Class: May 2021

Hometown: Marbury, MD

Major: Electrical Engineering

Why I decided to enroll at the University of Maryland:  The University of Maryland is one of the best schools to receive an engineering education. The reputation that UMD holds is one major reason I decided to enroll. I want the very best education out there for me, and UMD is basically right in my backyard.

Why I chose engineering:  I have always been interested in engineering. When I was in sixth grade I started taking engineering/technology courses. All throughout high school I was enrolled in the engineering pathways program and enjoyed every bit of it. When I took a digital electronics class in my senior year of high school, that is what ultimately decided my path to be electrical engineering.

Activities I do outside of class:  I am a volunteer EMT at Charles County Volunteer Rescue Squad, in La Plata, MD. I have been volunteering for about two years now. I have learned many life-saving skills that enrich my knowledge and experience other people. Volunteering as an EMT, I have learned how to work in a group, take charge, and improve my communication skills.

Honors and awards I have received at Maryland:  The Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship is my first award at UMD. I am a transfer student in my junior year, and I plan to continue to work hard in order to earn more awards.

After graduation, I plan to:  After graduation, I plan to continue to work at NSWC IHEODTD in the System Safety Engineering Department for a few more years. I may decide to try my hand in another field, but at first, I want to learn all the different aspects I can at my current job. I want to expand my horizons and help make the world a better place through engineering and technology.

Letter:

Dear Ms. Duong , Dr. Nguyen and Mr. Nguyen:

I would like to thank you all so much for your generosity . The Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship is going to help me tremendously as I continue my education in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland . I am currently in my first semester as a junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in electrical engineering . I am extremely honored to be a recipient of this award.

In addition to studying hard , I currently work part time at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (IHEODTD).  I work in the System Safety Engineering Department as an intern , where I learn many different programs and the System Safety process of paperwork . At work, I have learned the safety aspect of engineering , in which we discuss hazards that go along with each integrated part of a program (ships , missiles , launchers , munitions , etc.) . This internship opportunity has shown me the different sides to engineering that are not always so clear. It has been a great learning opportunity  as I grow during this engineering  adventure .

When I am not in class or at work, I enjoy spending my free time with m y family and friends. I am a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Charles County Volunteer Rescue Squad in La Plata, MD. I enjoy helping my community and giving back any chance I get. I enjoy the outdoors, going to the movies , and shopping. After long days of hard work, I love to go home to my two dogs, an eight-month-old dalmatian and a four-year -old labrador. Being a commuter student, working part time, and living a great distance away, I spend a lot of time on the road . After I graduate, I plan to continue to work at NSWC IHEODTD and expand my knowledge of the real world applications .

Thank you all again for the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship . This scholarship will help take some of the pressure off my family and myself when it comes to paying tuition. I look forward to meeting you all in person soon.

Sincerely ,

Brianna Puffenbarger