NC State is proud to announce the two student speakers for the Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies, Britanya Wright and Talya Ozbelli. Wright will speak at the Friday, May 14 ceremony, and Ozbelli at the Saturday, May 15 ceremony, at which each of their respective colleges will be represented. Read their bios below to learn more about their NC State journey.
Britanya Wright
B.S. Electrical Engineering
“I’ve taken on a whole new approach to life through the ‘Think and Do’ motto and outlook.”
A native of Jamaica, Britanya Wright began her undergraduate career at Johnston Community College in Smithfield, North Carolina, where she served as a JCC Ambassador. Equipped with her associate degree, she transferred to NC State, where she now graduates with her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
During her time at NC State, Wright participated in many research opportunities within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), which ranged from designing and fabricating transistors to assisting in developing wearable electrocardiograms. Wright was an active member of the ECE Ambassadors, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers and the Goodnight Scholars Program, serving as a Goodnight Ambassador. She was also actively involved with Every Nation Campus Ministries.
With a passion for giving back to the community, Wright is an avid volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. She has also served internationally; Wright assisted in building homes for families in Peru through the Leadership and Civic Engagement Office and taught engineering workshops to high school students in Kigali, Rwanda.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2020, Wright gained experience working at ATI Industrial Automation as an Electronics Engineering Intern. She additionally worked on campus with University Wellness and Recreation and as a teaching assistant.
Wright plans to continue her education and pursue a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at NC State with a concentration in Robotics, Mechatronics, Control, and Instrumentation. Her hope is to one day be among the influential innovators who contribute to society by developing prosthetics and medical devices. She aims to impact the world around her with every stroke of a pencil, every frustrating downfall and every triumphant victory.
“I am eternally thankful for the endless support from my family–Arlene, Ceswick, and Joshua–during the transitions of every stage of my life,” Wright says. “Thank you to Mrs. Dixon for pushing me to my fullest potential at the ripe age of 11 in 5th grade. And finally, thank you to the Goodnight Scholars family for the community throughout my years at NC State.”