Chikako Barnes
Hi, I’m Chikako! I am one of your Student Coordinators for orientation this year, and I am a junior in Chemical Engineering on the pre-dental track. On campus, I am involved in American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, participate in research with the Chemistry department, and work as a figure skating instructor. This fall, I will be serving as an Engineering Learning Assistant for ENG 100, while helping out with WIE programs throughout the year. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, working out, cross stitching, and getting coffee with my friends. I met such a supportive community of women at WIE Orientation my freshman year, and hope that I can help you all transition to college life seamlessly and meet new people as well!
Leah Courtney
Hi everyone! I’m Leah, one of the Student Coordinators for orientation this year. In the fall I’ll be a junior in Civil and Environmental Engineering with minors in Spanish and Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment. On campus, I’m involved in Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering National Honor Society and the Society of Women Engineers, where I will serve as one of the Outreach Directors next year. I’ll also be an Engineering Learning Assistant for ENG 100 and continuing work with Women In Engineering. In my free time I love to read, spend time outside, drink coffee, and take care of my many houseplants. WIE Orientation introduced me to some of my best friends and mentors, and I can’t wait to help out this year!
Abby Culloton
Hi everyone! My name is Abby and I’m a rising junior in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I’m also pursuing a certificate in Environmental Writing. This fall, I’ll be an Engineering Learning Assistant for ENG 100, the Community Service Director in the Society of Women Engineers, a member of the Guatemala Sanitation Project in Engineers Without Borders, and a student author on the Illinois Admissions Blog. Outside of classes, I love writing, playing piano, and going on hikes. I can’t wait to welcome you all to the incredible Women in Engineering community and help you discover all the amazing opportunities that are available to you at Illinois!
Michaela Patton
What’s up guys! My name is Michaela and I’m helping coordinate WIE orientation this year. I’m an upcoming junior in Civil Engineering with a primary in Construction Management and a secondary in Structures. I also am pursuing a minor in Spanish and I earned a Leadership Certificate last fall! This summer, I have a Project Management Internship with Granite Construction in Chicago where I’ll be working on a bridge project above highway I-90. On campus I’m involved in Engineering Open House Committee, a subset of Engineering Council, Women’s Club Volleyball, Society of Women Engineers, and I will be a TA for ENG 177: Leadership in the fall (one of the GFX Scholars classes). I love being active; when I’m not busy with other things you can always find me at the ARC! I enjoy weightlifting, playing volleyball and basketball and flag football. I’m so excited to help out this fall and I can’t wait to meet you all!