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On 25 March 2026, the Association of Civil Engineering Students – University of Nairobi (ACES-UON), in collaboration with the Department of Civil & Construction Engineering, successfully hosted a Special Mentorship Talk featuring Cecilio Fernando “CJ” Mills, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley and founder of Creative Adaptive Thinking.

The event, held at the Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre (CELT), brought together students from Civil Engineering as well as other departments including Geospatial Engineering and Biosystems Engineering, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary interest.

Engaging and Relevant Discussions

The session covered a wide range of career and academic topics, including:

  • The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and career progression
  • Life after graduation
  • Engineering careers in research
  • Opportunities both in Kenya and abroad

Among these, the discussion on AI in education and career development generated particularly high engagement, with students actively participating and sharing perspectives on how emerging technologies are shaping the future of engineering.

Interactive Learning Experience

The talk, which ran from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, was highly interactive and extended beyond the formal session. At the conclusion:

  • Some students accompanied the speaker to the laboratory for continued engagement
  • Others remained behind to further discuss career pathways and research opportunities

This level of interaction underscored the value of the session in bridging academic learning and real-world application.

Student Leadership and Organisation

The event was successfully organised by the ACES leadership team:

  • Josephine Amondi – Chairperson
  • Kanyi Mwai – Vice Chairperson
  • Christine Kioria – Finance Secretary
  • Micah Muchoki – Media and Publicity Secretary
  • Timothy Mwabu – Academic Secretary
  • Judith Ombany – Vice Academic Secretary

Their coordination ensured a well-attended and impactful event.

Continued Engagement

Students are encouraged to continue engaging with the mentorship initiative by registering through the link below:

🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-R0xV0iEdnBIaqZCR14SxxwJVxAyKPSTJogx1t8Reh2zVYA/viewform

A Successful Mentorship Initiative

The mentorship talk was widely regarded as a success, offering students valuable insights into academic advancement, career planning, and the evolving role of technology in engineering.

The Department and ACES-UON remain committed to organising similar engagements that empower students with knowledge, skills, and professional networks essential for their future careers.