Kassidy Boone is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, who received her BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2021.

As a sophomore, Boone helped UT’s National Society of Black Engineers Academic Technology Bowl team achieve their first ever regional win—then go on to take third place at the national level. The next fall, Boone’s team clinched the regional win yet again.

During her last year at UT, Boone was one of just 54 undergraduates to receive the Dr. Marva Rudolph Scholarship. At the end of Boone’s final spring on Rocky Top, her research group was recognized with an award of merit at UT’s university-wide Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements.

Boone joined PepsiCo in 2022 at their Frito-Lay Headquarters in Plano, Texas. As an Engineering Project Manager, she executes an array of national safety, maintenance, and obsolescence programs across Frito-Lay sites in the United States and Canada. She is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Boone loves outdoor activities, traveling, and attending sporting events—especially for the Memphis Grizzlies!

• Question: As an Alumna, what’s the difference between an 8AM class and 8AM at the job site?
  Answer: 8 a.m. at the job site is a lot easier because I’m typically getting proper rest the night before.
• Q: What were you involved in while attending the University of Tennessee?
  A: I was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, a Tickle College of Engineering Ambassador, and a member of the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Q: As it relates to Tennessee tradition, Neyland Stadium or Thompson-Boling Arena?
  A: Neyland Stadium! The energy at Neyland Stadium is unmatched. Fireworks, Rocky Top, the human Power T, the band, and Smokey make a Neyland gameday experience like no other.
• Q: What is the fondest memory of being in college?
  A: Late nights at North Commons at Hodges Library were some of my favorite college memories. Whether it was studying all night for an (Engineering Fundamentals) exam or just hanging out with your friends while doing a quick assignment, some of the best friendships and memories were made here.
• Q: What is the toughest class you took in the Tickle College of Engineering?
  A: Mechanics of materials was probably my toughest course. I could never get down stress transformations and the Mohr’s Circle.
• Q: Did you Co-op/Intern while being in undergrad? Are you with that company today?
  A: In college I had internships with Medtronic, Southern Company, and Frito-Lay. My last two internships in college with Frito-Lay and I have now been with the company full-time for almost a year.
• Q: If you had to sum up Black History Month in one sentence, what would you say?
  A: Black History Month is about the celebration and remembrance of Black historical figures to inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.