Penn State Behrend’s class of 2018 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend. Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Ahmed Ali:

Ahmed with his 3D printed self portraits

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Project and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq.

Scholarships: I have received the Frank S. Palkovic scholarship for the past three years, which gave me a chance to pursue my dreams. I’m grateful that there are people out there who care about other people and want to help them achieve their goals and dreams without even knowing them. I hope one day I can give back and help others.

On choosing to major in Mechanical Engineering: I felt it was a broad discipline with distinguished career opportunities.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I was chosen to speak at the scholarship luncheon, which I felt was a great honor.

Campus involvement: I was involved in the soccer club and I earned my SCUBA diving certification by taking a class at Behrend.

On cloning himself: I designed and 3D printed a bobble head of myself.

How he defines the good life: Living in safety, having my family near me, and having food on the table every day.

What you would be surprised to know about him: My family moved here from Iraq and I learned English and started college just five months after arriving in the United States.

After his graduation in May, Ahmed plans to begin his career in engineering and work for a few years before returning to school to earn a master’s degree. He hopes to be a college professor someday.