University of Rhode Island student Ashly Martínez Rodríguez, of Providence, Rhode Island, is a first-generation, electrical engineering & Japanese global language and area studies major through the international engineering program.

She pursued an engineering degree because of her curiosity for technology from a very young age and technical experience she gained in high school. In high school she led an IT help desk through a Dell TechCrew Program. “I always wondered what the story was behind each piece that made it all work together. That question is what led me to engineering,” said Martínez Rodríguez. “I also really love the problem solving and the workflows involved in engineering. There are concepts in engineering that you can apply to other aspects of life outside of school. This degree is so versatile, and there is always more to learn.”

What stood out to her when selecting the College of Engineering at URI was the engineering building, especially the capstone room. During one of the URI tours at her high school, she could visualize herself there. “It felt familiar and right. Additionally, seeing prototypes of projects that current engineering students were working on made a big impression on me, along with opportunities available such as the research programs and mentorships like the Women in Engineering program,” said Martínez Rodríguez.

One of the biggest challenges she encountered as an incoming freshman was her math and science skills. They were not the strongest coming out of high school. As a first-generation student, it was not something she considered or knew how to prepare for. She had to start with beginner level math classes behind her peers. With the help of the Academic Enhancement Center, along with teaching assistants and other professors, she has been able to complete the necessary required classes. “Many people have shown up for me at URI, and I am deeply grateful for all of them. I would not be where I am without the people who believed in me along the way.”

Another resource that made an impact is the Talent Development Program. Through a scholarship, she can graduate in five years, giving her time to complete necessary coursework. The scholarship allows her to stay focused on schoolwork.

With that, she is sure to make the most of her time and networks where she can. “Every opportunity I have had in my career as a student at URI has come through networking, not just in formal settings but also in casual ones,” said Martínez Rodríguez. “One key thing about networking that helped me create opportunities for myself is asking for help and making myself known. That is what changed the game for me.”

She joined the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers freshman year. “It is one of the best things I ever did. I participated in workshops that helped enhance my professional skills, but what I truly got the most out of was the community connections I made that first year. I was able to connect with advisors, guest speakers from companies, and members who helped me get to know URI overall,” she said. She even served as the Professional Development Chair handling the LinkedIn account for the organization, providing first-hand experience to put on her resume.

The Women in Engineering program helped her learn about resources around campus and introduced her to more friends on campus. Through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, she also volunteered at career fairs.

Beyond that, she has participated in the URI Fencing Club, the Japanese IEP program, served as a Global Peer Ambassador, and served as President of the Rhody F1rst club on campus. Through the Japanese IEP, she visited middle schools to teach Japanese and held workshops through Navy STEM for computer repair and coding.

“I am most proud of my experience with Rhody F1rst and as a global peer ambassador because those are the places where I truly felt I made an impact at URI. That is the legacy I want to leave here,” she said.

One moment that made everything truly click for her was the day she went to Davis Middle School to teach Japanese alongside Professor Nahoko Collis, Fumi Cook, and other peers. “That day made me fall in love even more with Japanese culture and reminded me of exactly why I was at URI. It is one of those moments I will carry with me long after graduation,” said Martínez Rodríguez.

Last semester, she graduated as a recruit from Emergency Medical Services and got her driver’s license. With that, she intends to complete EMT driver training next semester to continue as a volunteer first responder.

This summer, she is working for a medical startup as an electrical engineering and project management intern and hopes to apply that experience to her own company, a start-up currently in progress. Not to forget that she is also traveling to Japan this summer to mentor Japanese high school students through the Global Studies Program.

URI’s entrepreneurship initiatives, such as RISE-UP, the Ideation and Innovation Studio, and minor in entrepreneurship are truly a community that wants to see you. URI also has a remarkable ability to connect you to opportunities outside of the university. “My goal following graduation is to take these experiences and launch a company that creates life changing technology for first responders. Right now, we are in the ideation and customer discovery process, focused on building technology that serves firefighters.”

Martínez Rodríguez is on track to graduate with two degrees in 2028.