Mariam Sulleiman
Graduate Researcher
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
EXPERIENCE
Mariam is a Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Texas at Austin with research focus on AI in Design and AI+Human Collaboration in Manufacturing Systems. She holds a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. She worked as a control engineering graduate intern at Process & Control Engineering LLC, where she gained valuable skills in control panel design, PLC programming, SCADA, P&IDs, and Project Management. Given her passion for impact and women empowerment, she co-founded Females in Clean Energy Foundation focused on realizing SDGs 4, 5, and 7.
What’s the most exciting part of your work?
The most exciting part of my work is mentoring young girls in STEM and watching them grow and excel. A recent highlight was a mentee who improved her GPA from 2.53 to 3.81 in one semester. She had nearly given up on excelling, but after joining my mentorship group and providing her with the necessary guidance and a structured study plan, she regained confidence. Moments like these remind me why I am passionate about supporting and empowering future women engineers and scientists.
What is one major challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
As a first-generation college student and the first female electrical engineer in my community, including being one of seven females in a cohort of 140, my early college years were marked by financial struggles and overwhelming academic demands. However, with guidance from the only female lecturer in my department and securing the Wells Mountain Initiative scholarship, I found stability and renewed purpose. These experiences inspired me to pay it forward. Today, I lead a growing mentorship group of over 22 STEM students.
What advice do you have for young women engineers aspiring to be leaders?
My advice to young women engineers is to stay focused on your dreams despite challenges. Embrace setbacks as stepping stones, remain disciplined, and consistently put in the effort. Avoid comparisons because your journey and story are unique. Pursue opportunities without hesitation, so regret never overshadows your path. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone while allowing moments of rest but never be complacent. With focus, consistency, and resilience, your success story will arrive sooner than you imagine, inspiring others along the way.
