Emmanuel "Manny" Diaz Suriel ’23 is an Electromechanical Engineering Technology student with a passion for campus involvement and student inclusion. He has enjoyed creating and building since he was a child.
“I always loved breaking things down and making them better when I was little. I built my first computer at 10 years old, and I fell in love with it, and I am studying to be an engineer because of that,” he shared. It was no surprise that this first-generation student decided to study Electromechanical Engineering Technology at UHart’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, and dreams of continuing on for a Master of Mechanical Engineering and an MBA after graduation.
Emmanuel Diaz Suriel '23, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, CETAI love the heart and passion that campus faculty offer you to be successful."
While pursuing his degree, Suriel has found that campus involvement is just as important as academics. His college experience balances club activities, internship opportunities, and industry networking. Currently, Suriel is a Red Cap, a student mentor at the Center for Student Success, an athlete on the Track and Field team, a Treasurer for the National Society of Biomedical Engineers (NSBE), and serves as Vice President for the Hispanic and Latino Student Association.
"I have been in NSBE for 2 years. Last year I was the Public Relations Chair, and this year I became the Treasurer." Suriel added, "My favorite experience is when we went to California for our convention last year and I was able to connect with 150+ companies. Through networking, I accomplished the goal of getting an internship and was offered to intern with Collins Aerospace."
Suriel's Project Engineering internship at Collins Aerospace provided a valuable opportunity to apply classroom learning. He worked with Excel files creating spreadsheets for new products and part changes. Additionally, he worked on return parts. His favorite memory from the experience was visiting the Pratt & Whitney facilities where he saw the engines he worked with.
“It helped me understand more about the engines and the military jets,” he explained.
When referring to the people, opportunities, and organizations he encountered at UHart, Suriel stated that he enjoys the diversity and inclusion there is on campus.
He is also thankful for the faculty and staff support he received from Julie Spring, Joe Rocca, Professors Raphael, Professor Sohn, and Dr. Hadad. “I love the heart and passion that campus faculty offer you to be successful.”
Overall, Suriel attributes much of his success to the encouragement he received from family and friends.
“I want to recognize these people in my life that have been in my life pushing me since day one: my family. They have been there since the start of my college career and never told me to stop.”