Become a Mentor

Alumni of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland hold degrees in mechanical, reliability, or nuclear engineering. They form a unique community that stays connected and also gives back through a combination of time, talent, and treasure.

Derris Banks, B.S. '93

Mr. Banks has over three decades of United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experience as a Patent Examiner, Supervisory Patent Examiner, and Technology Center Director to his current position as Chief Patent Classification Official (CPCO). He joined the USPTO in June of 1994 in Technology Center (TC) 3700 examining semiconductor fabrication and abrasive tool manufacturing applications. He became the Supervisory Patent Examiner in TC 3700 in December 2000 and managed various mechanical Art Units. In 2012, Mr. Banks became the Director of Technology Center 2600 managing various electrical technologies. In 2022, Mr. Banks served as the Chief Patent Classification Official in Office of International Patent Cooperation (OPIC) responsible for all domestic and international classification-related matters for the USPTO.

Mr. Banks received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland College Park, and Master of Public Administration from DeVry University, Keller Graduate School. He is a native Marylander, born in Albany, Ga. but raised in Maryland.

Shiron Lindsay, B.S. '09

Shiron Lindsay is a proud graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and a recipient of the prestigious C.D. Mote, Jr. Incentive Awards Program scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Shiron began her career as an engineering and computer science educator, where she discovered a deep passion for STEM education.

Today, she serves as an Instructional Technology Specialist supporting all K–8 computer science programs across Baltimore City Public Schools. Her work centers on expanding access to high-quality STEM learning, equipping educators, and empowering students from all backgrounds to succeed in a technology-driven world. T hrough her educational leadership, Shiron is committed to creating equitable opportunities and cultivating the next generation of innovators in Baltimore.

Beth LeBrun, B.S. ‘10, M.S. ‘13

After graduating from the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Maryland, Beth LeBrun B.S. ’10, M.S. ’13, began her career at Newell Brands in 2013 through their highly competitive rotational supply chain program. The role gave her valuable hands-on experience across multiple manufacturing plants in both the U.S. and Mexico, providing a solid foundation in supply chain operations and engineering management.

Today, Beth serves as the Operations Manager at Newell Brands’ Liquid Manufacturing and Technology Center in Tennessee, where she leads the production of ink for the iconic Paper Mate pens. She is one of only four female plant managers across the company nationwide, an achievement she credits to her commitment to continuous learning.