Guiding the Next Generation of Women in STEM

Pictured: Adina Tsibulevskiy addresses attendees at the dedication event for the Nada Anid Scholarship Fund on the New York City campus.

Adina Tsibulevskiy is a senior working towards her bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering and a minor in mathematics. She is also the first beneficiary of the Nada Anid Scholarship Fund, established on behalf of Vice President and former College of Engineering and Computing Sciences Dean Nada Anid, Ph.D., who passed away in September 2021.

A passionate advocate for the advancement of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, the scholarship fund was established by her family to help support women in STEM at New York Tech while also honoring her legacy.

Tsibulevskiy was a featured speaker at an event held on November 10, 2022, to dedicate the Nada Anid, Ph.D., Art Gallery and Student Lounge at the New York City campus. New York Tech News spoke to Tsibulevskiy to learn more about her time at New York Tech, her inspirations, and her plans for the future. 

What was your reaction when you learned you are the first recipient of the Nada Anid Scholarship?
Honestly, when I first received the award in my financial aid package, I didn’t know where it came from or why I earned it. My curiosity was piqued as to who this donor could be and why they are extending their generosity to me. I learned that this scholarship is intended for women in STEM, and I was selected to receive it for this academic year.

Do you see similarities in your chosen paths?
I know Dr. Anid was the first and only female dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences. One impact I have personally felt from her time as a dean was that she spearheaded the funding and creation of the Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center (ETIC). I use that room and its resources almost every day for my capstone design project essentials.

Similar to Dr. Anid, I am one of the only women in the engineering spaces. The majority of my classmates are men, and I’ll be honest, it can feel a bit intimidating sometimes. I need to advocate a bit more for myself to have the same access to opportunities and resources that my classmates do. I choose to continue pushing forward in my studies despite these obstacles. Having been on the President’s List every semester at New York Tech reassures me and helps me prove to myself that I belong in this program at this school and that I am setting myself up for success to achieve my goals.

Are you now inspired to be a role model?
As a woman in STEM, it is rare to come across a visible female role model to take inspiration from and learn from. Dr. Anid really gives me a model and path to look up to and follow. I am motivated to stick with my engineering path and hopefully be another young woman’s role model one day, being open, visible, and encouraging to women about STEM.

What does receiving this award mean to you?
The Nada Anid Scholarship Fund has enabled me to easily access my education and reduce the financial burden on myself and my family. As a first-generation American, it has always been my dream to be a college graduate, despite the societal barriers in my way. Dr. Anid’s commitment to bringing and retaining more women in STEM fields is something I have felt personally as the recipient of her memorial scholarship. I am grateful to the Anid family for making this all happen for me.

In an interview with Cybercrime Magazine in 2019, Dr. Anid’s message for the future was, “It starts with me, telling my story. The message is, ‘look at me, I’ve done it, you can also do it.’” I look to Dr. Anid as a true inspiration for me as an aspiring female engineer, and I am reassured that I indeed can also do it, just like she did.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you take a break from your studies? 
I don’t get too many breaks from school, but in my free time I like to ice skate. I own my own skates, but I’m still learning—with a long way to go. I also enjoy cozying up on the couch with a book and hot chocolate. It’s usually where you’ll find me.

What are your plans after you earn your undergraduate degree at New York Tech?
After getting my bachelor’s degree, I am going to do the 4+1 accelerated program and do my electrical and computer engineering master’s degree. It’s only a year. After that, I want to get my professional engineering license, which I am very excited about.

What do you picture yourself doing 10 to 15 years from now?
That’s really far ahead! I hope to be a practicing engineer and hopefully be in a leadership position. I also hope to be in a women’s mentorship program for another female engineering student and give her the support and guidance I once needed.

This interview has been edited and condensed.