Stephanie Hoffer is in her freshman year at the University of Southern California (USC) majoring in mechanical engineering. 

At Mayfield Senior High School Stephanie was encouraged by her calculus teacher to take part in extracurricular programs that allowed her to explore engineering and help her decide if it was something she would like to pursue.  Stephanie participated in a bp funded research project where participants ran various experiments to test for efficiency of a fuel source. Stephanie and her peers put together small alternative energy mechanisms such as a fuel cell car model and a wind turbine.  Stephanie also participated in a summer program administered by Johns Hopkins and held at Pasadena City College.  In this five week course, Stephanie was able to explore the various aspects of engineering.  Her participation in these programs coupled with her enthusiasm for math and science (she has taken every science class her high school offered!) led her to the decision to major in mechanical engineering.  

Stephanie was involved in numerous campus and community activities.  She was Admissions Ambassador for her high school, a member of the spirit club, Science Club as well as varsity tennis captain.  She also participated in benefit marathons and walks. 

With her decision to pursue engineering Stephanie hopes to become a leading engineer who is creative and prevents problems while creating solutions to the troubles of our times. 

Stephanie is a 2009 HENAAC-Victoria Alegria Tracy scholarship recipient.