Fatima-Antonia Delgado, ’22

April 1, 2024

The spark drawing Fátima-Antonia Delgado toward mechanical engineering started with an internship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Here, she witnessed the design and capabilities of a robotic arm performing surgery. From that point, this first-generation student decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, starting on this path at UT Tyler’s Houston Engineering Center. 

Since graduating in 2022, Delgado embarked on a career as a quality engineer for Boeing and was simultaneously named a 2022 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Diversity Scholar. At Boeing, she has gotten involved with the Familia San Antonio Board. 

If your life were a story, what would it be titled?

Aim for the Stars. 

What's one thing you have learned about yourself that you didn't know 10 years ago?

I have learned it is better to take a chance and fail than to not try at all. I believe my past failures shaped me to be the fearless person I am today. I learned life is not always easy, but with hard work and sacrifice, I am capable of getting where I want to be. When I decided to go into STEM, many people advised me not to because I was “not going to make it.” I learned that no one else’s opinion has significance in my life. God can give me the strength to get through anything. 

Do you have any favorite memories of your experience at UT Tyler HEC?

I loved coming together with other engineering majors to study and find ways to broaden our knowledge. I cherished my time as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. I am beyond grateful to my professors for ensuring that students had every resource to be successful. Professor Aws Al-Shalash was always encouraging and pushing me to new levels. Another favorite memory is when I decided to pursue a career in aerospace. I told my career success coach, and he fully believed in me and helped me to go into the field.

About the Houston Engineering Center

UT Tyler works closely with Houston Community College to create a transfer-friendly pathway toward a career in engineering. Students begin at HCC or another area community college and, after earning their associate degree in engineering, transfer to HEC to continue their studies. Those on this track specialize their knowledge toward a discipline or application — mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering or construction management — and receive a hands-on, applied education in preparation for internships and an entry-level job.

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What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for God blessing me with a wonderful family and filling my life with so many amazing professors and friends from UT Tyler. I am beyond grateful for having amazing parents who made sacrifices in their lives to give me the opportunity for a better one. 

Are you currently watching or reading anything?

I enjoy watching Madam Secretary! I love seeing Elizabeth McCord being powerful and strong.

About the BS in Mechanical Engineering

Available at the HEC and on the main campus, the bachelor’s in mechanical engineering program trains students to develop industry-advancing technologies and systems, including for aeronautics, computational intelligence, alternative energy systems, biomechanics and machinery dynamics. Along with an overarching emphasis on learning through doing, students can use the Trane Residential Heating and Cooling Research Lab and other department facilities.

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