My Journey as an Innovation Scholar

My Journey as an Innovation Scholar
Student Spotlight
March 4, 2026
Author
Luz Dottin '27
Luz

How can I start research as a college student? How can I make the most of my college education to gain skills for future education or employment?

Meet Luz Dottin '27, an electrical engineering major, and learn about how the UNH College of Engineering and Physical Science's Innovation Scholars program made all the difference in her ability to gain support from professors and career-ready skills from day one. 

 

What is the Innovation Scholars program?

 

Innovation Scholars — the only first-year program of its type in the region — offers first-year students an exceptional launch to their college experiences in multiple STEM cohorts. From their arrival on campus, they work side-by-side with UNH researchers, gaining hands-on experience and skills through mentorship that often takes years to access at other universities. This early start in research and innovation builds confidence, creates a strong community of ambitious peers, and opens doors to paid research opportunities, internships, and graduate study. It’s a proven program that helps students shape their future from day one.

Innovation Scholars
Conducting research at the beach My group presentation at the UNH Undergraduate Research Conference UNH MOSAICO (Latin-American student org) with dancers My best friend and I at the Society of Women Engineers formal Digging a hole for a sensor at the beach

Why are you glad to be at UNH? 

 
I am glad to be at UNH because it’s close to my family and to cities like Boston and Portsmouth. Also, there is a really good electrical engineering program that’s setting me up for future success. Coming from Peru, I had never seen the four seasons, but being here has shown me all of them, which is really cool, too. 
 

How did you choose your major? 

 
I was interested in STEM, and I have older friends in electrical engineering who liked it, so I wanted to give it a try. I realized that engineering could be more than just math and science and that it could be creativity, innovation, and a way to solve multiple problems in my community. I also wanted to be a woman in a field dominated by men to show that we are capable of the same things.   
 
"I realized that engineering could be more than just math and science and that it could be creativity, innovation, and a way to solve multiple problems in my community. I also wanted to be a woman in a field dominated by men to show that we are capable of the same things."   
 

What surprised you about Innovation Scholars? 

 
When I toured other schools, I didn’t find any research-driven programs like UNH's Innovation Scholars. I was surprised that, through the program, people from different majors or fields of study could come together to share ideas about different concepts apart from what they are focusing on.  
 
"When I toured other schools, I didn’t find any research-driven programs like UNH's Innovation Scholars."
 
 

What are some unique Innovation Scholars experiences you’ve had?

 
I learned how to 3D model and print. I also worked with mini circuit boards and other technologies that I didn’t have in my high school in Peru. I had really good professors who showed me how to use these materials without getting frustrated, making it easier and more enjoyable for me to learn. 
 
 

Why would you recommend Innovation Scholars to other students? 

 
Because of Innovation Scholars, I met so many people who helped me expand my network, learn new things, and have fun. I met my best friend through this program, and we help each other not only in the program, but with everything else in life. I wouldn’t have met her otherwise and, because of that, I am so grateful for the program. 
 
 

What is one of your favorite UNH memories? 

 
My favorite memory was when I joined MOSAICO, a Latin-American heritage student organization. We put together a big dinner called Carnaval, where we were able to share different parts of our culture with the UNH community. It was so fun to see people happily dancing, eating, and enjoying the things we take for granted in our day-to-day life.

Pursue your passions.

Published
March 4, 2026
Author
Luz Dottin '27
Topics