Marianna Fischer

Marianna Fischer is a first-generation undergraduate at Eastern Washington University who is pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering Technology with a specialized interest in robotics. While obtaining an associate’s degree from Spokane Community College she had hands-on experience with AC/DC circuits in a lab setting and this helped grow her passion for robotics. She is currently working with her mentor, Dr. Philip Appel on developing a research project on small scale incinerators for energy generation. Her goal is to become an expert in small scale energy generation that is better for the environment and can be used off the grid, in space, and other novel uses. She would like to own her own business and be at the forefront of humanity’s future.

In 2023, Marianna was selected and awarded funding to attend the The Viterbi Graduate Step Toward Engineering Programs (STEP) Workshop, which invites students to explore master’s and doctoral degree programs. She was selected to participate in EWU’s Technology Commercialization Academy (TCA), through the E-Ship Center, and received a CSTEM Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fund Award. Waste to Watts: portable home generators that transform plastic into electricity won Third Place at the E-Ship Team Awards. Marianna and her team, which includes Brayden Taylor, Avary Zachary, and Brandon Lewis, receiving $8,109.87 for their research and development.