Kyle Bennett’s journey to PennWest California began thousands of miles away in Trinidad and Tobago, driven by a lifelong desire to solve real-world problems. On December 13, the PennWest senior will proudly earn his Bachelor of Science in mechatronics engineering technology.

From an early age, Bennett envisioned using engineering to make life better, starting with the challenges he witnessed growing up in the Caribbean. That determination brought him to PennWest, where his love for invention found the perfect place to thrive.

“Growing up in the Caribbean, I was surrounded by problems that needed real solutions: flooding, unstable infrastructure, limited access to tools and tech,” he said. “I’ve always loved inventing things, tearing apart toys and building gadgets, trying to understand how the world works. But what pushed me to turn that passion into a major was realizing that invention isn’t just a hobby for me. It is part of who I am.”

Choosing mechatronics engineering technology gave him the opportunity to bring together mechanics, electronics, robotics and design in ways that felt meaningful and connected to the needs of his community.

Outside the classroom, Bennett fully immersed himself in campus life. He served as a student ambassador and tour guide, president of the Cosplay Club, treasurer of the Vulcan Gaming Club, captain of the fencing team and secretary of the Medieval Club, all while staying active in the Engineering Technology Club and Student Government.

“I believe learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door,” he said. “Every activity helped me grow socially, creatively and professionally. They taught me leadership, time management, teamwork and how to build communities.”

Bennett’s college experience was marked by both achievement and adversity. During his sophomore year, he lost his father – an event that profoundly shaped his journey.

“Losing my dad forced me to rebuild myself from the ground up,” he said. “PennWest taught me not just engineering, but resilience, problem-solving, communication, patience and how to combine creativity with discipline.”

Hands-on engineering became a major source of motivation and identity. Highlights of his academic work include his research on medieval-era robots for the Strike a Spark Conference, a smart wallet designed for a CAD project and a water-pressure testing system he built for his senior capstone. Coursework in CNC machining, sheet metal, casting, circuitry, instrumentation and control systems deepened his love for applied engineering.

Even historical fencing became its own kind of engineering for him – combining mechanics, timing and strategy.

Bennett believes that his success comes from a strong support network.

His mother, whom he calls “the foundation of my resilience and creativity,” and his girlfriend, Nikki, a talented programmer and designer, provided constant encouragement. He also found mentors across campus: Dr. Jennifer Wilburn, assistant chairperson of the Computing and Engineering Technology Department; Linda Pavlitsa, director of the International Education Office; Dr. Tyton Brunner, assistant director of Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring Services; and the entire Admissions Office. His fencing coach, he said, played a defining role in his growth as both an athlete and a leader.

 “I truly didn’t make it through college alone,” he said.

Bennett’s plans after graduation are ambitious and community-driven. He hopes to launch a startup and release his first products, including the Focus Wallet and a flood-relief hydrogel system. He also aims to work in robotics, research and development, or product design to continue expanding his technical portfolio. Graduate school is on the horizon as well, with goals of pursuing an MPhil and eventually moving toward Ph.D.-level research. Above all, Bennett hopes to create jobs, mentor students and make engineering, creativity and innovation more accessible for international students.

Bennett offers simple, powerful advice for those just beginning their own journeys:

“Start even if you’re unsure. Stop comparing your timeline to others. Join a club. You will find your people. Talk to your professors. Those relationships can change your entire college career. Document everything you do. Rest when you need to—burnout is real. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. College is the perfect place to change and grow.”

As he prepares to leave PennWest, Bennett carries with him the knowledge, experience, and confidence to engineer solutions that make a difference – both at home in Trinidad and Tobago and across the world.