Member Spotlight: Evan Sirianni
The future of SNAME is bright, thanks to our student members and their energy, involvement, and ideas. Evan Sirianni, incoming Student Steering Committee (SSC) Chair and a senior at the University of Michigan, says he has a student mentor to thank for the education and career focus that led him to SNAME.
“This mentor introduced me to his major, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME), a field that designs and builds the largest human-made moving structures on the planet,” Sirianni says. “I chose to study NA&ME because the thought of that fascinated me. I grew up in rural mid-Michigan, where the biggest human-made structure around was a 16-story building in downtown Flint!”
Sirianni says he was also drawn to the NA&ME program because the subject matter integrates aspects from nearly every other engineering discipline. In his studies and internships, Sirianni has focused on naval vessel design and construction. The University of Michigan’s very active Student Section and associated Great Lakes/Great Rivers Section led him to join SNAME.
“The Society brings together the most esteemed professionals of the maritime industry,” he says. “I look to SNAME as a source of technical rigor and expertise in the maritime sector. Beyond its technical rigor, I believe SNAME is the best way to remain connected to the living maritime industry. A LinkedIn connection is not the same as a handshake and catch-up conversation, or a discussion about maritime advancements. True, lasting network connections are made in person, and there is not a better means of experiencing in-person connections than through SNAME, its annual meetings, and being a part of its many global sections.”
Since joining SNAME, Sirianni has served on the board of the University of Michigan Student Section, SNAME committees, and SSC. “The most rewarding aspect of my SSC Chair role in 2025 was seeing students from many Student Sections and countries participate in the Student Roundtables, where they received mentorship and career advice, and were able to network with esteemed industry professionals,” he says.
Next fall, Sirianni will begin a one-year Master’s Degree program in NA&ME at the University of Michigan. When he completes the program, he will begin working for NSWC Carderock Division as part of his work commitment for the SMART Scholarship. He looks forward to pursuing a successful career working in advanced ship design and construction. Sirianni thinks of SNAME as a huge investment in his future, and he is looking forward to continuing his work as SSC Chair for 2026.