Fatima Ahmed

Growing up in a family of engineers and biologists, Fatima Ahmed developed an early interest in problem-solving and understanding how technical and biological systems function. She found both areas equally compelling, but neither pulled her in a particular direction.

As she explored her options, she found human systems engineering at The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, which was a fit as it combined technical problem-solving with human behavior, usability and design.

“I was especially drawn to the idea of engineering solutions for people through human factors, user research and iterative design, rather than focusing solely on systems or clinical work,” Ahmed says.

Along with the program, she found mentors who made a lasting impact on her experience at ASU. Her first course was taught by Robert Gutzwiller, an associate professor who helped her realize that she was in the right place and to connect her degree program to real-world applications early on.

She also credits Associate Professor Erin Chiou with helping shape her career direction. Through Chiou’s guidance, Ahmed gained a clearer understanding of how to apply her studies to the healthcare field.

“Together, they helped me move from uncertainty to clarity. First by helping me understand and get excited about my field, and then by guiding me toward a specific direction within it,” Ahmed says.

One activity that serves as an outlet for her is involvement at the Garden Commons. Growing up, she often helped her parents, who are avid gardeners, work in their backyard. Today, she enjoys both the hands-on nature of gardening and the mission to provide students with fresh, sustainably grown food.

Ahmed is most proud of completing her degree in two years, which accelerated her path into the health care workforce. The experience helped her take on complex projects while strengthening her ability to manage priorities, stay focused and approach learning with intention.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, she will continue at ASU in the Accelerated Master’s degree program in user experience. Her long-term goal is to build a career in health care, focusing on medical device design and evaluation. 

Ahmed has advice for students thinking about majoring in engineering:

“No matter which field of engineering you choose, always keep the user in mind,” she says. “Engineering is about creating solutions, but a solution isn’t truly successful unless it helps the people it’s intended for.”

Favorites 

Activity: Hiking, card and board games
Sport: Badminton
Hobby: Puzzles, reading
Movie: The Road to El Dorado
Game: Rummikub

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by Joy Gaeraths