Marc Aymeric is the president of the Northern Kentucky Society of Black Engineers (NKSBE), NKU’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The organization boasts over 35,000 members worldwide and aims to provide networking opportunities for students across industries such as aerospace, manufacturing and automotive engineering.
Originally from Ivory Coast, Aymeric is now a junior majoring in physics and engineering physics with a minor in mathematics. He has a particular passion for energy and believes in the role of physics as fundamental to understanding the world.
“Physics is one of the most fundamental things in the universe,” he said. “Physics just tells you how things interact and react to each other.”
When Aymeric arrived at NKU in the fall of 2022, he was somewhat reluctant. Originally hoping to attend the University of Michigan, Aymeric ultimately chose NKU at his family’s encouragement, his brother having attended. Looking back, he has no regrets.
“It turned out to be the best decision I ever made,” Aymeric said.
His passion for physics traces back to his childhood. A pivotal moment came when he first watched the movie “Iron Man”.
“I remember I watched ‘Iron Man,’ and my life changed,” Aymeric said.
The film’s protagonist, Tony Stark, is a groundbreaking mechanical and electrical engineer. Fascinated by this character and the fictional feats of engineering in the film, Aymeric began to explore his curiosity and interest in engineering. He spent his early years trying to understand how things worked, often to his parents’ dismay.
“When I was a kid, I was breaking everything. Dad was mad, Mom was mad,” he recalled with a laugh.
Aymeric explained that the society serves as a platform for professional growth and networking, helping members advance in their careers.
“NSBE connects professionals in multiple industries,” Aymeric said. “It’s a game changer for anyone looking to grow a network and succeed in a career.”
The NSBE National Conference, held in Atlanta in March 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, brought together more than 300 companies. The conference is held annually and is where the NSBE elects its national leadership. It also serves as a networking and career growth opportunity for members from chapters all across the country.
“It was really a community because a community is supposed to be a group of people that support each other, help them grow,” Aymeric said. “Community is based on relationships that lead to exponential growth for everyone.”
NKSBE itself is a relatively new chapter. While NSBE had a presence at NKU before the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous chapter did not survive. The current chapter was revitalized under the leadership of Seth Gray, who introduced Aymeric to the organization. When Gray graduated in the fall of 2023, he appointed Aymeric as the club’s new president.
Under Aymeric’s leadership, NKSBE operates with an entrepreneurial approach.
“I say we run [NKSBE] like a startup, meaning that we don’t see it as a side hustle, or we don’t see it as just a club,” he said. “So we really have this sense of urgency. We want to work hard. Everybody is working hard to make this thing real.”
The organization hosts a variety of programs, including skill-building workshops, company visits and engineering symposiums. One of their flagship events is Embedded Behind the Blueprints: Real Stories from Real Engineers, which features industry professionals sharing their career experiences.
“We want to bring some real engineering mindsets to NKU,” Aymeric said.
While NKSBE is part of the National Society of Black Engineers, Aymeric emphasized that the organization is inclusive.
“It’s not only open for Black students or engineers; it’s open to everybody,” he said. “We set up the organization in a way where everyone can find something that will align with their academic and professional goals.”
According to the NSBE, in 2021, less than 5% of bachelor’s degrees in engineering were awarded to Black students.
Aymeric likens NKSBE to an engineering project where every member plays a crucial role.
“Everybody has to play a role in the organization. NKSBE is kind of like a product that we are all engineering and developing,” he said. “It’s kind of like a phone; you have multiple teams for the screen, for the motherboard, the supply chain team.”
This year, NKSBE will attend the NSBE national conference in Chicago, hoping to expand its presence and provide opportunities for its members.
“The essence of a community is relationships that make you grow,” he said. “You’re not supposed to be stagnant. It’s supposed to be people you’re going to connect with and grow together.”
