While Kipsy Quevada was a student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technologies program at the Edison Academy, part of Middlesex County Magnet Schools, she completed college-level exams and projects, juggled multiple impending deadlines, and was expected to contribute high-quality work. Although the program was challenging, Quevada is grateful for her Edison Academy education because it prepared her to succeed in similar college and career environments, including in her current role as a computer engineer for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Lakehurst.
“At Edison Academy, I learned invaluable skills such as how to lead and collaborate with a team, refine my time management skills and handle failure gracefully,” said Quevada. “Most importantly, the school provided a safe space for me to discover who I am and how I can become all I was made to be. I graduated knowing that I was not defined by grades, a lengthy resume, or even my future career as a computer engineer for the Navy. Rather, I am remembered first for my innate heart of compassion for all those around me, as well as those who risk their lives for their families and country.”
Quevada, of Iselin, graduated from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technologies program in 2014. For her senior engineering project, she contributed to building and troubleshooting an autonomous agricultural drone.
At the school, she also performed classic plays for English class and often felt free to engage her peers and teachers in spoken word poems and songs.
Upon graduating, Quevada attended the Stevens Institute of Technology and earned both a Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and a Master of Science, Software Engineering, both in 2019.
At NAWCAD, Quevada is a computer engineer for both the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). She leads the planning for the Agile transformation process for both programs. Among her accomplishments, she spearheaded and was product owner of the EMALS Launch-Software Automated Test System (ELATS), which as of 2024 reduced the test time of approximately 1.6 million test cases to 18 days with minimal user interaction while saving the government $2.6 million worth of software defects.
Quevada is a member of the NAVAIR Agile Advocates Initiative and graduated from the NAVAIR Journeyman Leadership Development Program in 2024. She has received the “Best in Site” award for her work at NAWCAD Lakehurst and is active in various NAWCAD teams including the NAWCAD Lakehurst music band.
Further reflecting on her start at Edison Academy Magnet School, Quevada noted, “It was both the rigorous curriculum and the opportunity for self-discovery that prepared me for the future.”
