Ragde Chaira-Gouzounis

Ragde Chaira-Gouzounis is graduating with honors as a Grand Challenges Scholar, holding a Bachelor of Science in engineering with a focus on robotics and a minor in technological entrepreneurship management. He is also earning a certificate in SolidWorks for mechanical design. He chose to pursue higher education at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering for the Accelerated Master’s degree program, an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter amount of time.

Originally born in Yuma, Arizona, Chaira-Gouzounis then spent a significant portion of his formative years in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, which brought a multicultural perspective to his academic life. 

His passion for robotics was ignited during his high school year when he participated in a FIRST robotics club through his high school. This introduction to robotics catalyzed Chaira-Gouzounis’s desire to dive deeper into mechanical engineering and coding in college.

“I enjoy working on hands-on projects,” Chaira-Gouzounis says. “With the opportunity to do this in every class in Fulton Schools, I knew that I was on the right engineering path.”

Chaira-Gouzounis’s academic endeavors have since been marked by a pursuit of excellence, reflected in his numerous scholarships and awards, including the New American University Scholarship and the Engineering Projects in Community Service, or EPICS, Generator Award.

His commitment to robotics extends beyond the classroom as he is highly dedicated and naturally drawn to problem-solving.

“Robotics is a combination of different disciplines within engineering,” he says. “It is important to understand mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science to name a few.”

Throughout his tenure at ASU, Chaira-Gouzounis has been an active participant in various extracurricular activities, including EPICS and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, or SHPE. His involvement in EPICS has been particularly impactful as it allowed him to work on projects such as a coral reef restoration initiative in Barcelona, Spain, where he employed engineering concepts to make a positive impact on society. 

Looking ahead, Chaira-Gouzounis’s journey in engineering promises continued growth and impact. His decision to pursue a master’s degree at ASU underscores his dedication to furthering his expertise in robotics. Ultimately, he aspires to be a part of future engineering breakthroughs that have the potential to transform lives.

“I plan to use my knowledge of robotics to facilitate tasks and improve the efficiency of everyday applications,” he says.

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2024 class here.