Reyna Stockwell

This spring, Reyna Stockwell will be the first in her family, and one of the 3% of foster youth students, to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“It is such an honor to have been able to receive an education,” she says. 

As a Grand Challenges Scholar, Stockwell pursued a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, drawn by its diverse student body that encourages innovation.

Stockwell has always been fascinated by how the world operates, especially at the scale not visible to the naked eye.

“I love what I do,” she says. “I love solving problems, I love watching chemicals react, and I love understanding why things occur the way they do. This is, and always has been, the field for me.” 

During her time at ASU, Stockwell had opportunities to contribute to developing innovative solutions for problems affecting local and global communities. These experiences gave her a new perspective on the role of engineering in solving societal issues.

Recently, she visited the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest through the ASU School of Sustainability. The program helped her learn sustainability techniques from the perspectives of the Kichwa and Waorani indigenous people. She also learned about a solar canoe project that the school is developing as a more sustainable transportation solution for the communities. 

“I understand now that engineering isn’t only about building a valuable product,” she says. “It’s about listening and understanding the problem from the perspectives of the people involved, and then developing a solution that is useful and relevant.”

Stockwell recently co-authored her first research paper, which touches on developing a more sustainable future for materials and manufacturing. 

“Writing my first publication before completing my bachelor’s degree is a tremendous achievement, and I am incredibly proud,” she says. 

Supported by the Armstrong Family Scholarship, Stockwell traveled to Agua Prieta, Mexico, every semester to help build houses and provide food for people in need. She cites these experiences as one of the most meaningful parts of her education.

In the long term, Stockwell plans to make an impact on people’s lives by advancing sustainability and continuing to serve the communities around her. 

“I hope to inspire younger generations to pursue education, work hard and believe in themselves,” she says. 

Favorites

Hobby: Reading
Movie: Finding Nemo
Performer: Adele
Activity: Travelling
Sports: Swimming
Book: The Tao of Physics
Game: Wingspan

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

Written by Roger Ndayisaba