3 minute read
Spotlight on Nardos Ayele Ashenafi
by boisestate5
Raised in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, Nardos Ayele Ashenafi has always been driven by curiousity and creativity. As she grew, her love for education became aligned with the desire to be a role model and teacher for young Ethiopian girls.
Nardos recognized the important lessons taught her by her parents. Her father, a businessman, taught her to care for others. Her mother taught her a love of learning. Nardos remembers how her mother had given up her own dreams of a formal education to raise her family.
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“She still sought out every opportunity to learn something new,” she said. “She would take classes, or learn a new recipe, or read about things that interested her, and she passed that on to her family.”
“Push yourself, and take the risk. It’s actually very much worth it when it pays off.” (Nardos working in the Robotics Laboaratory)
Photo by Justin Larson
Nardos is also inspired by Ethiopian economist Dr. Eleni Gabre-Mahdin, founder of an organization that creates opportunities for Ethiopian farmers to introduce their products in a competitive global market.
“I remember the particular Sunday afternoon I saw her speaking on TV for the first time … I realized what makes this woman one of the most influential people in Ethiopia and in the world. I realized that she's a distinguished economist and entrepreneur because she's very well educated.”
As Nardos looked at her own higher education options, she knew that moving from Ethiopia could be challenging. Cost is always an obstacle for students in some countries, but she knew she could find a way to get an education that would allow her to bring her learning back home and support industrialization in developing nations.
“The best advice I got is from my mother. She said, ‘Learn as much as you can while you can.’” (Nardos with her parents at the Top Ten Scholars ceremony)
Photo provided by Boise State University
Boise State University was her ultimate choice because she wanted to be in an environment that motivates innovation and encourages creative thinking. A combination of student jobs, scholarships and fellowships have provided her support so she could take advantage of opportunities in the Robotics Laboratory and the Computational Biosciences Laboratory.
“My biggest achievement at Boise State is becoming the responsible, risk-taking adult I am today,” said Ashenafi. “Coming to the U.S. was an expensive decision and I knew it would be my full responsibility to pay for my education and keep my grades high. With Boise State’s support, I quickly and rather smoothly learned the value of taking responsibility for my choices.”
Perhaps the thing that stands out about Nardos isn’t her impressive academic achievement or her research endeavors. It’s her interest in people and how she can make their lives better.
“Service is part of Nardos’s DNA,” remarks Dr. Krishna Pakala. Ashenafi worked for him as a peer educator for several semesters, as well as helping with calculus courses across campus, affecting the success of over 350 students.
“Don’t be afraid to try something that other people call ridiculous.” (Nardos working on the robotic air hockey table for her senior design project)
Photo provided by Boise State University
Nardos has played a significant role with the Society of Women Engineers, the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. Her involvement allowed her to work in projects addressing accessibility issues for handicapped children and adults, as well as energy sustainability for the Boise area.
Nardos speaking at the Spring 2019 Commencement ceremony at Boise State University
Photo provided by Boise State University.
Ms. Ashenafi graduated summa cum laude with a BS in mechanical engineering and recognized as a Top Ten Scholar for Boise State. She completed her Fundamentals of Engineering exam and earned her Engineer in Training certificate. She plans to continue at Boise State pursuing a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering with an emphasis in robotics under the supervision of ME assistant professor Dr. Aykut Satici. In her spare time, Nardos still finds time to enjoy photography, hiking, and basketball.
