• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2024

• Prairie View A&M University, Mechanical Engineering, ‘25

• Host Institution: BOF

• Mentor: Ezinne Uzo-Okoro

• Brookie Mentor: Meena Pandit

Nadia Higgins is a dynamic student and campus leader at Prairie View A&M University, studying Mechanical Engineering.

Nadia is currently making waves, dedicated to groundbreaking research in drop tower apparatuses, energy-efficient building envelopes, and wind turbine component design, showcasing her innovation in engineering. Her interests focus on developing her expertise in mechanical component design of spacecrafts and inspiring the next generation of aerospace engineers.

During her sophomore year, Nadia founded PVAMU VROOOM. This program’s primary objective has been to introduce minority students from Pre-K to college to the opportunities within the realm of motorsports and provide hands-on experience in the aspects of automotive engineering. Nadia also co-coordinated a project with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto to obtain two badges in STEM, concentrating on mechanical engineering and computer science. This program provided a space for 2nd-5th graders to come to a college campus and experience the practices and excitement of STEM-related activities.

With notable internships at Toyota Motor Company, Nadia is experienced with improving production lines and quality systems while championing safety measures. Primarily, Nadia has expertise in flow line production of pedestrian vehicles and manufacturing communication systems.

While her professional achievements are notable, Nadia continues to balance her classwork along with her community involvement. She is an Honors Program student and became a trumpet section leader in the renowned PVAMU Marching Storm Band. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society, a recipient of the Prairie View A&M Regents Merit Scholarship, and was recently crowned as Miss National Association of African American Honors Programs.

Outside of her school work, Nadia enjoys watching F1 racing events, driving her manual car a litle past the speed limit, talking to her school mentors, and spending time with her family. Nadia is also a CEO and co-owner of Stone Cold Beauty, an all-natural skin and hair care products company based in Houston, TX.

Nadia envisions herself taking on a leadership role in the future, aspiring to become a business manager traveling the world and providing opportunities to students on an international scale. Her drive and dedication have already earned her academic recognition, and she continues to strive to perform purposeful work that will make a significant impact in mechanical engineering and beyond.