Jackson Fadely
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
College/School: College of Engineering and Computing
Jackson Fadely is an honors student, inventor, designer, vocalist, sailor, and now he’s adding mechanical engineer to that list. His mentor, Juan Carlos Espinosa, associate dean of the Honors College, says he’s also a “mensch” with an interest in making things fly.
The two first met when Espinosa handpicked Jackson for the advanced Honors sophomore seminar, The Middle Circle, considered one of the toughest courses in Honors. As a student assistant for special projects at the Honors College, Jackson raised $18,000 to launch and run a Makerspace for students to work on projects.
He also found time to sing for the HEARTbeats, the Honors College acapella group, and volunteer with Shake-a-Leg, which provides watersports for people with disabilities. Throughout middle and high school, Jackson sailed competitively at the international level.
Jackson invented lamps, cars and sunglasses made of wood, and is the primary designer and vice president for FIU’s Aerospace Engineering Club, where he oversaw the wing performance and structural design for this year’s model plane. He has also been involved with FIU’s Engineers on Wheels, a community outreach program aimed at sparking a love of engineering in local elementary, middle and high school students.
Prior to graduating, Jackson already had four job offers waiting. This summer, he will study abroad in Japan, and when he returns, he will begin his career at Boeing in Seattle as a materials and process engineer working on the 777 and 777X aircraft.