Leadership & Service
Keon considers himself a servant leader. He demonstrates leadership through acts of service. Taking on a leadership role is not about acquiring money, fame, or prestige, its purpose is to enrich the lives of people, communities, and the organization.
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August 2016: The UW Graduate School Highlights Keon's Student Impact Story in its Latest Newletter
Keon Vereen was featured in the University of Washington Graduate School's website. He discusses his 'Recipe for Success' as a graduate student in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Read his full story at: http://grad.uw.edu/student-alumni-profiles/keon-vereen/ |
June 2016: Keon Participates as Guest Scientist in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) 'Dare to Dream' Summer Program
In collaboration with CAMP, Keon taught students foundational rocketry concepts on how to design, build, and launch water rockets. Read his feature in CAMP's newsletter below.
In collaboration with CAMP, Keon taught students foundational rocketry concepts on how to design, build, and launch water rockets. Read his feature in CAMP's newsletter below.
May 2016: Husky 100 Celebration
Keon was honored at the inaugural Husky 100 Celebration for his research, teaching, and service endeavors. He plans to strengthen partnerships centered on mentoring, outreach, community engagement, and leadership development.
"The Husky 100 recognizes 100 UW undergraduate and graduate students who are making the most of their time at the UW" https://www.washington.edu/husky100/
Keon was honored at the inaugural Husky 100 Celebration for his research, teaching, and service endeavors. He plans to strengthen partnerships centered on mentoring, outreach, community engagement, and leadership development.
"The Husky 100 recognizes 100 UW undergraduate and graduate students who are making the most of their time at the UW" https://www.washington.edu/husky100/
February 2016: Guest Speaker at University of Central Florida
Keon had the honor and privilege of participating in a graduate school panel at his alma mater, University of Central Florida. He was invited by McNair and Prime STEM programs to speak to over fifty students about the graduate school process, fellowships, and life as a graduate student.
He also gave a graduate recruitment talk, encouraging students to apply to the University of Washington or learn more about UW programs on behalf of UW College of Engineering and UW graduate school.
Keon had the honor and privilege of participating in a graduate school panel at his alma mater, University of Central Florida. He was invited by McNair and Prime STEM programs to speak to over fifty students about the graduate school process, fellowships, and life as a graduate student.
He also gave a graduate recruitment talk, encouraging students to apply to the University of Washington or learn more about UW programs on behalf of UW College of Engineering and UW graduate school.
August 2015: Women in Science & Engineering Article – WiSE Up Lady Engineers ‘Rise Up’
Excerpts from the article:
“WiSE Up Lady Engineers ‘Rise Up’
Every year, a group of incoming freshman come to campus to participate in the WiSE Up Summer Bridge Program. WiSE Up (Women in Science & Engineering) is a hands-on, immersive introduction to engineering prerequisite courses in math, physics, and engineering design.
“Women planning to major in engineering or computer science learn strategies for university-level study and engage with the UW academic community and peers.”
http://www.engr.washington.edu/current/studentprogs/wise
This summer, A&A grad student Keon Vereen led the program as an instructor, challenging his students to think of new ways to design, print, assemble, and test their concepts in a new “Introductory to Engineering Design” course. Throughout the course, students learned about programming, computer-aided design, and 3D printer technology to assist in the development of team projects i.e. bridges, gears, rockets, robots. As each new prototype was unveiled, young scientists learned important lessons about the transition from conception to implementation. One of the biggest outcomes of the course was learning to work effectively in teams. At the end of the course, each team was assessed not only on quality of design project but also team efficacy.
On one of the assembly days, in the back corner of the lab, a focused group of lady engineers in fashionable glasses and floral print skirts prepared their water-propelled rocket. They had just discovered a flaw in their model. Could it be fixed? Would they still be able to launch on schedule? After a quick consultation with the instructor, they got back to problem solving. After all, this is what it means to be an engineer.
Excerpts from the article:
“WiSE Up Lady Engineers ‘Rise Up’
Every year, a group of incoming freshman come to campus to participate in the WiSE Up Summer Bridge Program. WiSE Up (Women in Science & Engineering) is a hands-on, immersive introduction to engineering prerequisite courses in math, physics, and engineering design.
“Women planning to major in engineering or computer science learn strategies for university-level study and engage with the UW academic community and peers.”
http://www.engr.washington.edu/current/studentprogs/wise
This summer, A&A grad student Keon Vereen led the program as an instructor, challenging his students to think of new ways to design, print, assemble, and test their concepts in a new “Introductory to Engineering Design” course. Throughout the course, students learned about programming, computer-aided design, and 3D printer technology to assist in the development of team projects i.e. bridges, gears, rockets, robots. As each new prototype was unveiled, young scientists learned important lessons about the transition from conception to implementation. One of the biggest outcomes of the course was learning to work effectively in teams. At the end of the course, each team was assessed not only on quality of design project but also team efficacy.
On one of the assembly days, in the back corner of the lab, a focused group of lady engineers in fashionable glasses and floral print skirts prepared their water-propelled rocket. They had just discovered a flaw in their model. Could it be fixed? Would they still be able to launch on schedule? After a quick consultation with the instructor, they got back to problem solving. After all, this is what it means to be an engineer.
Quotes from instructor & students:
“Teaching has definitely been an adventure.” Said Vereen, “[I have learned] a lot about these young scholars and it was a pleasure to assist them in foundational tools toward engineering success.”
One student responded about the course, “I see why it is important to follow the engineering design process because you find flaws that you normally wouldn't had you not followed the process.”
Another responded, “Overall, our rocket project not only helped me think like an engineer by using calculus, physics, CAD, and basic problem solving, but also with this engineering design process.”
Another responded, “I believe that we met our goals as we successfully went through the engineering design process and were able to quantify the results of our tests. I am pleased with how the project went; it was a useful project that I enjoyed because it taught me skills which I had no previous practice using.”
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The WiSE program recruits and supports women of all ethnic backgrounds in science and engineering (S&E) and fosters a healthy academic and social environment for women in engineering at all levels of study. “
“Teaching has definitely been an adventure.” Said Vereen, “[I have learned] a lot about these young scholars and it was a pleasure to assist them in foundational tools toward engineering success.”
One student responded about the course, “I see why it is important to follow the engineering design process because you find flaws that you normally wouldn't had you not followed the process.”
Another responded, “Overall, our rocket project not only helped me think like an engineer by using calculus, physics, CAD, and basic problem solving, but also with this engineering design process.”
Another responded, “I believe that we met our goals as we successfully went through the engineering design process and were able to quantify the results of our tests. I am pleased with how the project went; it was a useful project that I enjoyed because it taught me skills which I had no previous practice using.”
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The WiSE program recruits and supports women of all ethnic backgrounds in science and engineering (S&E) and fosters a healthy academic and social environment for women in engineering at all levels of study. “
Nov 2014: Diversity/Careers Magazine Feature
Keon had the opportunity to share his story in the Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Diversity/Careers Magazine. In the magazine, he discusses his upbringing, his current interests, and long-term professional interests.
Excerpts from the magazine:
“I grew up in Orlando, Florida. As a kid, I was always interested in math and science early on, participating in math challenges across the state in middle school. With the guidance from strong parents and outstanding teachers, I applied to the Winter Park High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Program which prepared me for college success.
Since I had always had a fascination for the universe and what lies beyond the vastness of the unknown, I chose aerospace engineering as my college field of study. I chose to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF) because of the close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. While at UCF, I participated in the NSF-funded EXCEL Program, a program that was the catalyst for all my future endeavors. The program’s mission is to increase students’ success in the first two years of their college career in a STEM discipline and provide opportunities for research internships. As a result, I was able to participate in other research program like UCF’s Research and Mentoring Program and ultimately the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.
I received my Bachelors of Science, B.S. in Aerospace Engineering by 2010. Because of my extensive research background, I was able to complete an accelerated Master’s thesis track to obtain my Masters of Science, MS in Aerospace Engineering by 2011.
Being a McNair Scholar, I was better prepared for doctoral studies and more cognizant about the demands of graduate school. Through many encounters with engineers and scientists from NASA, I realized obtaining a PhD specializing in advanced spacecraft propulsion would be beneficial toward my career goals. I chose to attend the University of Washington due to the strength of the department faculty and program curriculum. Furthermore, the research facilities would provide opportunities for me to acquire skill sets about plasma physics and fusion energy for space applications from a multitude of professors.
Since I’m a NSF Graduate Research Fellow, I am a full-time graduate student working in a lab. I have yet to participate in any internships.
Currently, I am a third year PhD student at UW’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics specializing in plasma science. I currently work as a research assistant in an experimental plasma physics group investigating astrophysical jets and space propulsion.
My long-term career goals are to work in industry and/or conduct research within NASA or national laboratories. I plan to continue my outreach efforts to increase the involvement of underrepresented and disadvantaged students in STEM disciplines.
I plan to complete my PhD by June 2017.
I got to this point in my career through hard work and dedication. Through outstanding parents and teachers, I learned true grit and perseverance. I would encourage undergraduates, whether you’re interested in academia and/or industry, to plan, prepare, and plan some more. Believe in yourself and your dreams, but follow through! Ultimately, the actions you take are far more indicative of career trajectory than the ideas you had! “
Keon had the opportunity to share his story in the Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Diversity/Careers Magazine. In the magazine, he discusses his upbringing, his current interests, and long-term professional interests.
Excerpts from the magazine:
“I grew up in Orlando, Florida. As a kid, I was always interested in math and science early on, participating in math challenges across the state in middle school. With the guidance from strong parents and outstanding teachers, I applied to the Winter Park High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Program which prepared me for college success.
Since I had always had a fascination for the universe and what lies beyond the vastness of the unknown, I chose aerospace engineering as my college field of study. I chose to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF) because of the close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. While at UCF, I participated in the NSF-funded EXCEL Program, a program that was the catalyst for all my future endeavors. The program’s mission is to increase students’ success in the first two years of their college career in a STEM discipline and provide opportunities for research internships. As a result, I was able to participate in other research program like UCF’s Research and Mentoring Program and ultimately the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.
I received my Bachelors of Science, B.S. in Aerospace Engineering by 2010. Because of my extensive research background, I was able to complete an accelerated Master’s thesis track to obtain my Masters of Science, MS in Aerospace Engineering by 2011.
Being a McNair Scholar, I was better prepared for doctoral studies and more cognizant about the demands of graduate school. Through many encounters with engineers and scientists from NASA, I realized obtaining a PhD specializing in advanced spacecraft propulsion would be beneficial toward my career goals. I chose to attend the University of Washington due to the strength of the department faculty and program curriculum. Furthermore, the research facilities would provide opportunities for me to acquire skill sets about plasma physics and fusion energy for space applications from a multitude of professors.
Since I’m a NSF Graduate Research Fellow, I am a full-time graduate student working in a lab. I have yet to participate in any internships.
Currently, I am a third year PhD student at UW’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics specializing in plasma science. I currently work as a research assistant in an experimental plasma physics group investigating astrophysical jets and space propulsion.
My long-term career goals are to work in industry and/or conduct research within NASA or national laboratories. I plan to continue my outreach efforts to increase the involvement of underrepresented and disadvantaged students in STEM disciplines.
I plan to complete my PhD by June 2017.
I got to this point in my career through hard work and dedication. Through outstanding parents and teachers, I learned true grit and perseverance. I would encourage undergraduates, whether you’re interested in academia and/or industry, to plan, prepare, and plan some more. Believe in yourself and your dreams, but follow through! Ultimately, the actions you take are far more indicative of career trajectory than the ideas you had! “
April 2014: Viewpoint Magazine Feature
Keon was highlighted alongside leadership members of the local UW SACNAS chapter on winning another award from the national organization.
Keon was highlighted alongside leadership members of the local UW SACNAS chapter on winning another award from the national organization.
Oct 2012: SACNAS National Conference Held in Seattle, WA
As a member of Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Keon helped the local chapter successfully organize the 2012 national conference in Seattle.
As a member of Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Keon helped the local chapter successfully organize the 2012 national conference in Seattle.
Sept 2012: Yakama Nation Blast Off Festival
Keon was highlighted in the Yakima Herald article “Lower Valley Students Ready to Launch at Rocket Festival”. He talked with a reporter about students experience becoming water rocket scientists. He mentioned how students were initially hesitant to participate in creative design, but told them to keep trying and eventually they would get better results. Keon told the reporter “it’s all based on how creative they can make their designs” to become good rocket scientists.
Keon was highlighted in the Yakima Herald article “Lower Valley Students Ready to Launch at Rocket Festival”. He talked with a reporter about students experience becoming water rocket scientists. He mentioned how students were initially hesitant to participate in creative design, but told them to keep trying and eventually they would get better results. Keon told the reporter “it’s all based on how creative they can make their designs” to become good rocket scientists.
Aug 2012: 2012 PNW LSAMP Retreat
Keon served as a graduate student mentor at a Pacific Northwest Regional LSAMP leadership retreat. Keon facilitated conversations around growth and leadership amongst underrepresented students in STEM fields. He also co-presented “Impact in STEM” with Nuvala Fomban.
Keon served as a graduate student mentor at a Pacific Northwest Regional LSAMP leadership retreat. Keon facilitated conversations around growth and leadership amongst underrepresented students in STEM fields. He also co-presented “Impact in STEM” with Nuvala Fomban.
May 2012: Guest Blog “Teaching to Young Students about Plasma Science and Rocket Science”
Website: https://uwsacnas.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/guest-blog-teaching-to-young-students-about-plasma-science-and-rocket-science/
Feb 2012: Guest Blog “The Scientist of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”
Website: https://uwsacnas.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/guest-blog-the-scientist-of-yesterday-today-tomorrow/
Website: https://uwsacnas.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/guest-blog-the-scientist-of-yesterday-today-tomorrow/
© KEON L. VEREEN 2025
Photo Credit: NASA
Photo Credit: NASA