23-Year-Old Becomes SC State’s First Mechatronics Engineering Graduate

Omar Shaheed III, a 23-year-old graduate of Berkeley High School, made history as the first Mechatronics Engineering graduate of South Carolina State University, completing the newly launched program, gaining hands-on experience through multiple internships, and securing a full-time engineering role with Boeing South Carolina.

Omar Shaheed III has made history by becoming the first student to graduate from South Carolina State University’s Mechatronics Engineering program. His achievement marks a major milestone for the university, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), which recently introduced the innovative engineering degree.

A graduate of Berkeley High School in 2020, Omar was initially unsure about his academic future. His path changed when Dr. Hasanul Basher, Chair of SC State’s Department of Engineering Technology, encouraged him to apply to the newly developed program. Although he had no prior experience in mechatronics, Omar decided to take a leap of faith.

The program focuses on combining electronics, robotics, control systems, and computer technology to prepare students for modern engineering careers. During his time at SC State, Omar gained extensive hands-on experience and completed four competitive internships, allowing him to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

On December 11, 2025, Omar officially earned his bachelor’s degree, securing his place in the university’s history as the program’s first graduate. He has since accepted a full-time engineering position with Boeing South Carolina in North Charleston, where he will begin working on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in January 2026, rotating through different roles to build broad professional experience.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION