For Aliyah Quinet, a computer science major from South Charleston, pursuing higher education is more than earning a degree – it’s about breaking barriers and creating new opportunities. As the first in her family on track to graduate college, she recognizes the significance of this milestone. With a passion for robotics and computer science, she is determined not only to achieve her goals but also to inspire others along the way.
Quinet’s journey into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) pursuits was sparked by her early involvement in VEX Robotics, a program starting in middle school that nurtured her love for problem-solving, teamwork and innovation. As a member of the VEX Robotics Club at Marshall University, she takes on an active leadership role by organizing events, overseeing operations and ensuring the club provides valuable experiences for students of all ages. Through VEX, she has seen firsthand how robotics can shape young minds — teaching everything from basic programming and critical thinking to grant writing and CAD (computer-aided design).
As a Marshall for All scholar, Quinet is pursuing a bachelor’s degree tuition free through the university program to make education accessible to all Mountain State residents.
Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. She also applies her STEM skills and natural curiosity through her paid internship through the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program at the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC). Quinet was introduced to MAMC and its focused STEM outreach efforts during a robotics event, where she first learned about the VISTA program. She applied and began her journey with MAMC from there.
Quinet comes to MAMC thanks to the Education Alliance’s WV Ready Graduate VISTA project, which is designed to help states schools and community organizations enhance their capacity to provide innovative education programming.
Her VISTA assignment focuses on STEM outreach and expanding MAMC’s community makerspace, to increase the center’s reach to the campus population of students, staff and faculty. “Aliyah’s role through VISTA focuses on growth, works on the fringes of established programs to expand their capabilities, helps identify new frontiers, and generates useful data and information about what works and what the community needs from us,” said MAMC Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Deacon Stone.
Looking ahead, Quinet has set ambitious goals — maintaining a 3.6 to 3.8 GPA and helping her team reach the VEX Robotics World Championship. She encourages future students to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities at Marshall University, emphasizing the unique blend of a tight-knit community within a large campus that fosters both professional growth and personal support.
After graduating from Marshall, Quinet hopes to apply her computer science degree and skills in the government sector. “Computer science is in such demand, and it pays well, and these are aspects that interest me,” she said. “Also, I just like it a lot. I love coding. In the future, when I’ve graduated, honestly, I’d love to work for NASA or one of those three-letter agencies. I want to be able to do awesome things.”
With determination, leadership and a passion for innovation, Quinet not only is shaping her own future, she’s making a lasting impact for those who follow in her footsteps.
Feb. 27, 2025
