•Outstanding Student Leadership – Undergraduate•

Silvia Quezada is a third-year Mechanical Engineering major and collegiate soccer player at Marian University. Originally from Yucatán, Mexico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish. After moving to the United States as a child, Silvia graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School in Florida. Her academic excellence earned her a full-ride scholarship through the Witchger School of Engineering at Marian, where she has distinguished herself as both a student leader and an aspiring renewable energy engineer.

Throughout her undergraduate career, Silvia has embraced leadership across multiple campus organizations. She currently serves as Coordinator of the Latino Mentoring Program, President of the Just Earth Club, and sits on the boards of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She is also active in faith-based initiatives, leading Bible study with Athletes in Action (AIA).

In the summer of 2024, Silvia conducted research on the Techno-Economic Assessment of Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries, which earned her recognition as a finalist in the Rapid-Fire Competition at the SWE National Conference in Chicago. Her dedication to service is equally strong. She has taken part in educational and mission-based initiatives, including an eco-justice trip to Kentucky and work as an official translator during an Athletes in Action mission trip to Cuba.

Silvia is currently a Field Atlas Ambassador, where she is helping develop Marian University’s first hydroponic system. The project aims to provide a sustainable food source for underserved communities while serving as a hands-on educational model for younger students. Looking ahead, Silvia plans to pursue a master’s degree in renewable energy and gain industry experience through her upcoming internship with Geenex, a solar energy company.