Hi, I’m Mia Andreu. I am a Junior at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace minor. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to puzzles, logic games, and creating untraditional projects. Anything to beat boredom. Nothing felt as satisfying as solving a crossword in record time, helping my grandpa write instructions to solve a Rubik’s cube, or viewing a month long painting with perfectly combed details. My interests felt endless and it was easier to talk about what I didn’t want to do for a career rather than picking one path. Once I realized an engineer didn’t just build trains, the answer seemed obvious. Now, my motivation lies within the United Nation’s SDGs and the 14 Grand Challenges. The hardest puzzles I can envision.
Currently, my endeavors include Aerospace Design, CAD, and Sustainable Energy Systems. The summer after my sophomore year, I interned with WSP, a global engineering consultant firm. Here, I was able to work on a variety of projects involving reusable energy & power systems where I honed my Revit and AutoCAD skills. Every project I was involved in was a vastly unique learning experience, showing me various alternatives to gas fueled energy systems .
When I am in school, I work with Rogue Aerospace, a student-led competition team at NYU. In this role I design and manufacture rocket components, such as fins and attachments. Since joining at the beginning of my sophomore year, I’ve gained hands-on experience with various prototyping techniques, such as laser cutting and carbon fiber overlaying, transforming CAD concepts into tangible designs.
Growing up with a carpenter for a father, I was inspired early on to create. I remember sketching furniture designs and seeing them come to life through my father’s craftsmanship. This hands-on approach to building has influenced my own creative process, whether I’m designing aerospace components, coming up with solutions to untraditional problems, or even crocheting a gift for a friend. I’ve always enjoyed bringing ideas to life to share with others, which is the key motivation behind everything I do.
In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I’ve been weightlifting for the past seven years. I enjoy the discipline, the sense of progression, and the way it mirrors my approach to engineering—striving to improve day by day.
My goal as an engineer is to make an impact that stretches beyond my time on Earth, leaving a personal imprint that will live generations past my own. I believe in the power of innovation, perseverance, and creativity, and I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
GLASS Program Impact
The GLASS program has been a transformative force in both my academic and personal development, providing a global lens through which to view the most pressing challenges of our time. By integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges into its framework, the program has enabled me to connect my coursework to real-world issues with global significance. This alignment has redefined my academic journey—not as a pursuit of individual success alone, but as a platform for contributing to collaborative, solutions-driven change.
Through access to interdisciplinary resources, hands-on experiences, and expert mentorship, I have developed the skills to think critically, lead with empathy, and engage across diverse communities. The program has fostered my ability to navigate complex systems, communicate across cultural and disciplinary boundaries, and approach innovation with a sense of social responsibility. Experiences such as global travel, collaborative projects, and impactful dialogue have strengthened my confidence and expanded my capacity for meaningful leadership.
Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about the continued opportunities the GLASS program offers to further refine my academic focus and professional direction. I am committed to leveraging this experience to drive sustainable, equitable solutions in my future career—and to remain a thoughtful, globally minded contributor to the challenges that define our shared future.
Mia Andreu's Portfolio 