Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Physics
Future Plans: Pursue a Ph.D. in the fall at UC Berkeley in the Optical Nanoengineering Lab
Honored Faculty: Griff Allen, Engineering Innovation Studio manager, College of Engineering
Biography
Nuha Kamal Akhtar is passionate about fostering inclusivity and diversity in STEM, using her experiences to break down barriers and create supportive communities.
Through research at Caltech’s Kavli Nanoscience Institute and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, she has represented Boise State on a national level, encouraging others to pursue similar opportunities. As president of Tau Beta Pi and co-chair of the Mechanical and Biomedical Student Advisory Board, she has worked to enhance student engagement, mentorship and accessibility in engineering.
In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Akhtar plays saxophone at the collegiate level for Boise State along with local bands in Boise, balancing her love for music with her technical pursuits. She also enjoys attending concerts, collecting vinyls and driving her NC Mazda Miata and motorcycle. She is committed to continuing her efforts to cultivate inclusive environments, ensuring future generations of students feel empowered to succeed in STEM.
Scholarships and Awards
- JoAnn and Larry Lighty Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
- Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society National Scholar
- Caltech Kavli Nanoscience Institute SURF-the-WAVE Prize Fellow
- American Council of Engineering Companies of Idaho Scholarship
- Boise State University Presidential Scholarship