Future Aerospace Engineer Soars to Success
When Stefan Shapllo decided to attend PCCC in Fall 2023, his expectations of the College were modest. “I chose PCCC mostly for financial reasons.”
But the first-generation college student and aspiring aerospace engineer was impressed by how much PCCC exceeded his initial expectations. “I got exactly what I wanted and found a lot of opportunity at PCCC that I didn’t see before.”
Stefan graduated this month as a valedictorian of the Class of 2025, with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He received an Associate in Science Degree in Engineering Science with highest honors. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Stefan is also the recipient of the Graduate Achievement Award in Engineering Science.
Presenting the award to Stefan at the May 19 Graduate Awards Ceremony, engineering Professor Michael Grinberg described him as “an outstanding student who combines “curiosity, analytical thinking, and a real passion for engineering.”
That passion started early in Stefan’s life. “I always loved trucks, and boats, and especially airplanes,” he says. “My goal is to create the designs for planes, then get into the actual hands-on construction.”
In his senior year at Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI), a high school focused on technology, Stefan participated in a nationwide NASA competition for high schools. “Our project was to make a lunar chair for NASA missions,” Stefan explained. He designed the chair and the team from PCTI built a prototype.
Selected as finalists, Stefan gave the formal presentation of the project at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, receiving accolades from the NASA judges and even from astronaut Victor Glover. “I don’t know if they ever used or will use our design, but I enjoyed visiting NASA and it was a great experience,” said Stefan.
Stefan received the Graduate Achievement Award for Engineering Science at the May 19 Graduate Awards Ceremony. Professor Michael Grinberg presented the plaque to Stefan commended him as an “outstanding student who combines curiosity, analytical thinking, and a real passion for engineering.”
As a PCCC student, what impressed Stefan most about the College is the faculty. “The professors here are really amazing and show great interest in their field, especially Professor Grinberg and (math) Professor David Burger.”
Appreciative of the community he shared with other engineering students, he described times they would work together near Professor Grinberg’s office. “Sometimes he would walk in to watch us and answer any questions we had. I really appreciated how he was willing to talk anytime I went to his office excited about something.”
Serving as a tutor for math, calculus and physics was one of Stefan’s favorite PCCC experiences. “I loved doing that and hope I can continue.”
At PCCC, Stefan even became a more well-rounded student than he had been in high school, taking a greater interest in courses beyond his major. “I took composition with Professor (Alan) Mitnick and think my writing has improved a good bit,” he said.
Working at a part-time job, studying, and tutoring, Stefan had little time to get involved in other PCCC activities, such as the Student Government Association. “That’s the only thing I regret. I would have liked being more involved,” he said.
Now headed to Rutgers College of Engineering in New Brunswick to focus on a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with a focus on aerospace electives, Stefan feels well prepared for his next academic challenge. In fact, he’s even considering Princeton for his graduate study one day.
In his gracious valedictory message, Stefan commended his fellow graduates for their achievement and acknowledged that PCCC “primed us for industry and further education and will continue to serve us as our foundation for future success.” He thanked friends and family for persuading him to take an occasional break from studying for some relaxation, and he publicly expressed his gratitude to Professor Grinberg, seated among the faculty, remarking that “his commitment to education and passion for engineering have served to motivate my own ambition.”
Days earlier, at the awards ceremony, Professor Grinberg had predicted: “Stefan, your driving passion and academic brilliance will take you far.”
But no matter how far he goes, Stefan plans to stay connected. “I will miss it here and am very grateful for my time at PCCC. I received a really great foundation for my future.”
Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by Luis Ruiz
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