Roxann Poole, a graduate student in Robotics Engineering at Columbus State University, is making significant strides as she embarks on an internship in technology engineering at Pratt & Whitney’s nearby Columbus Engine Center.

Poole’s path to success has been anything but traditional.

“I dropped out of high school while facing homelessness and wasn’t sure what my future would look like,” she recalled. “But I obtained my GED and started working at 16 to help make ends meet. I was determined to build something better for myself, even if I didn’t quite know how yet.”

Building something for herself led her to Columbus State, where she discovered her true passion for robotics engineering after earning an associate degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College at 22. She believes that CSU opened doors she never thought possible, allowing her to pursue a career that aligns with her interests and skills.

“Institutions like Columbus State make higher education accessible and affordable for students like me—people who return to school later in life, work full-time or are simply looking for a second chance,” she explained.

Based in the College of Letters & Sciences’ Department of Earth & Space Sciences, Columbus State’s Robotics Engineering program is Georgia’s only bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in robotics engineering. It integrates theory and practice, equipping students to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions and for careers in robotics, automation, hardware development, software development and machine learning.

Poole is now applying the skills she developed in the classroom directly in the workforce through a partnership between Columbus State and Pratt & Whitney, a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. Its Columbus Engine Center—just 15 minutes from Columbus State’s Main Campus—maintains Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines for the Embraer E-Jets E2, Airbus A220 and Airbus A320neo aircraft families, along with F117 and F100 engines. 

“I’m excited to be part of Georgia’s growing workforce and to help build a future where technology and opportunity come together,” she said of her Pratt & Whitney experience. “I’m developing automated technologies that help advance Georgia’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors. From mechanical design and control systems to programming and automation integration, we don’t just learn about technology at Columbus State; we build it.”

Through her studies, she has gained hands-on experience in embedded systems, mechanical design and automation. She’s also developed autonomous systems and proficiency in various programming languages, with projects spanning drone navigation, robotic combat vehicles, and reinforcement learning applications.

Poole commended Columbus State faculty like Dr. Mohammad Jafari (pictured), an associate professor in the Robotics Engineering program, who she said has “encouraged my potential and guided me through every challenge.” She also appreciates the opportunity to learn alongside experts at Pratt & Whitney, which she describes as a chance to witness the best in aerospace manufacturing.

“Over time, I have seen her evolve into a confident problem-solver who not only masters technical concepts but also applies them creatively,” Jafari said. “Her ability to connect theory with hands-on work in these rapidly advancing domains is a testament to her dedication and resilience.”

Jafari points to internship experiences like Poole’s as invaluable ways for students to understand evolving industry expectations and to increase their post-graduate marketability.

“Internships bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, particularly in fields shaped by rapid growth in artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, and autonomous systems. These opportunities give students the confidence and skills they need to succeed. As faculty, we see firsthand how transformative these experiences can be, and Roxann’s success is a perfect example of that impact,” he said.

Poole earned her undergraduate degree in robotics engineering at Columbus State in 2025 and plans to complete her master’s degree next summer. She aims to continue working full-time in robotics engineering, ideally with Pratt & Whitney. There, she wants to keep building real-world systems and contribute to important engineering projects. Ultimately, she wants to become a senior robotics or automation engineer who leads innovation in autonomous systems and takes on leadership roles where she can guide teams, mentor young engineers and help expand Georgia’s role in manufacturing and robotics.

Her heartfelt message to others facing challenges is clear: “Your background doesn’t define your potential. You can start from anywhere and still make an impact in your career and in your community.”