Meet MEC Student: Samantha Margulies

For Samantha Margulies, engineering is about more than solving technical problems - it's about creating, collaborating, and embracing every opportunity to learn. Entering her senior year at Stony Brook University, Samantha has combined academic excellence with leadership, research, internships, and community involvement.

A Mechanical Engineering major with a second major in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Samantha is also a member of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Honors Program. Beyond the classroom, she serves as Treasurer of Stony Brook Motorsports, a role she will continue this year after helping lead the student organization through another successful season. She has also given back to the campus community as a CEAS Peer Mentor.

Samantha's schedule extends well beyond campus. She interned at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where she worked on a research project investigating the effects of space radiation on electronics, and currently works as an engineering intern at Beauty by Imagination, where she has gained hands-on experience in product development, testing, and test method development. She also shares her enthusiasm for STEM as an educator at the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson and teaches dance.

Growing up in Stony Brook, choosing the university felt like a natural fit.

"Since coming here, I've had so many amazing opportunities and made countless connections. I believe I've grown tremendously as both a student and a person at Stony Brook. Looking back, I would choose Stony Brook again without hesitation."

Samantha discovered her passion for engineering through engineering courses in high school.

"I was drawn towards Mechanical Engineering as it offers versatility in potential occupational fields, and I love the combination of creativity and technical knowledge."

One of her favorite classes was MEC 325 with Professor Machtay, where hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and CNC machining complemented classroom learning.

"The course was excellent. I learned a lot about various manufacturing processes, and Professor Machtay is very knowledgeable and passionate about the coursework, which makes the class that much more enticing!"

Just as important as the coursework has been the sense of community she found within the department.

"Getting involved in Stony Brook Motorsports, peer mentoring, and my courses have introduced me to so many incredible people. I've built connections not only with other students, but also with professors and faculty. I feel like I'm surrounded by a community of people who are constantly challenging and supporting one another to reach their goals. I believe these relationships have transformed my experience at Stony Brook and shaped me into the student I am today."

When she's not in class, Samantha is most likely in the Stony Brook Motorsports shop, studying with friends in the Health Sciences Library, or making a stop at Dunkin'.

Her advice for future Mechanical Engineering students reflects her own experience:

"Join clubs and try new things! Joining clubs is an amazing way to get hands-on experience outside of courses and meet new people. Being a part of Stony Brook Motorsports has completely transformed my college experience. It has given me the opportunity to grow beyond the classroom with technical knowledge, hands on experience and growing as a leader."

After earning her bachelor's degree, Samantha plans to continue at Stony Brook through the accelerated BE/MS program while exploring the many career paths available in mechanical engineering. With a passion for learning and a commitment to getting involved, she exemplifies the collaborative spirit and hands-on approach that define the Stony Brook Mechanical Engineering community.