When Fatimata Gory ’26 left her home country Senegal to study in the United States, she never imagined becoming a peer leader, running academic workshops, or holding positions in student organizations. However, with the right community and a healthy support system, Gory has been able to thrive in her academics, participate in hands-on research and make the most of her experience in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).  

“The language barrier was challenging when I first moved,” says Gory. “But I learned to adapt, be more open to people, got to know my professors and found friends in my major to help me in areas where I struggled. Now that I’m more involved, I find it more enjoyable.”  

Gory initially planned to attend State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego but after a few interactions with Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment, Jonathan Hoster, she had a change of mind. “Jonathan was a big help. My sister was talking to him at the time, and I saw how much he was reaching out, talking to my family, and helping with financial aid,” says Gory. “It was comforting coming to this country for the first time not knowing a lot of people and there was someone who cared and willing to help me.”  

Enrolling in ECS as an aerospace and mechanical engineering student, Gory was interested in the design aspect of aerospace after taking a solid mechanics course her first year. Now, Gory works as a research assistant in the Composite Material Lab where she focuses on frontal polymerization. Frontal polymerization is a chemical reaction that turns a liquid monomer into a solid polymer. In the lab, they use UV light to initiate frontal polymerization, which helps control the curing process in 3D printing applications. 

“Working in the lab has been a very hands-on experience. I had to redesign the 3D printer head to accommodate continuous carbon fiber printing, which was key in making the process more automated and reducing manual intervention.” says Gory. “It’s been exciting to work in such a cutting-edge area of composite manufacturing, especially with the potential to apply these techniques in fields like aerospace or repair applications where quick, reliable material production is essential.”  

On top of thriving in her academics, Gory is an active member of ECS. She’s the treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers, assistant treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers, and an energy analyst for the Industrial Training and Assessment Center. Gory is also a peer leader and Academic Excellence Workshop (AEW) facilitator. Additionally, her lab research earned her an honorable mention from the Universities Space Research Association (USRA.) With a wealth of experience across ECS, she urges students to connect with peers, faculty and staff as well as being open to trying new things.  

“I love being an AEW facilitator. I enjoy working with Jonathan, meeting with new students, talking to student panels and giving them advice. Before coming to college, I didn’t have that mentorship so it’s nice to be that for other students.”