After seven semesters, Computer Engineering student Sarah Maurice graduates this month from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree, an internship at Intel and enough credits to earn her master’s degree by 2024.
“Engineering gives me the opportunity to give back to the community and to help in a way that I can make a positive impact,” Maurice said.
Maurice’s interest in engineering stems from her goal to use biomedical engineering to increase accessibility to prosthetics after handling the insurance and cost of her own following the loss of her leg in 2010.
Maurice lived in several places throughout the U.S. before landing in Albuquerque for high school, and said she considers herself a local. She attended Sandia Preparatory School where she took her first coding class and found her love for math.
Beyond her academic and professional involvement, Maurice was part of several clubs at UNM. She was a member of the Society of Women Engineers and UNM’s engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, where she held a leadership position and volunteered.
Elsa Maria Castillo – director of the Engineering Student Success Center – said Maurice’s drive to volunteer, despite her busy schedule, stands out to her.
“Nothing can stop Sarah Maurice. She works very hard,” Maria Castillo said. “All individuals around her can depend on her.”
Perseverance was important throughout her college career, Maurice said, after she started at UNM in the fall semester of 2020 when all classes were online. It felt surreal to form connections with her classmates in a virtual setting, she said.
After she received an internship at Intel in fall 2021, Maurice had difficulty balancing her school and work life, she said. However, pushing herself to rely on others got her through it.
“The more that you have the support from your community and from your peers, the more you’re going to succeed,” Maurice said.
After she graduates, Maurice plans on continuing to work with Intel while pursuing her master’s degree in Computer Engineering at UNM. She participated in a dual degree program, earning credits towards a graduate degree during her time as an undergrad and is expected to graduate from the master’s program in fall 2024.
“She is very set with her goals,” Maria Castillo said. “She knows what she wants in life and doesn't let anything stop her.”
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The School of Engineering will have its convocation on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Maurice was selected as a student speaker at the event.
“Numbers became my language when words failed me, and through them, I discovered my passion for engineering,” Maurice said.
Lauren Lifke is a beat reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @lauren_lifke
Lauren Lifke is the managing editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at managingeditor@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @lauren_lifke
