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Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

College of Engineering

Activities: of Unmanned Ground Vehicle Software Team, Northrop Grumman Collaboration Project; adult-league soccer player 

Maria’s educational journey embodies the belief that it is never too late to follow your dreams. She immigrated to the United States in 2000, focused on learning a new language and earning citizenship while working three jobs to provide better opportunities for her family. After earning her high school diploma and securing employment with the County of San Bernardino, Maria decided to pursue her lifelong desire to study engineering and spent 11 years balancing school with her busy life before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona. Here, Maria says she is inspired by her faculty members who encourage growth and learning, and is thrilled to participate in career-readiness projects such as co-leading the unmanned ground vehicle software team within the Northrop Grumman Collaboration Project. Maria’s goal is to “make a meaningful impact by solving real problems and serve as a role model.” She aspires to use her education to develop affordable and sustainable technological solutions that can benefit communities, such as energy-efficient systems for low-income housing or low-cost automation for small businesses.