My Ly '27, Mechanical Engineering

When My Ly '27 moved from Vietnam to the United States at the age of eight, everything felt unfamiliar — the culture, the language and even the microwave.

The transition fueled her determination. "I'm a first-generation college student, and I'm also the eldest daughter in the family," says Ly, who is from Telford, Pa. "I knew that if I wanted to help my family create a stable life, but also make room for my own passions in life, I needed to work hard in school."

Ly chose Montgomery County Community College "to save money, but also to really figure out what I really wanted to do." While taking classes in mechanical engineering, she discovered the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program (BCCSP) — and it reshaped her trajectory.

"BCCSP enabled me to come live on campus for 10 weeks over the summer and complete two courses," she says. "I did that program in 2023, and I just fell in love with the campus."

After completing her associate's degree, she transferred to Bucknell in 2024. Since arriving, she's become "a huge advocate for making Bucknell a more open place for nontraditional students, including transfer students and underrepresented groups in engineering."

That commitment led her to join the Engineering Student Board, where she and fellow transfer students are helping peers navigate resources and find community. "We have these resources available, but then how do we bridge that gap so that we're connected?"

Research That Makes a Difference

Her first year on campus, Ly connected with Jude Okolie, chemical engineering, and expressed interest in working in his lab, where students are conducting a number of renewable energy projects, including lithium battery recycling.

Supported by Bucknell's Program for Undergraduate Research, Ly spent last summer developing more sustainable methods for extracting precious metals from used lithium-ion batteries — research with implications for environmental protection and a circular economy.

In November, Ly presented her research at the AIChE Annual Meeting — one of the leading conferences for academic and industry professionals in chemical engineering — in Boston. Bucknell funded her travel and lodging, enabling her to share her findings and connect with researchers from across the country. She returned with top honors.

"It was so shocking," she says. "I won first place for the separations division, and it was just like, 'Whoa, did I hear my name right?' "

The experience left a lasting impression. "I was able to network with some Bucknell alumni," she says, "and it was just so nice being in that supportive environment where everyone just wanted to push each other up."

My Ly '27 celebrates with fellow lab members after earning first place in the separations division at the AIChE Annual Meeting. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

Finding Her People

Community has been central to Ly's Bucknell journey.

As a first-generation student, she found early support through the Center for Access & Success. "Coming into Bucknell, I really valued the Center for Access & Success because there are so many programs for first-gen students. It has really enhanced my Bucknell experience."

Okolie's research lab has also become a meaningful "third place" — a space where she feels grounded and supported. "It's opened my eyes to how much engineering really is a team effort … little things like that make me feel like, okay, I’m not in this alone."

Graduate school is on Ly's horizon, and she's open to careers in sustainability, advanced materials and renewable energy. But whatever direction she takes, one priority is clear: giving back.

"Kind people helped me get here," she says. "So I think about how I can give back and help others also achieve success. It's about making room at the table for all of us."