Electrical engineering alumna Megan Driggers ’19 ’22MS has been selected for one of UCF’s most elite recognitions: the 30 Under 30 Award. Honored for their outstanding achievements in their careers and ongoing dedication to their alma mater, these awardees represent the best and brightest of UCF.
“I’m so grateful for the people and programs at UCF that believed in me from the very beginning,” Driggers says. “This recognition is not just about my personal journey, but about all the mentors, classmates, and professors who helped shape it.”
Learn more about her UCF journey and her career with the U.S. Navy.
Her Role and Responsibilities with the U.S. Navy
I serve as the Head of the Devices, Sensors & Materials Research and Development Branch at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, where I lead a team of around 30 engineers and scientists and manage an annual research and development portfolio of about $10 million amongst many projects. My work focuses on developing next-generation sensing and defense technologies for the Navy’s undersea domain.
How Her Military Family Inspired Her to Serve as a Government Civilian
Coming from a military family, with both of my parents having served in the Navy and both my parents’ fathers also serving in the military, defense service has always been deeply personal to me. I serve as a government civilian (instead of in uniform) and feel a strong sense of purpose knowing that the technologies my team develops directly support the safety and effectiveness of our warfighters. I often work hand-in-hand with operators so I can best understand their needs, such as when I spent 6 months overseas in austere environments to rapidly prototype technologies on site for deployed units. I continue to be inspired everyday by seeing the direct impact, reflecting on my family’s military service, and knowing that I am working to keep our country safe through novel research and development.
Reaction to being named to UCF’s 30 Under 30 list
When I found out that I had been selected for UCF’s 30 under 30 list, I was truly honored. It felt surreal to be recognized by the university that shaped so much of who I am today. Winning UCF’s 30 Under 30 was incredibly meaningful because it represented years of hard work, persistence, and growth, both professionally and personally. When I received the news, it felt like a full-circle moment. I remembered being a student walking across campus with big dreams and so much determination, especially as I began my defense career, and this recognition made me pause to appreciate how far I’ve come. It also reminded me how powerful encouragement and community can be, especially for young women building their careers in technical fields. It’s proof that staying focused, believing in yourself, and leading with purpose really does pay off.
How UCF Prepared Her for a Career
UCF started my engineering journey by giving me the technical foundation and research experience that have guided my career. The coursework and lab opportunities challenged me to think deeply, solve complex problems, and stay curious. Programs like the Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program (CWEP) were especially influential, giving me hands-on exposure to the defense industry and showing me how engineering could be used to support national security. My passion for defense and innovation grew from those experiences, and they continue to guide the work I do today for the Navy.
Her Experience With the Lockheed Martin CWEP program
Yes! I participated in the Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program during my time at UCF. I started working there at just 18 years old as an intern in the Supplier Quality organization, which gave me my first exposure to the defense industry and helped me understand how complex systems come together. Later, I had the opportunity to intern in the Optical Materials Lab within the Applied Research group, where I worked on hands-on testing, development projects, and ignited my passion for both optics and research which is a space I continue to work in to this day. Those experiences gave me both the technical foundation and the professional confidence that continue to shape my career path.
Collaborative Projects with UCF and UCF students
I have multiple projects that I am currently collaborating with UCF on! First, I was awarded a SMART Collaboration Grant to work with Dr. Rodrigo Amezcua Correa and his students from UCF’s Optics College (CREOL) on hollow-core fiber research. The goal is to advance next-generation optical fiber systems while creating hands-on opportunities for UCF students to work alongside Navy researchers. This year, we even had one of his students come on the Navy base for a week of testing which was a great opportunity for all of us. Secondly, I am fostering collaboration between NUWC’s Laser Transduction Laboratory within my branch and UCF’s Townes Institute for Science, Technology, and Experimentation (TISTEF). NUWC will be testing several of their laser systems at TISTEF with UCF researchers and students in the next few months. Thirdly, Dr. Reza Abdolvand and his students from UCF’s ECE Department are working with my branch to develop some custom sensors for Naval applications. It’s incredibly rewarding to continue building that bridge between UCF and NUWC, and to help open doors for students just like the ones that were opened for me.
Why She Stays Involved as an Alumna
UCF gave me my start, and I’ll always feel a strong connection to the community that helped me grow. Over time, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of UCF’s unique research strengths, especially in areas that align with the Navy’s priorities. That insight has allowed me to build collaborations that connect some of the best researchers and students at UCF with real opportunities to advance undersea technology. Whether it’s mentoring students, working on joint research projects, or returning for recruiting events, I’m proud to continue that partnership. Representation also matters, especially for women in STEM, and I hope my journey shows others what’s possible when passion and purpose come together.