• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• University of Virginia, Electrical Engineering, ‘28

• Host Institution: LeoLabs

My name is Foladayo Akinbi. I am a first-year student at the University of Virginia, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Computer Science. I am a dedicated engineering student with hands-on experience in electrical engineering applications, microelectronics, and sustainable energy systems. I have experience in CAD design, circuit analysis, and propulsion systems, with a strong foundation in physics, thermodynamics, and advanced mathematics. As a recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including NASA’s NSBE-GSC Scholarship and the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship, I have demonstrated both academic excellence and a commitment to advancing underrepresented communities in STEM. Building on my foundation in electrical engineering and my commitment to innovation, I have explored various technical projects. Notably, I researched piezoelectric energy harvesting through aerodynamic forces on airfoils, utilizing computational simulations and hands-on experimentation to optimize energy production in the automotive and aerospace industry. Another key project involved developing a wireless recharging system for cardiac pacemaker medical batteries using resonant induction, showcasing my ability to merge engineering principles with real-world applications. During high school, I co-founded Osbourn Park High School’s National Society of Black Engineers organization, where I organized workshops, educational trips, and corporate partnerships to expand STEM opportunities for over 60 students in underrepresented communities. At UVA, I continue to contribute as an active NSBE member and Engineering Bridge Scholar, engaging with peers and professionals to promote diversity in engineering and build connections within the STEM community. This summer, I will intern with LeoLabs as part of the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, where I look forward to applying my skills to support their mission of advancing space sustainability and mitigating orbital debris. My goal is to leverage my education to pursue a career focused on developing electronic systems that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and integration of sustainable technologies.