Feature Stories 2025: Malaika Pollard '27: Belonging in STEM

Malaika Pollard '27 didn't always see herself as an engineer. Joining the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at UMass Dartmouth changed that. Pollard says NSBE gave her community, confidence, and a sense of belonging both on campus and in her chosen field. Now, as chapter president, she’s committed to creating that same support for others. 

The first-gen student and civil engineering major recently completed an internship in the ocean technology sector, continuing to explore new opportunities and shaping the future of the STEM workforce.  

Why UMassD?  

"I applied to big schools, small tech schools, and 3 UMass campuses. I chose UMassD because they offered a good financial aid package, and I was attracted by the 4+1 programs."  

What do you think is special about UMassD? 

"Everyone can find a community here. As someone not from this area, I've found a second home in Massachusetts. 

"I love immersing myself in different cultures and there are many cultures represented on campus. No matter where you come from, you can feel that you belong. I really value that."  

Why civil engineering?  

"When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be an architect and design homes, buildings, and bridges. Then I took an engineering class and learned how civil engineering combines math and science with design. I decided I wanted to become an engineer. 

"I like engineering because it's all about problem solving. Civil engineering is a vast field with many different areas you can focus on, ranging from construction to environmental work. And at its core, it’s work that helps people. Even something that sounds boring, like drainage, is important for things like hurricane preparedness." 

At UMassD, she also gained exposure to engineering fields beyond her major: "An Intro to Bioengineering course introduced me to biomimicry or applying concepts from nature to solve human problems," she said. "Experiences like that help build a strong foundation. You see how different engineering fields connect." 

Finding community and confidence through NSBE 

"Growing up first-generation, I didn't have people in my home who had taken the same path I was pursuing. There were no Black engineers around me to look up to," Pollard said about entering a field where Black and Latinx women make up just 3% of the workforce in the U.S. Without role models in her community, she often felt like she was navigating alone. But everything shifted when she went to her first NSBE convention. "I saw thousands of people who shared the same experience as me. Being part of this community of people of color in engineering showed me that there's a place for me in this field.  

"That's what I love about our UMassD NSBE chapter and my role as a mentor to other members. It's easy to feel alone and isolated in a challenging field, and it's powerful to have a community around you.  As NSBE president, I love being someone to show others they can belong in STEM and help them along their path.  

"We also do outreach to young people in the community, like volunteering with STEM 4 Girls, to encourage interest in STEM and engineering. For young students, talking with someone who's been where they are can show them what's possible." 

"Everything here is a resource to build your future. Use it to its fullest."

Blue Economy internship 

During the summer of 2025, Pollard took part in the Blue Tech Career Pathways Internship, a professional development and experiential learning program supported by the UMassD Blue Economy Initiative and Courage Builder. Through this program, Pollard landed a paid internship with Fleet Robotics, a Boston-based company that builds autonomous robots for cleaning biofouling from ships' hulls at sea.  

"I knew nothing about blue tech going in. The program gave me exposure to the industry and helped me make connections. It definitely grew my interest in the environmental side of engineering." 

Any advice for younger students? 

"I regret not getting involved earlier. Joining NSBE boosted my confidence academically and personally. Getting involved in something helps you make connections and allows you to get the most out of your college experience. 

"Everything here is a resource to build your future. Use it to its fullest."