Gianna Elias (Co-Lead Mentor)
Hey! My name is Gianna, and I am a sophomore in Bioengineering with a concentration in Cell and Tissue Engineering and a minor in Chemistry. I currently work in the Cellular Neuroscience Imaging lab on campus. I had no idea how much I liked research before I was given this opportunity. On campus I am a part of Phide (a premedical fraternity), Biomedical Engineering Society, where I participate in Engineering Open House every year, and Engineering Student Alumni Ambassadors. In my free time, I like to golf, hike, and cook. I’m so excited to meet all the incoming freshmen in the fall!
Stephanie Slowik (Co-Lead Mentor)
Hey, I’m Stephanie! I’m going to be a senior in bioengineering and am minoring in the Hoeft Technology & Management Program. I’ll be interning remotely this summer with Abbott’s neuromodulation medical device business out of Plano, Texas. During the school year, I also work for Abbott on campus at their Research Park office. I recently picked up cross-stitching as a hobby. It’s super relaxing and fun to do while watching any baking competition show on TV. Some of my other hobbies are snow skiing, boating, and gardening. I can’t wait to learn more about you all in August!
Jaime Chen
Hi! My name is Jaime, and I’m a rising senior in bioengineering. I’ll be working at MD Anderson Cancer Center this summer. On campus, I’m currently on the TBP board and am on a project team for i-MADE. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, playing the piano, and spending time outdoors. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at orientation in August!
Niharika Dangarwala
Hi! My name is Niharika, and I am going to be a junior in bioengineering. I am also minoring in The Hoeft Technology and Management Program. This summer, I am working at PSYONIC in Champaign, Illinois as a mechatronics intern. I’m really excited to have an internship that is specific to my concentration in biomechanics! On campus, I am the head diversity chair for the Society of Women Engineers, a project engineer for i-MADE, and am involved in undergraduate research. In my free time, I like to cook, travel, and run. I’m excited to be a WIE mentor this year and can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Grace Huberty
Hey everyone! My name is Grace, and I am going to be a junior in bioengineering, with a minor in disability studies. On campus, I am on the executive boards of Biomedical Engineering Society and Rube Goldberg Society. I also do research on osteoarthritis using motion capture (like in the movies!). In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends doing puzzles, playing games, and watching the Illinois football and basketball teams. I also like to write! I’m so glad you are all coming to Illinois, and I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Mattie Thoele
Hi! My name is Mattie, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Bioengineering. I’m involved in a lot of activities on campus, including Biomedical Engineering Society, Society of Women Engineers, and Engineering Open House. In my free time, I love cheering on Illini football and basketball! I can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Uditha Velidandla
Hey! My name is Uditha and I will be a sophomore in Bioengineering. On campus, I am on the officer board for SWE Illinois, and am involved in undergraduate research. This past year, I took part in EOH with the Biomedical Engineering Society. In my free time, I like to play the violin and to spend time outdoors. Taking part in the WIE Orientation eased my anxiety about joining a new school and provided me with connections to people both in my major and outside of my major who I could talk to when I had questions. I hope that I can be a part of the same support system for you, and I am so excited to meet you!
Taylor Wills
Hi, y’all! My name is Taylor, and I’m going to be a senior (that felt weird to say!) in Bioengineering with a minor in the Hoeft Technology and Management Program. I grew up in a small town outside of St. Louis. I am interning with Abbott this summer, and my post-graduation plans are currently to attend graduate school to study Prosthetics. On-campus, I am the President of the Biomedical Engineering Society, do undergraduate research out of the Mechanical Engineering Department, work for Abbott at Research Park, and am in a Greek Sorority. In my free time, I love attending/watching Illinois sports. I can’t wait to meet you in the fall 🙂