Meet mechanical engineer Chiara Vessicchio ’26 in this Q&A.
Q: Hometown?
A: Wallingford, Connecticut
Q: Why Bucknell?
A: I chose Bucknell because of the tight-knit community within engineering, as well as the opportunities available as an undergraduate. Between conducting research and developing genuine relationships with professors, Bucknell has offered an environment where collaboration is encouraged and support is constant throughout the engineering community.
Q: Who has been your most impactful faculty or staff member and why?
A: Professor Beninati of the mechanical engineering department has been one of the most impactful faculty members I’ve encountered during my time at Bucknell. Her encouragement and support, particularly for women in engineering, have made a huge difference in my experience. Having a professor who truly understands the challenges women face in a male-dominated field has been incredibly empowering, whether it’s through thoughtful advice after class or friendly words of encouragement in the halls of Dana.
Q: Are you conducting research? Can you provide a brief explanation?
A: I’ve conducted research in Professor Wheatley’s Mechanics and Modeling of Orthopedic Tissues Lab, where I studied how the skulls and horns of bighorn sheep help reduce brain accelerations during impact. Using SolidWorks, silicone models and a custom-built impact prototype, I ran impact tests to compare real-world results with finite element simulations and presented my work at research symposiums at Bucknell, which helped me grow more confident in communicating my work as an engineer.
Q: What do you like best about the College of Engineering?
A: I love the community within the College of Engineering, especially among female engineers. Being able to talk things through with people who are going through the same experiences creates a supportive environment where we push each other to grow and feel confident in our place in engineering.
Q: What do you do in your free time on campus?
A: In my free time on campus, I serve as the co-president of e-NABLE, a club that 3D prints prosthetic hand and arm systems for members of the local community at no cost. It’s been really meaningful to use engineering skills outside the classroom and see how something we create can directly impact someone’s life.