Berkeley Davis is a senior at California Polytechnic Institute in San Luis Obispo, California. She is a Mechanical Engineering major with a Mechatronics Concentration. Berkeley chose this course of study because, since childhood, she's always loved math. Once she learned she could apply math and other problem-solving skills to help people, she couldn't wait to get started. Even before she graduated from high school, she was interested in engineering prostheses and adaptive sports equipment.

Berkeley joined the Cal Poly QL+ Student Association (SA) as a freshman and soon began working on a project team building a prosthetic ankle for a Cal Poly alumnus. For her, one of the most challenging parts of working on a QL+ SA project team was learning how to participate in a structured group. As a freshman with no engineering experience under her belt, she had to quickly learn new skills and how to be a productive team member. This experience inspired her to get involved with the leadership of the SA. For the past two years as the President of Cal Poly's QL+ SA, she and her fellow SA members have been hard at work eliminating the challenges she faced as a freshman.

Berkeley's experience with QL+ and the Cal Poly QL+ Student Association has been transformative. "This program has opened hundreds of doors for me that wouldn't otherwise exist. I have gained technical project experience as a member of a project team and leadership, teamwork, and project management skills as President of Cal Poly's QL+SA," she states. She credits these experiences with helping her earn engineering internships and a full-time job.

"I am inspired by the joy and positivity exuded by every Challenger with whom I have ever interfaced. Our students work hard to design devices that will change the lives of our Challengers, but our Challengers change our students' lives just as much if not more," she states. Berkeley believes that QL+ allowed her to channel her passions toward a mission that makes real impacts on people's lives.

After she graduates, Berkeley will start work at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. She plans to earn a master's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering after spending a year or two in the industry. She also plans to stay involved with QL+. She states, "I am honored to be able to participate in QL+'s mission and beyond grateful for the way QL+ has shaped my college experience."

We are grateful for Berkeley's leadership, intelligence, and passion for our mission and wish her much success in the next chapter of her life.