FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Greetings! I am Dillon Lewis, a freshman at Florida A&M University, and graduated senior from 
Martinsburg High School in West Virginia. As a member of the National Technical Honor Society, I have earned high achievements in the area of robotics. I served as the interim chapter president of the DMV National Society of Black Engineers Junior (NSBE Jr.), where I built programs, coded, and designed on a robotics team. We participated in the 49th annual NSBE convention in Kansas City, Missouri, where my team competed and practiced combating threats against networked systems and applications. As a young writer, I have won essay awards for writing thought-provoking perspectives on marginalized populations, and I was also hand-picked for a 2023 NASA Goddard Space Center summer internship.
Of my many experiences, I am most proud of being a co-founder of the first Black Student Union at Martinsburg High School. I have worked closely as an advocate to ensure this group was in place in my building. I am also an active youth member of my local NAACP chapter.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
Since I was a child, I have been in love with science and STEM. My experiences on robotics teams, and other STEM related extracurricular teams, have only further cultivated my love for science. When I received advice from a mentor to pursue mechanical engineering, I did dual enrollment at a community college and studied mechatronics to see what I would be going into. I learned various concepts at the college, including but not limited to the basics of electricity, gear ratios and motor operation, fire safety and fire extinguishing, forklift training, hydraulic and pneumatic power, blueprint reading and creation, fluid power schematic interpretation and plumbing, and much more. All of these factors have solidified my desire to pursue a degree and career in STEM.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
The wind is one of the fundamental parts of nature necessary to life on planet Earth! It spreads seeds, controls the temperature, and even serves as a power source! One of the most revolutionary uses of wind is with sailboats. Just like a pirate needs wind for his boat to sail on the sea so he can find the legendary treasure, the "One Piece", I will need “wind” so that I can sail on my metaphorical sea, which is my journey of engineering and education. This scholarship is exceedingly important as it provides the financial assistance that I need to pay for college, and also a mentorship program. I couldn’t be more grateful.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
In 10 years, I will have earned my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and will be continuing to study for a PhD in engineering. At that time, I will also be employed at NASA or another very reputable 
engineering company. I would have also cultivated multiple skills such as engineering, agriculture, carpentry, welding and more trades.
I also hope to be traveling all across the world, learning about as many cultures as I can while I seek a new home outside of America. At the same time, I will begin working on creating my own business that is technology centered. Finally, I will be doing frequent visits to my hometown and college to interact with the youth and present them with as many STEM opportunities as possible.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
I’ve loved video games and nerdy things since I was young. When I was 13, I built my own computer for gaming. Recently, I have been playing Super Smash Bros, Yakuza 0, Sekiro, and I’m waiting for the Elden ring DLC. I’m also a pretty big fan of anime and manga, and am currently reading Jujutsu Kaisen, and watching Steins; Gate 0. After my NASA internship, I got into computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D printing. I also have hobbies and interests outside of computers and games. These include cooking, roller skating, and exercise as well.
Hear more from Dillon about when he first realized he was good at STEM.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.