{"id":89063,"date":"2026-07-08T10:08:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T14:08:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/engineering\/?p=89063"},"modified":"2026-07-09T08:18:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T12:18:55","slug":"engineering-prepares-for-travel-to-japan-to-mentor-japanese-high-schoolers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/engineering\/engineering-prepares-for-travel-to-japan-to-mentor-japanese-high-schoolers\/","title":{"rendered":"URI student prepares for travel to Japan to mentor Japanese high schoolers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

University of Rhode Island student Ashly Mart\u00ednez Rodr\u00edguez, of Providence, Rhode Island, is a first-generation, electrical engineering<\/a> & Japanese global language<\/a> and area studies major through the international engineering program.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Ashly Mart\u00ednez Rodr\u00edguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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. \u201cI always wondered what the story was behind each piece that made it all work together. That question is what led me to engineering,\u201d said Mart\u00ednez Rodr\u00edguez. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ashly Mart\u00ednez Rodr\u00edguez attends the 2025 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Conference at Philadelphia as both an attendee and volunteer, standing proudly beside the flag of the Dominican Republic, where she grew up until moving to the U.S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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. \u201cIt 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,\u201d said Mart\u00ednez Rodr\u00edguez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cMany 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Presenting a poster on her Lake Ontario research experience at the 2025 American Geophysical Union conference in New Orleans.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Another resource that made an impact is the Talent Development Program<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that, she is sure to make the most of her time and networks where she can. \u201cEvery 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,\u201d said Mart\u00ednez Rodr\u00edguez. \u201cOne 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Student Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Women in Engineering
Talent Development
RhodyF1rst
URI Talent Development Scholarship
URI Emergency Medical Services Corpsman Recruit
URI RISE-UP
Global Peer Ambassador
National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awards and Recognitions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n