Abdifatah Ali
Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2022
University of Cincinnati , Mechanical Engineering, ‘26
Host Institution: Virgin Orbit
Abdifatah Ali is a first-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Mechanical Engineering. Abdifatah's desire to study engineering from the practical application of math and physics to real-world situations to enhance and improve them is a field that he finds fascinating and perplexing. After partaking in different engineering-based experiences, Abdifatah learned how varied and inclusive this subject is and that is the reason he wants to study engineering at university. Abdifatah's ambition and desire are to explore the world of engineering and solve complex problems that as we humans face.
In high school, Abdifatah led a design team that built a competition crane per TEAMS specification and co-wrote a research essay with Abdifatah's team. His team placed 3rd position in the state competition. Abdifatah also participated in the Duke Energy Navigo Scholars Program during high school which allowed him to build upon his knowledge of engineering, CAD, GIS, IT & solar energy. This improved his interviewing, and networking skills. Thus, Abdifatah found that the foundations of technology he was being exposed to, paired with his experiential learning opportunities, have given him a unique approach to continually grow professionally and personally at an exceptional level.
Through Abdifatah's professional experience and coursework, he gained skills that focus on mechanical design, aviation systems, and programming. In addition to Abdifatah's coursework, he has had the opportunity to be involved in various activities at his school and has joined organizations on campus. Abdifatah is currently an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers of UC; Engineers without Borders and UC Hyperloop clubs.
As a first-generation student, Abdifatah's utmost goal is to graduate from the University of Cincinnati with an engineering degree. Upon Abdifatah's graduation from college, he aspires to work for an aerospace company and contribute to revolutionizing space technology while also using his engineering education to solve complicated societal problems such as creating sustainable solutions. Therefore, this will allow Abdifatah to reach his future endeavors of becoming a successful first-generation mechanical engineer with the ultimate goal of joining the Engineers Without Borders USA initiatives to help and empower communities around the world to meet their basic human needs.
Fun Fact:
I was nominated to Kentucky High School Athletic Association Academic All-State First Team in soccer.