Arlanda Nunsett
Nunsett during halftime performance. Courtesy photo
During the Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference, Arlanda Nunsett, a senior majoring in electronics engineering technology, never thought she would be offered a job.
That changed when Northrop Grumman, one of America’s leading global security companies, offered Nunsett a position following graduation. Northrop Grumman has previously sponsored Grambling State University’s engineering and technology programs. Nunsett will be located in Baltimore, Md. at the Missions Systems Sector where she will be working on antenna systems.
“Hopefully my employment will bring opportunities to students within the program,” Nunsett said.
Nunsett, a Shreveport native who currently holds a 3.41 GPA, was also recognized by BEYA this year for achievement in community service.
Nunsett said the award comes with great appreciation as she loves to gives back, especially to those less fortunate.
“If I am blessed to receive something, then I should be able to give a portion of that to someone else,” Nunsett said. “It could be something simple as my time.”
Nunsett has strived for the award since her freshman year, when she saw her then academic coach, Dominique Wilson, receive the award. Wilson also received an award this year.
“I worked hard each year after that,” Nunsett said. “I became an academic coach and mentored others.”
Nunsett was also recognized for her volunteerism as an academic coach for college and K-12 students. Nunsett is the alto saxophonist for the World-Famed Tiger Marching band and volunteers with Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority.
“I want to give girls the image that [I can do it too],” Nunsett said.
Nunsett pointed out the underrepresentation of women in marching bands and the need for music programs in school.
“Children are able to see that playing a musical instrument can pay for college,” Nunsett said. “Music is integrated in all subjects.”
A scholarship recipient for the Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology (CMAST), Nunsett hopes to reach the hearts of the next generation through STEM.
“They are our future scientists and mathematicians,” Nunsett said. “There is a shortage of black scientists, especially black women.”
Nunsett also serves as a senator for the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE).