The Princeton chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
Meet the Board
(Electrical & Computer Engineering, ’26
Minor: Computer Science)
- Interests/Hobbies: I’m really into sports and running outside of academics. I dabble in computer building as well.
- Over the Summer I: was at Princeton working as a hardware security research intern for the Princeton-Intel REU program. I was validating the security of hardware modules using Verilog and a scripting language. I also was involved in shadowing a digital design engineer at Texas Instruments as a member of the Engineering Your Own Future cohort!
- NSBE Goals: My goals this year is to insure that the culture of NSBE is loud and proud at Princeton! I want NSBE to be an organization that encourages everyone to continue to pursue engineering like it did for me.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Ask questions! Us members who have been here for a while have a lot of knowledge and experience so rely on that.
(Electrical & Computer Engineering, ’26)
- Interests: AI/ML, Digital Circuit Design, Computer Systems, Crocheting, Reading, Working Out.
- Over the Summer I: completed a research internship at Columbia University where I worked with an ECE professor and Microsoft Researcher on a project related to optimizing ML compilers.
- NSBE Goals: To make this year the best year ever!
- Advice for Incoming Members: Never be afraid to reach out to friends and upperclassmen for help!
(Operations Research & Financial Engineering, ’27
Minor: Finance & Urban Studies)
- Interests: Urban planning, Finance/investing, Trombone, Volleyball.
- Over the Summer I: worked at an African Fashion Store where my aunt stocks her company’s beauty brand products, Ythera Beauty.
- NSBE Goals: To ensure that we are able to have all our programmed events and more that bring the black engineering community together.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Really take a second to appreciate that your are at Princeton and all the wonderful people you are surrounded by. Time flies here!
(Electrical & Computer Engineering, ’27
Minor: Computer Science)
- Interests: Playing soccer, playing the drums, watching movies.
- Over the Summer I: took an online course and joined a fellowship over this summer learning Python and building AI web applications. I was also a remote Data Analyst intern for Webacy.
- NSBE Goals: I hope to have our chapter operate at the most optimal level. I hope to successfully be able to create wonderful opportunities with partner companies through workshops and other events, while creating an inclusive environment for all members.
- Advice for incoming Members: My advise for incoming members would be to pace yourself. It might feel like everything is coming at you all at once, but you need to find a way to keep everything under check so you’re not overwhelmed. Princeton won’t win, YOU GOT THIS!!!
(Civil & Environmental Engineering, ’27
Minor: Spanish)
- Interests: Taking part in the cultural groups on campus, ceramics and playing the violin during my free time, which isn’t often
- Over the Summer I: took part in Princeton in Argentina, a 5 week summer course taught by a Princeton professor and an Argentinian professor. This experience helped me gain confidence in my Spanish speaking skills and gave me the opportunity to travel to South America for the first time.
- NSBE Goals: My goals for NSBE are to have a variety of events this year; some that involve professional development and some to just create community.
- Advice for incoming Members: Come to NSBE events! You will gain so much insight from board members and other upperclassmen. You will also meet classmates within your major, that you will probably be taking classes with during your time at Princeton. Don’t be shy to reach out to members or upperclassmen for any advice, we are more than welcome to speak to you.
(Electrical & Computer Engineering ’26)
- Interests: Singing, Arranging.
- Over the Summer I: took a Global Seminar in Kenya about the evolution of Western Capitalism.
- NSBE Goals: My goals for NSBE are to make Black engineers feel like they have a space on campus.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Find the fun in difficult times!
(Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering ’25)
- Interests: Dance and Arts
- Over the Summer I: interned at SpaceX in a Starship Mechanisms team!
- NSBE Goals: As a senior, I want to mentor as many underclassman as possible to continue perpetuating black excellence across engineering fields
- Advice for Incoming Members: Invest time into NSBE because these are the people who will have your back not just now while you are going through school, but also in the future when you are colleagues!
(Chemical & Biological Engineering ’24)
- Interests/Hobbies: Loving Jesus, traveling, and working out!
- Over the Summer I: Corporate supply chain intern at L’Oreal.
- NSBE Goals: To connect people to resources and foster a deep sense of community!
- Advice for Incoming Members: Take advantage of the network within your reach from upperclassman to alumni to help you out with any and everything!
(Operational Research & Financial Engineering ’27)
- Interests: Martial arts, Poetry, Spending time with friends, Going on walks
- Over the Summer I: traveled across the west coast facilitating relationships with Business Today’s partners as a Corporate Contacts Manager.
- NSBE Goals: I want to have fun with the NSBE community while I build my career!
- Advice for Incoming Members: Always be open and reach out!
(Electrical & Computer Engineering, ’27)
- Interests/Hobbies: playing soccer, volleyball, and video games.
- Over the Summer I: interned as a Software Engineer for the Google STEP (Student Training in Engineering Program) program.
- NSBE Goal: To become a better version of myself through leadership while inspiring others.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Go with the flow, approach your journey at Princeton using the greedy paradigm and connect the dots later.
Ephraim Meles
(Computer Science, ’27)
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing basketball, traveling, spending time with family/friends.
- Over the Summer I: went on a tour of Italy during June then enjoyed quality time with family and friends in Dallas.
- NSBE Goals: I would love to see as much representation as possible. We desperately need more black engineers and this is an empowering space to build that community.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Take advantage of every opportunity you can and don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to other members.
Blake Brown
(Electrical & Computer Engineering, ’27)
- Interests/Hobbies: Piano, Soccer, Chess
- Over the Summer I: worked as a Research Intern with the Andlinger Center on Emissivity and Nanophotonic research with Professor Claire Gmachl.
- NSBE Goals: My goal for NSBE is to learn. Whether that be learning about how I can branch out and find my way, navigate my network, pursue my career passions or learn more about how to further immerse myself within NSBE, my ultimate goal is to grow with NSBE.
- Advice for Incoming Members: My advice for incoming members is to never be afraid to take risks and to always be on the lookout for opportunities. Capitalize on what you can, and seize the moment.
Tsion Kergo
(Computer Science, ’26)
- Interests/Hobbies: Reading, Dance, and Journaling
- Over the Summer I: I conducted research at the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab and took a course.
- NSBE Goals: I want to create events that help our members find opportunities and achieve their career goals.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Don’t be scared to reach out to upperclassmen!
(Computer Science, ’25)
- Interests: Technology, real estate, finance (commercial and personal), weightlifting, and traveling.
- Over the Summer I: worked as a software engineer intern at an investment bank.
- NSBE Goals: My goals in NSBE are to help create a strong community of support for Black engineers, facilitate professional development opportunities, and ensure that members are prepared to succeed both academically and professionally. I want to contribute to expanding our network, increasing member participation, and hosting impactful events that foster learning and growth.
- Advice for Incoming Members: My advice is to connect with upperclassmen early and often. They’ve been through the same challenges you’re about to face, and their experience can be invaluable. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice on classes, internships, or navigating the college experience in general. Building relationships with them will help you find mentorship, guidance, and support throughout your time in NSBE and beyond.
(Operational Research & Financial Engineering, ’26
Minor: Applications of computing and Statistics & Machine Learning)
- Interests: Orchestra, powerlifting, and mentoring.
- Over the Summer I: worked as an AI/ML Research Engineer at Wake Forest University working on stable diffusion models.
- NSBE Goals: See NSBE grow, provide more opportunities, and continue being a dependable, close-knit community.
- Advice for Incoming Members: Take it slow, ask for help when needed, and have fun!