Hello Friends, my name is Al-Muthanna Al-Ani. I am a graduate student preparing to start my PhD in mechanical engineering. I recently graduated with my masters in ME under the mechanical systems track specializing in robotics and vibrational analysis. Why do more school instead of going off into the real world? Well, I’m one of those people who loves school, learning and wants to become the expert who inspires others to join STEM.

Over the 7 years I’ve spent at UCF, I made a lot of long-lasting connections with students and faculty working to achieve my goal of convincing you that STEM is really not that hard. I’ve had the opportunity to conduct research on exosuit design, taking classes where infinity is a regularly used word, teaching math and physics to our brave freshmen, and hosting movie nights at UCF’s parking garage I (feel free to join). Each of these experiences taught me that I really don’t know anything, but if you’re willing to continue learning you can do some pretty cool stuff.

I have been with STEM ambassadors for 6 years now and I showed tons of kids the huge world of engineering, math and science from planes to beams to robots. A driving motivation of why I am continuing my degree is to show that yes, it’s a little hard, but with a little work it’s very realistic, believe me my spelling and grammar is far below where it should be, and I don’t actually remember every detail from my classes. Contrary to popular belief most grad students are not Sheldon. I am excited to return as an ambassador for the 2024-25 year and hope to meet you all soon.