Helpful ‘push’ sparked aspirations
Engineering student was encouraged by teachers, counselor
Niya Hope-glenn traces her passion for the sciences back to several of her Schenectady High teachers and a counselor who she credits with setting her on a path to becoming a chemical engineer.
In May, Hope-glenn will start a prestigious three-month internship with the engineering and technical team at First Mode, an aerospace firm.
The 18-year-old is already doing college work online and in September will start in earnest at Howard University, majoring in chemical engineering at the historically Black school in Washington, D.C.
All this for a teen who in her first year at Schenectady High School wanted to become a cosmetologist.
Her ninth-grade biology teacher at the time, Leah Akinleye, urged Hope-glenn to look at the chemistry behind cosmetology.
“She really wanted me to pursue a [STEM] career,” said Hope- Glenn.
It wasn’t until 10th grade that Hope-glenn took Akinleye’s advice and found her vocation.
“I would say that a lot of the teachers at Schenectady High really pushed me to pursue a STEM career, which ultimately led to me loving it,” added Hope Glenn.
STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, has grown to represent a unique approach to teaching and learning, one that centers around individual students’ learning styles and interests.
Akinleye, who was later promoted to assistant principal at the high school, recalled a confident Hope-glenn.
“She always knew that she wanted to do something and go
somewhere, but she didn’t know what it was, but she always stayed after class and asked more questions and was always eager to learn,” said Akinleye.“she was always happy and relieved that she could come to me for anything.”
Hope-glenn was also outspoken on social issues, including racism, added Akinleye, who now serves as the district’s assistant director of educational equity and instructional support.
The two text each other every so often, Akinleye said, adding some of their correspondences are a much needed affirmation in this virtual-education world that has allowed her to make a positive impact in a student’s life.
Besides Akinleye, Hope-glenn said Robin Falco, who also teaches science at Schenectady High, was extremely supportive.
She also drew inspiration from her mother, Shelley Hope.
Hope-glenn, who said she enjoys nuclear and organic chemistry spoke about the “versatility” of chemical engineering, noting that it can be a gateway into so many other branches of science. She wants to eventually work in research and development.
Acknowledging that her hometown and Schenectady High has its challenges, Hopeglenn said she made it a point to take advantage of the networking opportunities that came her way.
“I was actively looking for opportunities for social justice and engineering, but I feel a lot of people weren’t aware of those opportunities,” added Hopeglenn, adding she is interested in finding ways to make high school students, and particularly those of color, more aware of STEM careers.
Longtime Schenectady High School counselor Earl Barcomb attested to that.
“Niya has been a goal-oriented student and always used the resources around her,” said Barcomb, who also worked with Hope-glenn through the Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar program for first generation college-bound students. “She knew which way she wanted to go and she was just getting help to get there.”
Barcomb said Hope-glenn was accepted to Ivy League colleges.
She chose Howard University in part because her research on historically Black colleges and universities led her to discover that a lot of professors incorporate Black history into their curriculum.
When she’s not studying, Hope-glenn said she likes to read and hang out with her friends.
Hope-glenn is also part of a prestigious scholarship program. The goal of the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, a nonprofit program, is to try to diversify the U.S. aerospace industry.