Susan Janeth Gamboa Stumpf, a young woman from Encarnación, graduated with academic honors in mechanical engineering from Boston University in the United States. She completed the course in 2026, and her final project was recognized as the best in research among 42 teams.
Susan's journey began at the Centro Educativo de la Universidad Católica (Ceuce) in Encarnación and later at a local private school. At age 15, she emigrated with her family to the US, where she faced language barriers and cultural adaptation. She studied at Fairfield Warde High School in Connecticut and ranked among the top 5% of her class, earning a full merit-based scholarship to Boston University valued at over US$850,000.
During her undergraduate studies, Susan interned at Tesla in California, working on battery manufacturing processes. Her contribution helped reduce defects and generated an estimated US$5 million in annual savings for the company.
Her final course project was developed for a semiconductor manufacturer, a sector essential for computers, cell phones, artificial intelligence, and medical equipment. Susan's team designed a cooling system for a critical component used in advanced lithography machines, a key technology in microchip production. The work was awarded “Best Project in Research” at Boston University's final presentation in 2026 and is in the process of being patented.
“Don't lose hope or stop dreaming,” said Susan, who now wants to inspire other young Paraguayans to pursue their goals, regardless of the difficulties.