Meet Florida A&M's Kyndal Newsome STEAM Sports Foundation Scholarship Recipient
- STEAM Sports Foundation
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Personal Profile
Name: Kyndal Newsome
College: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Aspirational Car: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
10-Year Prediction in auto/motorsports: A booming, diverse community that leads the industry in innovation and sustainability.
Listen to what Kyndal says
about her recent Immersion Tour trip to Charlotte during NHRA weekend
How did you get so interested in the auto/motorsports industry?
Like many others, I developed a love for movies at a young age. The first film that sparked my interest in cars was Fast and Furious, where I was captivated by both their design and their power on the road. From that moment, I began following races closely and envisioning how I could one day contribute to advancing the automotive and motorsports industry.
What automotive aspect interests you the most?
What interests me most is material testing for vehicles. Through my academic pursuits, I have developed a growing passion for materials science and its role in the automotive industry. I am particularly interested in understanding the composition and engineering behind building cars, as well as how components are specifically designed and tuned to perform across different tracks and conditions.
How do you approach the challenges of being a minority engineering student in what has been traditionally a non-minority career path?
I approach challenges by staying grounded in my faith and remaining focused on my purpose. When I encounter moments of being overlooked or overwhelmed academically, I make it a priority to recenter myself, reflect, and develop a plan forward. I draw inspiration from Jalen Hurts’ words, “I had a purpose before everybody had an opinion,” and I strive to live by this mindset by waking up each day grateful for how far I have come and motivated to keep progressing.
What would you like your first job/career opportunity to be?
I aspire for my first role to be in the automotive industry, where I can contribute to a team of engineers while focusing on materials, quality, or testing. I am particularly eager to apply my knowledge of materials science to real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience that will strengthen my skills and help advance innovation in the field.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I aspire to be a multifaceted engineer with experience across various departments and roles within the automotive industry. As a hands-on learner, I believe I am most effective when I understand all aspects of a problem and can contribute to innovative solutions. I hope to play a role in advancing the industry’s future, particularly through a focus on sustainability. Beyond my career, I aim to live a fulfilling life by cherishing experiences, building meaningful connections, and creating lasting memories.
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