Sparking Opportunity: Dionard Toplana ’27 Builds His Future in Electrical Engineering Technology

When Dionard Toplana '27 was a senior in high school at Nashua High School North, he knew he wanted to pursue engineering but wasn't sure which path was right for him. "I always knew that I wanted to study engineering, but there are too many to choose from," he recalls. "My senior year, I took AP physics, robotics, power mechanics and electricity/electronics. Funny enough, it was my shortest course-electricity/electronics-that piqued my curiosity."

Dionard says what began as "a shot in the dark" ultimately shaped his choice to study pursue a B.S. in electrical engineering technology at UNH Manchester, where he has worked hard to establish himself as both a student and a leader.

Finding His Path at UNH Manchester

For Dionard, affordability and opportunity made UNH Manchester the right choice. As a first-generation student, being chosen for the Millyard Scholars Programand a recipient of the Engineering Technology Scholarshipwere pivotal in his decision.

"The scholarships I was offered made college affordable, which is very important for someone like me," he says. "The distance from home also helps, as I can save money by commuting, all while getting a [UNH] engineering degree."

But he says the people have made the biggest difference. "The professors at UNH Manchester all have decades of real-world experience in major engineering fields and companies," he says. "The smaller classroom sizes have allowed me to build real connections with my professors and establish connections that will help both my learning and the decisions I make when starting my career."

Discovering His Passion for Engineering

Though his path to electrical engineering may have started as an experiment, Dionard quickly discovered he had made the right choice. "I didn't want to spend my whole day coding or doing intense mechanical equations," he explains. "Electrical engineeringis a perfect blend of lab work and theory and has so much potential; it ended up being a fantastic choice."

Family also played a role in shaping his path. "I had an uncle who studied electrical engineering at UNH years ago, so I figured, why not? Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made."

Gaining Hands-On Experience in the Lab

Alongside his coursework, Dionard works as an Engineering Technology Lab Assistant, supporting the electrical and mechanical labs, the 3D printing lab, the robotics lab and the machine shop. "I help professors and the program with everything from managing inventory and ordering components to facilitating lab experiments for other students," he says.

Spending so much time in the labs has not only strengthened his technical skills but also deepened his relationships on campus. "The electrical lab is basically my office, so I spend most of my days in there when I'm working and when I'm studying. This allows me to get more comfortable in a lab setting and allows me to build more chemistry with professors and other students."

What Matters Most: Community and Connection

When asked about the most rewarding part of his UNH Manchester experience, Dionard finds it hard to pick just one. From the affordability of commuting to the smaller class sizes that make it easier to connect with professors-and even his work-study role as a lab assistant-he feels supported in many ways.

"So far," he says, "the most rewarding part of my experience at UNH Manchester is honestly having so many resources available to me." Above all, it's the relationships with faculty that mean the most. "They helped me through school and to get the work-study opportunity that I have right now," he says.

Driven By Determination

As the son of Albanian refugees from Kosovo, Dionard says his background has been a powerful source of motivation. "I'm a first-generation college student, and that gives me unparalleled motivation to succeed," he says. "Coupled with my personal goals and life experiences, that drive pushes me to be the best version of myself I can be."

Looking back, he sees UNH Manchester as the place where that drive has truly taken shape. With hands-on lab experience, close faculty support and a community that believes in him, Dionard has built both confidence and a strong foundation for his future in electrical engineering.