Dayton Engineer

By Karen Updyke, School of Engineering

The National Society of Black Engineers Chapter and Special Interest House at the University of Dayton thrive because of the love, the sharing and the strength of the NSBE leaders and constituents who relentlessly protect and grow the NSBE connection.

In 2006, when Jackie Nicol ‘08 (Hawthorne), civil engineering major, became the president of NSBE UD Chapter, she faced the challenge of a new beginning because the previous leadership graduated without leaving a playbook — she started anew. According to Nicol, “My goals were to grow the NSBE UD Chapter, to bring NSBE awareness to the UD student body, and to apply for a NSBE Special Interest House, which would be a safe place for multi-ethnic STEM students who looked like me — representation matters.”

Nicol spearheaded the NSBE Special Interest House, which was approved in 2007, and was a place where everyone was welcome. On the application, Nicol wrote that the “House would give back to the University by tutoring those who needed a safe place to study.” NSBE House tutoring was every Sunday, which was quickly followed by an open-door tutoring policy — NSBE students helped those who needed help, when they needed help.

“The NSBE House was unique; there was no other NSBE House in the world,” said Nicol.

NSBE UD not only provided mentoring and tutoring but also gave back to the community through service. “We participated in Habitat for Humanity, Christmas on Campus and others,” said Nicol.

Fast forward 15 years — 2021, NSBE student president, Caleb Cecil '23, computer engineering major, faced Covid 19 challenges and also had to start anew. Restrictions were in place on campus and NSBE activities were disrupted. “My current goals are to grow the NSBE UD Chapter, to return to our successful activities and service, and to support our STEM students academically and professionally," said Cecil. 

The Mission of NSBE International is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

NSBE UD Chapter emulates the mission of their parent organization and offers its members leadership training, professional development, mentoring opportunities, service opportunities, career placement services and more.

Today, Nicol, a successful Ohio Department of Transportation civil engineer, inspects road projects in the Montgomery County district and engineers the solutions. One of her current undertakings is the Edwin C. Moses and I-75 project. According to Nicol, “My biggest challenges are the unexpected issues, such as problem soil, or an unforeseen or unrecorded design.”

She frequently returns to UD and participates in Career Fairs, Diversity in Engineering Center events, etc. Laura Bistrek, executive director of the UD School of Engineering Diversity in Engineering Center, was her NSBE adviser and a “huge help,” said Nicol.

In 2021, Cecil stepped up as the NSBE president because of the guidance that he had received from NSBE since elementary school. Cecil participated in numerous NSBE competitions and professional workshops before coming to UD. Through a coding workshop, NSBE helped him to decipher his computer engineering career path.

In his heart, Cecil needed to propel NSBE UD forward and bring students together again to provide mentorship, guidance, tutoring and service — and an open-door policy for all. As a member of the NSBE Special Interest House, Cecil states, “It is a de-stress place for like-minded people.”

Recently, NSBE successfully collaborated with other UD student organizations, including Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, on a “Spooky Carnival” fundraiser.

Through collaboration, “NSBE will be stronger,” said Cecil.

After spring 2022 semester, Cecil will travel to Seattle for a summer internship with Amazon.

When Cecil returns to UD in the fall, he will continue the NSBE UD legacy and plans to initiate a registration event to disseminate faculty, advising and flowchart information to students for a positive beginning.

NSBE UD is dedicated to the academic and professional success of STEM students and professionals. Their current adviser, Gerica Brown, is the director of the UD School of Engineering Multi-Ethnic Engineers Program.

NSBE at the University of Dayton is effective because of its leaders. It is an organization that adheres to community, professionalism and engineering excellence. If you’re looking for more ways to get involved on campus, NSBE is an organization with students that helps students.