Briona Carswell poses with an on-screen microscopic image of her polymers and some samples in the Alamo Lab at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Tallahassee, Florida on October 25, 2024. Carswell is the first FAMU graduate student in the new Materials Science & Engineering department. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Second Lieutenant Briona Carswell stands at the intersection of military service and environmental innovation.
Preparing to return to active duty, she's making history as the first Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduate from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
While the department was established at the joint college in early 2024, the materials science and engineering program has been active for several years. Carswell is its first HBCU and FAMU graduate. The decision to pursue graduate studies at FAMU aligned with both family tradition and professional goals.
“FAMU’s stellar reputation in engineering [through the joint college], especially in materials science, made it the perfect fit for my aspirations as a developmental engineer in the Air Force,” Carswell explained.
Carswell participated in groundbreaking research on the solidification and crystallization of biodegradable polyesters to address environmental challenges, under the guidance of Rufina Alamo, Simon Ostrach Professor of Engineering & Distinguished Research Professor of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering at the joint college.
“Not only does Briona’s graduation mark the beginning of a new cohort of graduate students in materials science engineering at FAMU, but her excellent working habits and determination to complete her degree in a record time make her a role model for graduate students at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering,” said Alamo, “She studied the properties of blends of sustainable polymers, those that we may find in our recycle bins in the near future.”
This research addresses how plastics create a significant environmental impact due to their non-biodegradable nature.
“We’re investigating polyethylene-like materials that can degrade through a circular economy,” Carswell said. “Understanding material behavior under various heating and cooling conditions is crucial for developing sustainable options to combat global pollution.”
The Phoenix native’s path to engineering excellence began at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she balanced academic excellence with Division I athletics while preparing for military service. She became the first in her family to attend a military service academy. Carswell’s academy experience laid the foundation for her current success.
“The six-week basic cadet training really set the tone for my next four years, which were filled with academic rigor and military training,” Carswell said. “While majoring in chemistry, I pursued aeronautical engineering and philosophy courses. The academy developed my valuable leadership skills, particularly as a diversity and inclusion officer and Director of Operations for my squadron, managing a team of 100 cadets.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Carswell pursued her passion for gymnastics by serving on the US Air Force Academy gymnastics team. She earned All-American status on the beam, a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Team selection, and maintained a 3.4 GPA. Her performance earned recognition on three consecutive All-Scholastic Team USAG.
“My experience on the Air Force Academy gymnastics team from 2020 to 2023 taught me invaluable lessons about discipline and perseverance,” Carswell said. “From gymnastics to military service to research, each experience has contributed to my development. The skills and experiences gained here will empower me to make a meaningful impact in engineering and environmental sustainability.”
The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official guidance or position of the United States Government, the Department of Defense, the United States Air Force, or the United States Space Force.
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