Hi, I’m Matthew Zaino — an aspiring engineer, maker, and space enthusiast with a deep curiosity for how things work and how they can be made better. I currently serve as the Vice President of IEEE at Valencia College, where I help lead student initiatives that bring hands-on engineering to life. From the moment I first began experimenting with 3D printing and electronics, I was captivated by the process of turning imagination into reality. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a calling — one rooted in curiosity, creativity, and purpose. For me, engineering isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about understanding the “why” behind every design, and using that knowledge to inspire and empower others. That mindset eventually became the foundation of Sigma Unlimited, a project I started to combine my love for space exploration, sustainability, and education. Through Sigma Unlimited, I’ve designed and manufactured 3D-printed aerospace components — including thrust vector control (TVC) systems for experimental rocketry — while also building educational programs that make STEM learning more engaging and accessible. One of our ongoing initiatives, “The Space Above Us Program,” introduces students and young learners to the future of sustainable space technology through interactive lessons, demonstrations, and community workshops. Looking ahead, my long-term vision is to expand Sigma Unlimited into a company focused on developing reusable rocket technology that can help retrieve and recycle decommissioned satellites — merging innovation with environmental stewardship. I believe that space exploration should not only inspire us to look upward but also challenge us to take responsibility for what we leave behind. Right now, I’m focused on gaining deeper technical knowledge through hands-on learning from autonomous UAVs and rovers. These projects and workshops that we garner here at Valencia as well as outside the classroom allow me to connect engineering theory to practice while collaborating with peers who share the same passion for discovery and innovation. At the core of everything I do is a simple mission: To make technology and space exploration accessible, sustainable, and inspiring for everyone. I see engineering as a form of storytelling — every design tells a story of curiosity, discovery, and the human drive to build something meaningful. Whether it’s through a 3D-printed rocket component or a classroom workshop, I want my work to remind others that innovation starts with one simple phrase: “I just never thought I couldn’t”.