Two seniors from Panama, Maria Vergara Murillo and Janai Dominguez Gonzalez, are gearing up to graduate in May from the U of A Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Hailing from towns just an hour apart, these international students arrived in Fayetteville in 2021 through the same competitive scholarship program with a shared dream to tackle environmental challenges. Here, the students found expert mentorship, community and top-notch career preparation that turned their goals into reality.

Both students' passion for biological engineering was forged in their rural Panamanian communities, surrounded by rice fields, cattle and sprawling nature.

"I grew up in a town with a lack of water," Dominguez Gonzalez explained. "Our rural aqueduct relied on gravity, but in summer droughts, some areas went without water for months."

She also shared how, from this, she saw a legal battle take place over the aqueduct and the land.

"That stuck with me. I wanted to help," she said.

For Vergara Murillo, the drive was just as personal.

"I grew up near the largest national park in Central America. I always knew I'd work with the environment, but as I got older, I realized engineering would let me make real decisions to protect it," she said.

Through a scholarship from the National Secretariat of Science Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Panama, the students began their journey at the U of A in 2021 and found a department that exceeded their expectations.

"Before I met anyone, I heard the faculty were super friendly, and the department was the best for support," Dominguez Gonzalez recalled. "It was all true."

Vergara Murillo agreed. "The professors and staff—like Mrs. Linda with her chocolate—made us feel seen and motivated," she said, referring to department administrative manager Linda Pate. "They became our family."

That warmth was vital as they adjusted to life far from home, tackling a rigorous curriculum focused on sustainable solutions for water, food and energy.

"Homesickness isn't as bad when you have a tight community and small department that will help you through everything," Vergara Murillo insisted. "Every professor knows your name, where you're from, and wants to help."

Vergara Murillo credited associate professor Benjamin Runkle for shaping her path.

"He's been my mentor since freshman year—guiding my honors thesis, teaching me research thinking and improving my academic writing skills. I'm forever thankful for him and for getting to learn all about his research," she said.

Dominguez Gonzalez shared how she valued the tight-knit community.

"Classmates help you through homework; professors guide you through problems—it's beautiful. You grow academically and personally," she said.

As they prepared to leave Fayetteville, the students felt bittersweet about saying goodbye for now to the department.

"I don't know how I'm going to leave here and not see everyone for a long time. I don't know how I'm going to go from seeing Dr. Runkle every day or not going to get chocolate from Mrs. Linda in the office. We are a big family, and I am sad we have to leave," Vergara Murillo shared.

Nevertheless, the students were thankful for the opportunity to study here and feel prepared to apply what they learned in their new jobs and in their communities.

"Here you learn to think like an engineer, approach problems with clear steps and find a family. It opens doors — you won't waste your time," Dominguez Gonzalez said.

After graduation, Vergara Murillo will begin a wastewater treatment job with Mead and Hunt. Dominguez Gonzalez will return to Panama, where she plans to inspire children in her hometown to participate in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — while pursuing further certifications.

"Janai and Maria have been bright lights in our department, and our students have been enriched with them in the classroom and labs.  I am excited to see where their futures take them," said Terry Howell Jr., Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department head.

With its exceptional faculty, dedicated staff and welcoming community, the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department stands ready to shape the next generation of problem-solvers — no matter where they're from.

 "Come here. The department will challenge you, support you and set you on a path to make a difference," Dominguez Gonzalez said.