The Navy STEM Crew is a dynamic group of student leaders who are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of naval engineers. Our student-powered team, is responsible for leading our Build-a-Boat and SeaPerch programs, mentoring future engineers, and designing impactful STEM experiences that strengthen and inspire our community and greater maritime industrial base. As a primary outreach arm of the UConn/URI Navy STEM Coalition, the Crew bridges the gap between academia and industry leaders like General Dynamics Electric Boat, to empower students to explore maritime careers.
Our Navy STEM Crew Officers are 4 of our most outstanding students who have taken on additional leadership responsibilities in addition to their Crew member roles.
If you are a UConn undergrad Engineering student and are interesting in joining our Navy STEM Crew, please contact rebecca.labonte@uconn.edu
Captain: Declan Howell
Declan is a sophomore double major in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science and Engineering. He joined the Navy STEM Crew, drawn in by an interest in the shipbuilding and submarine industries and his time with the Navy STEM Crew has been a great experience. His favorite part so far has been teaching SeaPerch underwater robotics; it has been fun for him to see how excited students get when their ROV finally dives on command. His hobbies and interests include rowing for the UConn Men's Crew Team, working as a research assistant at the Electrical Insulation Research Center and helping to found UConn's Chem-E-Car chapter. When he is not in the lab or on the water, you'll usually find him playing complex board games with friends or buried in a science fiction/fantasy novel. After graduation, he hopes to work in chemical manufacturing with defense focus, specifically developing explosives and propellants for marine-use armaments. His long-term goal is to build a career within the Submarine Industrial Base.
Commanding Officer: Nalini Coipel
Nalini is a sophomore majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology with a passion for teaching, collaboration and engineering. She appreciates being able to work with the Navy STEM Program to be able to bring these interests together in ways that support both her own education and the educational experiences of other students. Outside of the classroom, Nalini is actively involved in the Hip Hop Dance Team, the UConn Marching Band and Drumline, Community Outreach Alternative Breaks and Cross-Country Running. Looking toward the future, she aspires to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and motivational medical speaker, combining her passion for medicine with a desire to inspire and empower others.
Command Master Chief: Adlien Ekman
Adlien is a sophomore in the pre-teaching track for elementary education. She believes that STEM is becoming increasingly important to navigate the world. Unfortunately, many schools lack the training, resources, and time, to properly integrate STEM activities into their curriculum. Navy STEM allows her to provide a crucial aspect of education to students while fostering her own teaching skills. She spends her free time participating in student-led theatre productions, sewing, doing yoga, and reading. She hopes to explore various opportunities within the field of education, from primary school teacher to library media specialist.
Graduate Officer: Adeline Smith
Adeline is a first year Master's Student in Biomedical Engineering. She became involved in the UConn Navy STEM program because it has a clear and immense impact on students, encouraging them to learn and be curious. Navy STEM programming gives students the opportunity to engage with new concepts, work in teams, and provides the space to be excited about engineering. She finds it to be a joy to be a part of inspiring the next generation of engineers! She is heavily involved in the Society of Women Engineers and Honors Across State Borders. She loves playing tennis and other racket sports, reading and writing, and exploring Acadia National Park! From human factors engineering to systems engineering and general Research & Development, Addie is currently exploring all of her options for a future in Engineering!
