‘alumni’
Vanderbilt initiated startup Zeno Power receives $30M to build the first commercially developed nuclear–powered satellite
Jun. 20, 2023—Zeno Power, a startup initiated through the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, has received a total of $30 million from the U.S. Department of Defense and private investors to develop and build a flight-ready radioisotope-powered satellite by 2025. It is expected to be the first launch of a commercially developed space nuclear system in history. Vanderbilt...
Somto Dimobi Okoye to serve as Vanderbilt Board of Trust young alumni leader
Jun. 2, 2023—Somtochukwu “Somto” Dimobi Okoye, BE’19, will begin a two-year term as Vanderbilt Board of Trust young alumni leader on July 1. Okoye, of London, was confirmed as a young alumni leader after serving a three-year term on the Vanderbilt Alumni Association board. After her graduation from Vanderbilt in 2019 in chemical engineering with a minor in engineering...
Somtochukwu Dimobi Okoye, BE’19, creates allyships to help others realize their potential
Mar. 3, 2023—By Amy Wolf When Somto Dimobi Okoye, BE’19, was growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, her mother would open their home to people who needed help—instilling a philosophy of building strength and community through a tightly woven support system. “Even if we had one piece of chicken, she’d cut that chicken into 13 equal pieces,” Okoye...
VU engineering alumnus named 2023 Schwarzman Scholar
Dec. 10, 2021—Aaron Niederman, BS’20, has been named to the 2023 class of Schwarzman Scholars. He is one of 151 scholars chosen from more than 3,000 applicants representing 33 countries and 106 universities. The Schwarzman Scholars Program, among the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships, brings together the best minds from around the world to study the economic,...
Alumni-founded phone case company expands finishes and future plans
Jul. 30, 2021—An alumni-owned company that developed copper-based phone cases amid the COVID-19 pandemic has set its long-term sights on antimicrobial coatings for door handles, railings and other high-touch surfaces in public spaces. Aeris Copper also rebranded and added new phone case finishes to its product offerings. The company, now called Alloi, has expanded into mixed metal...
Computer engineering alum was entrepreneur, Vanderbilt supporter
May. 20, 2021—Allen X. Romero, BE’99, an entrepreneur and consultant, died May 16, 2021, as a result of a hit-and-run accident in Great Falls, Virginia. Romero, 43, of McLean, Virginia, was the founder of Hang Local Labs, Inc. in 2011, a mission-based U.S. company engaged in the research, design, development, marketing and sales of the Hang Local...
How to be a hydroponic farmer: Expert advice from agricultural entrepreneur Hassan Sharaff, BE’07
Apr. 21, 2021—One tip: Think like an engineer “Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned the hard way,” laughs Hassan Sharaff, BE’07, gesturing to, well, everything: the polyethylene greenhouse walls with a soaring aluminum frame, torqued by last year’s derecho winds, and tray after tray of arugula, basil, kale and lettuce shoots, drinking in diffuse winter sunlight, tropical humidity...
Marine engineering leader, Vanderbilt alum elected to NAE
Feb. 11, 2021—Christopher J. Wiernicki (BE’80) has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering for innovative leadership in the design, engineering, and operation of ships and offshore structures. Wiernicki is chairman, president and CEO of ABS and chairman of the ABS Group of Companies, Inc. He previously served as chairman of the International Association of...