Adam Gionfriddo ‘25, a mechanical engineering major at the University of Hartford, is making a significant impact both in class and beyond. His academic journey, which includes international experience, reflects a commitment to his field as well as his personal growth.
Gionfriddo was drawn to mechanical engineering by his fascination with how things work and a desire to understand the mechanics behind everyday objects. “Mechanical engineering offers the perfect opportunity to explore that kind of curiosity and apply it in real-world scenarios,” Gionfriddo explains.
His leadership role as vice president of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (TBP) has been another defining aspect of his university life. As one of the most prestigious honor societies for engineers, TBP has allowed him to engage with like-minded peers while taking on the responsibility of leading the organization.
For Gionfriddo, the study abroad opportunity was transformative. “The idea of living in a different culture has always fascinated me. When else might I have the chance to experience a country like Australia for an extended period?’” he reflects. “The people were incredibly kind, and the natural beauty of the country was unbelievable. By the time I was packing to leave, I realized I had fallen in love with the Aussie way of life. The entire experience gave me a new perspective on the world.”
It also allowed him to meet peers from around the globe, and to create friendships and professional connections that will last a lifetime.
Gionfriddo credits UHart and the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) for giving him the tools and opportunities to excel academically and professionally. “The small class sizes are one of the biggest advantages. They make it easier to stay on top of your work and foster personal relationships with professors who are always there to offer support,” he says. “The mechanical engineering labs are designed to make sure we truly understand the concepts. I’ve been able to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios.”
Gionfriddo credits Laurie Granstrand, Manager of Graduate Programs, with providing the most help to him during his time at UHart, for such things as how best to transfer existing credits. “Without her guidance, I probably would never have been able to go abroad," he shares.
Gionfriddo is currently employed as a field deployment specialist at Nextera Robotics, a company based in Boston. He works on construction sites in Bridgeport, Connecticut setting up and maintaining robotic equipment, performing data capture, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with project teams to ensure the smooth operation of equipment.
He also completed an internship with Henkel, a global company specializing in adhesives, where he worked in the company’s research and development lab operations department.
After he graduates, Gionfriddo plans to pursue a career that will allow him to work internationally or travel frequently so that he may apply his engineering skills to solve global challenges.
Beyond school and work, he enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling. –He has also visited Thailand, Indonesia, and New Zealand, where he checked off one bucket list item: skydiving.
Gionfriddo is well on his way to making a lasting impact in the world of engineering. Between his own determination and the support of UHart, CETA, he is preparing not just for a career, but to change the world.
Adam Gionfriddo ‘25, College of Engineering, Technology, and ArchitectureThe mechanical engineering labs are designed to make sure we truly understand the concepts. I’ve been able to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios.