From Transfer Student to Engineer: London’s Journey on The Hill

Preston London, a senior mechanical engineering major from Birmingham, Alabama, will cross the stage during Alabama A&M University’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 12 at the AAMU Event Center with a full-time engineering position already secured. London will join Southern Company as an Engineer I in Transmission Line Design, a role he said reflects years of preparation, mentorship and opportunities he found on The Hill.

London transferred to AAMU from Lawson State Community College, quickly establishing himself as an engaged student leader. He earned a partial athletic scholarship competing in shot put, hammer throw, and weight throw on the AAMU Track and Field team, as well as a transfer scholarship. He became actively involved in organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, where he served as financial chair; the Environmental Club; and the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) Ambassadors program with Purdue University. In addition, he continued to broaden his undergraduate research experience across biotechnology, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.

One of the highlights of his collegiate experience came this year when he was selected as one of only five students nationwide to attend the Harvard University Fitzhugh Conference. Sponsored through Southern Company, the February program allowed him to explore Harvard’s campus, meet Black leaders at Harvard Business School and connect with the university’s Black Student Union.

“It was a great opportunity to see firsthand the type of innovation and leadership being developed there,” London said. “We learned a lot about the history of Harvard Business School and got to see the possibilities for students who look like us.”

London’s passion for environmental justice also shaped his academic path. Through a community-based research project in 2022, he visited Superfund sites in Alabama, including neighborhoods in Bessemer and Fairfield affected by industrial contamination. Hearing the stories of residents – particularly women whose health had been severely impacted by arsenic in the soil – motivated him to use engineering as a tool for change.

That experience helped inspire his company, the Eco-Equality Alliance, which focuses on designing artificial trees that use algae to remove pollutants from the air. London has presented the concept at pitch competitions and continues developing the technology with a focus on serving underrepresented communities.

“Our goal isn’t to replace real trees,” he said. “It’s to support them in areas where pollution prevents natural growth. We want these artificial trees to filter the air and protect communities while real trees have time to mature.”

London completed multiple internships and research programs, including roles with Southern Company’s Business Process and Innovation team, UAB’s AI-MED program, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Program. He said his AAMU professors – particularly Dr. Aschalew Kassu, Dr. Mohamed Gadalla and Dr. Mebougna Drabo – played key roles in guiding his research, building his engineering foundation and supporting him throughout his academic journey.

He also credits his track and field coach, Johnie Jean Jacques, for his personal growth: “Coach Jacques really played a pivotal role in me becoming a man at A&M and not just an athlete,” said London.

As he prepares for graduation, London said the relationships he formed at AAMU are what he values most. “The relationships I built – with professors, mentors, and peers – have been the best part,” he said. “The AAMU community truly supports one another and pushes you to reach your highest potential. My teammates and coaches also played a huge role in making my experience rewarding and memorable. I’m truly grateful for the mentors, friends, and family who supported me along the way. Alabama A&M has prepared me for the next chapter, and I especially want to thank my mom, dad, and sister for being there for me every step of the journey.”

Looking ahead to his new role with Southern Company in the Atlanta metro area, London said he is eager to apply what he learned at AAMU to projects that support communities and advance clean energy systems. His long-term goals include becoming a senior engineer, expanding his environmental technology work and eventually creating a scholarship to support future AAMU students.

“Alabama A&M didn’t just give me an education – it transformed me. I am the man who I am today thanks to my time here. This University is part of my family story.”

(Photo L-R) Preston London, Abigail Jeffries, Amayah Mitchell-Howard, Johnie Jean Jacques, Ezekial Salama at AAMU's 2024 B.E.S.T Awards