Hilde-AxelsonHilde 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. Through 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, beginning with her upcoming role as a LEAF student in the physics department in the spring 2026 semester. 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-georgeAidan George
Aidan George is a biomedical engineering major with a French language and culture minor from Lynn, Massachusetts. He is passionate about longevity, fitness, and hands-on work, and recently completed a six-month spring co-op experience at Werfen as a mechanical engineer working on acute care diagnostic devices. He will also be shadowing physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital as part of a community medical device development program.
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. He has also received the Dean Aldo Crugnola Academic Engineer Endowed Scholarship for the third consecutive year.
The mentorship and networking opportunities were what originally piqued 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 utmost 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 were said outright, 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 what kind of leader he wants to become. Only after trial and failure to embody this image has he been able to watch himself become a more confident leader in his eNable club and in tutoring, certain in his ability to do great things one day. 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-BennettJohn Bennett
John Bennett is an Electrical Engineering major at 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 to pursue a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering, using UMass Lowell’s 4+1 degree program.
Sean-RoperSean 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 toward 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 serves 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-HawkeyKenneth Hawkey
Kenneth Hawkey is from Lincoln, Massachusetts, and is currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell. He is entering his senior year, where his capstone project will focus on the chassis of the university’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) car. Passionate about racing, automotive engineering, and aerospace, Kenneth has been deeply involved with River Hawk Racing, the university’s FSAE team. After serving as the team’s Chief Engineer last year, he now serves as President of the club and team.
This summer, Kenneth is working as a product design engineering intern at BAE Systems within its Controls & Avionics Solutions business. He views this as an incredible opportunity that he would not have received without the Shah Academy program.
Kenneth 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. He has further developed his technical knowledge through his previous internship at Diversified Technologies Incorporated, where he designed components with considerations for high voltage and planned the order of operations for radar system construction.
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. As he approaches his senior year, he continues to pursue his passion for racing, automotive engineering, and aerospace while preparing for a career in the engineering industry.
Kenneth 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. Each meeting with her provides insight into how she leads at BAE Systems, offering Ken valuable lessons for his own leadership journey.
Allison-ReadingAllison 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 is now a senior at UMass Lowell, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. She also competes on the Division I Women’s Lacrosse team.
This summer marks her second year as a Biomedical Engineering Intern with MRP.io, having first joined the company after her freshman year of college. In her role, she shadows engineers to learn a wide range of technical skills, assists with disassembling machines for parts and repairs, and observes and tests various laser systems. Through these experiences, she has gained valuable hands-on exposure to medical device technology and the engineering processes involved in maintaining and improving complex equipment. She has especially enjoyed strengthening her problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills while working with experienced engineers and collaborating with different teams throughout the company. This internship has allowed her to apply concepts from her biomedical engineering coursework to real-world situations and has further developed her curiosity about medical technology and innovation. As she continues pursuing her Biomedical Engineering degree, experiences like this are helping her build the technical and professional skills needed for a future career in the medical device industry.
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-AyotteEthan 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 vice president 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.
Building directly on this research, he completed an internship this past summer for the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina, where he worked with plutonium at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site in South Carolina, a facility specializing in plutonium disposition and safe interim storage of weapons-grade materials. Outside of academics and research, Ethan enjoys spending time with friends, visiting Boston, golfing and working out.
Nicholas-AntoniettiNicholas 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.
Yousuf-MohammedYousuf Mohammed
Yousuf Mohammed, a driven individual from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is cultivating a dynamic career at the intersection of engineering and leadership. A Plastics Engineering major at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Yousuf is currently gaining hands-on experience as a Research and Development Intern at Bixby International during the summer of 2026. In his role, Yousuf works with materials ranging from biodegradable and biocompatible to chemically inert and indestructible. His responsibilities include designing experiments and test methods, using laboratory equipment to evaluate material properties, and setting up, shutting down, and operating the extruder. He has also recently received the Dandaneau Family Endowed Scholarship for Plastics Engineers.
His innate curiosity, which initially drew him to engineering to understand how things work and solve complex problems, fuels his creative and out-of-the-box thinking. This passion extends beyond the classroom and workshop, evidenced by his role as treasurer of the UMass Lowell Society of Plastics Engineers. Yousuf aspires to be a leader who ignites creativity and passion in others, believing true leadership is about uplifting and guiding teams toward shared growth rather than personal gain.
Through his involvement in the Shah Academy, Yousuf continues to connect with like-minded, ambitious peers and industry professionals while developing crucial real-world skills beyond the standard curriculum. The Academy has provided him with opportunities to push himself outside his comfort zone and become a more well-rounded and impactful engineer and leader. In his personal time, he enjoys the hands-on problem-solving of BMX biking—having worked as a bicycle mechanic—as well as fishing and building gadgets.
Brady-DevlinBrady Devlin
Brady Devlin is a Chemical Engineering student with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering at UMass Lowell (UML). Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in Franklin, Massachusetts, Brady was drawn to UMass Lowell for its diverse learning perspectives and hands-on opportunities. Outside of his studies, he enjoys performing music, playing trumpet, piano, and guitar.
Currently, Brady works as a federally licensed reactor operator at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor and Radiation Laboratory. In this position, Brady has had hands-on experience with reactor operation, maintenance, radiation safety, and contamination control and response. As part of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) examination and licensure process, Brady has actively demonstrated emergency response capability, practical application of nuclear theory and an understanding of the regulations that govern the nuclear industry. Beyond the skills required to become a reactor operator, as a staff member of the radiation laboratory, Brady has had the opportunity to work on engineering projects, including technical writing, CAD support and research into modern plastics and manufacturing techniques for the nuclear industry.
While science and problem-solving have always been central to Brady’s interests, his strengths extend beyond the technical realm into communication, teamwork, and leadership. As an Eagle Scout and a Shah Academy member, Brady exemplifies what it means to solve problems and lead in a team setting.
Brady is driven to become a leader in the chemical and nuclear industries, guided by innovative thinking and organizational excellence. He envisions contributing to clean, equitable energy solutions and advancements in nuclear medicine, aiming to influence the field through calculated risks and collaborative leadership. The Shah Academy has been instrumental in this journey, offering mentorship, leadership education and a supportive network. The Shah Academy’s fellowship, community and support are helping him build a framework for success beyond UMass Lowell.
Tal-NirTal Nir
Tal Nir is a dedicated Industrial Engineering major with a Mathematics minor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, whose academic journey reflects both resilience and intellectual growth. After graduating from Brookline High School in 2023, she discovered her engineering passion through overcoming significant academic challenges, transforming initial struggles in mathematics into a recognized strength. This personal evolution directly informs her professional focus on process optimization and systems thinking within industrial engineering.
Beyond academics, Tal has consistently demonstrated leadership through roles as a summer camp counselor and Peer Leader for the Riverhawk Scholars Academy, where she mentors first-generation college students through their transition to university life. Her practical engineering experience includes an internship at EVOLOH, where she contributed to manufacturing electrolysis components and gained valuable insights into clean energy technology and production processes.
Tal's interest in the Shah Academy stems from her commitment to developing both technical expertise and leadership capabilities, seeking to learn from industry professionals while contributing to a collaborative community of scholars. Her career aspirations include pursuing leadership positions in technology-driven manufacturing environments where she can implement efficient systems while mentoring emerging engineers. Outside of engineering, Nir maintains balance through cross-country running and hiking, activities that complement her analytical work with physical discipline and strategic perseverance.