.
One of the most valuable parts of Allie’s experience at the Shah Academy has been the mentorship program. Her mentor has offered tailored, actionable guidance grounded in real-world experience, helping her navigate career decisions with more clarity and confidence. These insights have not only shaped her professional development but also reinforced her passion for growing as a leader in a competitive industry.
Ethan Ayotte
Ethan Ayotte, from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a senior studying Chemical Engineering with a nuclear focus. Growing up, he was surrounded by nuclear conversations — his father worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard overhauling nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy, and he lived just 20 minutes from the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. These early influences sparked Ethan’s deep interest in nuclear energy and security. Wanting to stay close to home, he chose UMass Lowell and is proud of that decision.
At UMass Lowell, Ethan is highly involved in both academic and extracurricular activities. He serves as the president of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) student chapter, helping connect students with industry leaders and giving tours of UML’s nuclear reactor. He was selected for the Chemical Engineering Student Advisory Council, where he works with faculty and department leaders to provide student perspectives and improve the program. Additionally, he conducts research under Dr. Sukesh Aghara, focusing on nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation in partnership with Brookhaven National Lab and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ethan is a proud member of the Shah Leadership Academy, which he credits for sharpening his leadership skills and connecting him with inspiring mentors and peers. He is especially grateful for the support and insight of his mentor, Joseph Donahue, former VP of Engineering at Duke Energy. Shah Academy has not only offered Ethan a scholarship but also valuable exposure to real-world challenges and strategic thinking within the nuclear field.
This summer, Ethan is interning at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), where he’s working in the K-Area to downblend plutonium, reducing its potential for weaponization. His prior research on nuclear safeguards played a key role in securing this opportunity. Outside of academics and research, Ethan enjoys spending time with friends, visiting Boston, golfing, and working out.
Nicholas Antonietti
Originally from Salem, New Hampshire, Nick Antonietti graduated from Salem High School and is currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. With a passion for innovation and problem-solving, he envisions a future either running his own engineering business or transitioning into a leadership role within the field after gaining significant technical experience.
Drawn to Shah Academy by its focus on personal and professional growth, Nick saw it as an ideal opportunity to strengthen his leadership skills and gain a head start in building a meaningful career. He believes that leadership isn’t about control or having all the answers, but about self-awareness and building a team that complements one another’s strengths in order to overcome challenges and deliver lasting solutions.
Through the Academy, Nick has learned valuable communication skills—both in public speaking and team dynamics—and has gained exposure to inspiring examples of success through seminar speakers. These insights have been immediately applicable, especially in his co-op role, where applying this knowledge has helped him stand out and grow professionally.
The mentorship component has also proven to be an incredible resource. Under the guidance of Kimberly Kinsley, vice president of Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, Nick has explored topics such as leading through influence, navigating career plateaus, asking impactful questions, and making the most of networking opportunities. This mentorship has already made a significant impact, and he looks forward to continued learning and growth as the relationship evolves.