Cecilia Tipping looked down at the engineering ring she just received during the Order of Engineer ceremony, a moment that not only recognized her academic achievement but also her personal promise.

“My engineering ring is a reminder to myself that I want to use my knowledge for the betterment of society,” Tipping said.

A senior at Southern Methodist University, Tipping is a computer science and physics double major. She is preparing to attend Columbia University this fall, where she will pursue a master’s degree in technology, media and learning, focusing on designing educational video games.

Her work is rooted in her own personal story.

Tipping transferred to SMU from Dallas College and is a first-generation college student, as well as the first woman in her family to pursue a college degree.

Her academic path, however, was shaped long before she arrived on campus.

Tipping’s younger sister, Grace, was diagnosed with cancer as a child.

“It disrupts everything in your family’s life,” Tipping said.

As a child, Tipping was shown a YouTube video to understand her sister’s diagnosis and the change it brought. She recalls the explanation being insufficient for a child to truly grasp what was happening.

“I don’t think that was as fulfilling as I wish that would’ve been,” Tipping said.

The gap in understanding and emotional challenges that followed became pivotal for what is now Tipping’s life project: “G.R.A.C.E” – short for “Game-Based Resources Addressing Cognitive and Emotional Education.”

Named after her sister, Tipping said “G.R.A.C.E” is designed to help children understand their diagnosis while developing the social and emotional skills needed to cope.

Tipping added those experiences, combined with her passions, led her to think she could fill that gap.

“Why don’t I use this as a tool to address this problem?” Tipping said.

The project has already received early-stage funding and will be the basis of her graduate work at Columbia.

Faculty members who have worked closely with Tipping have noted her commitment to her project.

“Cecilia has always been incredibly inquisitive and smart, and her work ethic is amazing,” said Alain Mota, a design project manager at SMU, who first met her through the Thrive Scholars Program.

Mota noted Tipping’s consistent drive, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and demonstrated resilience both academically and personally.

“She kind of never sits still,” Mota said. “She puts herself in a position to try things.”Mota added that her combination of technical skill and empathy positions her to make a meaningful impact.

“Through her work ethic and her empathy, she’s opening opportunities for people like herself,” Mota said.

Tipping’s impact extends beyond her life project; she’s also leaving an impact on campus through her involvement in SMU’s Women in Science and Engineering, or WISE.

Charli Matinfar, a sophomore physics and math student, said Tipping has served as a leader and a role model within the organization.

“She is so well-rounded,” Matinfar said. “She puts herself first but also makes time for her friends and family. She’s so caring.”

Matinfar added that as Co-President of WISE, Tipping expanded the organization’s outreach to Mesquite ISD, allowing members to serve as a role model for younger students interested in science and engineering roles.

As she prepares for the next stage of her academic career, Tipping said her goal remains clear: to make learning more accessible and engaging, especially for younger audiences.

Tipping hopes to expand “G.R.A.C.E.” beyond childhood cancer education and into broader learning tools for children.

“I want to make learning fun again,” Tipping said. “Use the things kids already love and align with learning.”

For Tipping, the ring she now wears is not just a milestone – it is a reminder of the impact she carries forward.