Meet your Orientation Coordinators & Mentors! They are students who have attended WIE Orientation as freshmen, and are excited to be back as leaders to answer all of your questions about UIUC! You will have plenty of time to talk with them at Orientation, but for now, you can join our Facebook group to start asking questions and getting advice from them!
Student Coordinators
Name: Elizabeth Sanders
Year: Senior
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hi! I am Elizabeth and I am very excited to be one of your student coordinators for WIE orientation! Outside of my academics, I am one of the Head ELAs for ENG100, work at Abbott Nutrition in Research Park, and am the WIE Liasion on the recruitment committee for the Society of Women Engineers. In my free time I make music with friends, love going to concerts, and scout out dogs to pet on the quad. I love WIE orientation because it gives all of you a great opportunity to meet friends before college even starts – I met my roomate and best friend at WIE camp!! I am looking forward to meeting all of you this summer!
Name: Siobhan Fox
Year: Senior
Major: Systems Engineering & Design
Hi everyone! I’m Siobhan, and this fall I will be a senior in Systems Engineering and Design with an International Engineering minor. When I am not in engineering hall studying, you can find me hanging out with friends at my sorority house, learning more about bioacoustics at my research lab, or attending events for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. My favorite thing I have done on campus is study abroad in Madrid, Spain during my sophomore year. Traveling around was so much fun that I set a goal to visit all 6 habitable continents before graduation, and now only have 2 more left! I cannot wait to hear all about each of your interests in August!
Name: Samantha Moran
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Science and Engineering
Hi! I’m Samantha and I am super excited to be one of your coordinators for WIE Orientation! Meeting girls through WIE helped me feel at home on campus and become involved in my amazing department (shout-out to the MechEs out there!). I’m on the special projects committee through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and this fall I will be an Engineering Learning Assistant for the ENG 100 program. I also enjoy being involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and volunteering at the Krannert Center. Otherwise, you can probably find me hiking, playing the flute, or baking the world’s best banana muffins. I can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Social Media Coordinator
Name: Stephanie Jaster
Year: Junior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hi! My name is Stephanie and I’m going to be a junior in electrical engineering, with minors in architecture and mathematics. Last year, I studied and research nanotechnology while abroad in Munich, Germany! On campus, I’m the engineering representative of my sorority, on the Engineering Open House marketing committee, and a member of SWE. In my free time, I like to sketch, write, and tutor students in math, physics, and ECE courses. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in August!
Photographers
Name: Kathryn Lee
Year: Junior
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Hey! My name is Kathryn Lee and I am majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. On campus, I am apart of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity. I love Theta Tau. It’s where I met some of my closest friends. I did research in Madrid over the summer working with improving mechanical properties of bone cement. I play volleyball in my free time and I love watching shows like Psych, Monk and the Big Bang Theory. Excited to meet you all!
Name: Richa Vijayvergiya
Year: Senior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hi there! I’m Richa and I’m going to be a senior in Electrical Engineering! I’m also minoring in French and I studied abroad in Paris during Fall 2017. I am an undergraduate researcher in the Power and Energy sector of ECEB because I want to go into renewable energy with my EE degree. I’m part of SWE and WECE on campus because I want to create a supportive community for women in engineering at UIUC! In my free time I love to read, catch up on politics, dance, and sing! If you want to jam, hit me up! I’m so excited to meet all of you this August!
Mentors
Name: Aparajitha Adiraju
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
Hey! My name is Aparajitha Adiraju, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Engineering. I am a part of HackIllinois Staff, OTCR consulting, and ACM, and I’ve met so many cool people through these various RSOs. In my free time, I like to sing and get boba with friends. I’m really excited to be a WIE mentor this year and I can’t wait to met all of you in August!
Name: Avin Arefzadeh
Year: Sophomore
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
My name is Avin, and I will be a sophomore studying civil and environmental engineering here at UIUC. Since starting my studies here, I have been involved with Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, Student Advocacy Coalition, WIE ambassadors, and Taekwondo club. When not in those clubs or in class, I LOVE watching Parks and Recs or dancing and jamming in my room to throwback music (and/or musicals, depending on my mood). I am incredible thrilled to be a WIE mentor and to get to know all of you! I’ll see you guys in August 🙂
Name: Jessica Austriaco
Year: Senior
Major: BioEngineering
Hello! My name is Jessica, and I will be a senior in Bioengineering. This summer, I am going to work at AbbVie in North Chicago as a Clinical Trials Intern. On campus, I am a CARE tutor for the CoE and am involved in Engineering Ambassadors, which is a STEM outreach group under the college focuses on developing its members technical communication skills and seeks to change the conversation about engineering in our communities. I’ve always loved to read and more recently, learned to love running in 2018, I ran my first half marathon! I hope to run many more. I’m excited to be a WIE mentor and hope you are excited to learn all about the opportunities here at UIUC!
Name: Amanda Batista
Year: Sophomore
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Hi! My name is Amanda and I started out in Undeclared Engineering but am soon to be a sophomore in Chemical Engineering. This summer I hope to find a chemical engineering internship to begin getting hands on experience in the field. On campus, I’m a special events chair for the social committee in the Society of Women Engineers. I am also an active member in the Asian American Association. In my free time I like to listen to all different types of music and spend a lot of time outside exploring. I am so excited to be a WIE mentor this year and I can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Name: Rachel Berg
Year: Senior
Major: Industrial Engineering
My name is Rachel! I am a rising Senior studying Industrial Engineering with a Track Option in Supply Chain, Logistics, and Manufacturing. This summer, I am working at John Deere as a Manufacturing Engineering Intern and last summer I interned as an Operations Engineering Intern at the US Postal Service. On campus, I serve on the Executive Board for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and am involved with a startup, MakerGirl, which promotes girls in elementary school to pursue opportunities in STEM. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and watching The Office!
Name: Kylie Burkett
Year: Junior
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hello! My name is Kylie Burkett and I am going to be a junior in Civil and Environmental Engineering. My focus is in Environmental and my secondary is in societal risk management. This summer, I (hopefully) will have an internship working in the environmental field. On campus, I’m on the OutReach committee through SWE and have held multiple chair positions. I am also involved in my service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. In my free time, I enjoy rewatching episodes of Game of Thrones, painting, and just relaxing! I was part of WIE Orientation my freshman year and I loved it, so I hope you get the same experience that I did. Can’t wait to meet you all!!
Name: Claudia Cappa
Year: Sophomore
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Hi!! My name is Claudia, and I am going to be a sophomore in chemical engineering. I am so delighted to be a WIE Orientation mentor this year. Last year I attended the program and loved every minute of it. A fun fact about me is that I am from New York and am 1 of 3 people from my high school to attend U of I. On campus, I am involved in AIChE, Greek life, and the club gymnastics team. I can’t wait to meet the class of 2022 and show all of you around campus in August!
Name: Joy Chen
Year: Sophomore
Major: BioEngineering
Hello! My name is Joy and I’m a rising sophomore in Bioengineering. This summer, I will be staying on campus and doing undergraduate research studying cancer dormancy. I love working in a lab and I’m super excited to see a lot of this stuff being applied in my classes. As for clubs, I’m a part of the Society of Women Engineers, the Biomedical Engineering Society, and the Engineering Outreach Society. I really enjoy doing outreach events and inspiring younger kids to do engineering as well. In my free time I like watching Youtube, reading, or eating good food! I’m looking forward to being a WIE mentor and meeting all of you guys!
Name: Amber DeCarlo
Year: Sophomore
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
My name is Amber and I will be a sophomore in Civil Engineering. This summer I am working at ICC Group in Melrose and Maywood Park in Illinois working on a Union Pacific/ Metra track, bridge and commuter station project. I am so excited to have an internship that will give me an inside look at what people in my field do on a day-to-day basis out in the field. On campus I am in Alpha Omega Epsilon which is an engineering sorority where I have met some of my best friends! In my free time I love to participate in sports and do fun activities with my friends. I can’t wait to meet all of you in the fall!
Name: Annamika Dua
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
Hi! My name is Annamika and I’m from New Jersey. This year I’m going to be a sophomore in computer engineering. Last year I attended WIE Orientation and I can honestly say it was one of the most fun events of my freshman year. I was able to make new friends before classes had even started and the transition from high school to college was much easier for me. In my free time, I like reading and hanging out with friends on the quad. I’m so excited to be a mentor this year and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Name: Camille Farruggio
Year: Senior
Major: Engineering Physics
Hi! My name is Cammie, and I’ll be a senior in Engineering Physics. I’m also a dual degree student in French, and a mathematics minor. This summer, I will be in Japan completing an energy storage research internship with the xFU(s)ION partnership. I’m excited to be a part of a program that furthers my materials science research and involves my love of experiencing new cultures and languages. At home, I’m the vice president for the Society for Women in Physics, co-lead of the Engineers Without Borders Cameroon partnership, and a WIE Ambassador. In my spare time, I love to read, bake, and develop personal projects for events like EOH or HackIllinois. I can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Name: Madeleine Gandawidjaja
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Science and Engineering
Hello! My name is Madeleine, and I’m a junior in mechanical engineering and pursuing a business minor. This summer, I am working for Caterpillar at the Mapleton Microfoundry as an intern. On campus, I co-direct a project based committee called Team Tech under the Society of Women Engineers. Outside of school, I play on the club tennis team and enjoy travelling to other states in the midwest! I’m looking forward to returning to orientation as a WIE mentor and meeting all of you next semester!
Name: Berat Gulecyuz
Year: Sophomore
Major: BioEngineering
Hello, Berat here! This fall, I am going to be a sophomore in Bioengineering. On campus, I am involved in SWE, Enactus, Student Alumni Ambassadors and Biomedical Engineering Society. This range of RSOs allows me to be involved not just in Engineering, but all around campus! In my free time, I love doing absolutely anything outdoors from hiking to swimming, watching movies (especially Marvel ones) and traveling the world. I am thrilled to be a WIE mentor and meet you all at orientation!
Name: Kellie Halloran
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Science and Engineering
Hi! My name is Kellie. I’m so excited to meet all of you when you come to campus in August! I’m going to be a junior in Mechanical Engineering, and I also have a Leadership Studies Minor. I really like dogs (as you can see in my picture!), hiking, and reading a good book. This summer I’ll be in the Chicago suburbs interning with Abbott, a biomedical company, as an operations intern. At school I’m involved with a campus mentoring ministry called Young Life and love hanging out with my friends and going to various events on campus.
Name: Sophie Hoang
Year: Senior
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hi! My name is Sophie, and I’m going to be a senior in civil engineering. This summer, I am interning at Blinderman Construction in downtown Chicago as a project engineer. On campus, I am on the officer boards of Alpha Omega Epsilon (an engineering sorority) and American Society of Civil Engineers. I am also a part of the Steel Bridge Team. In my free time, I like to watch Netflix, bike, and play frisbee. I’m excited to be a WIE mentor this year, and I can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Name: Erika Jaszka
Year: Sophomore
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hi! My name is Erika, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Civil & Environmental Engineering. This summer, I’m volunteering in Thailand for two weeks through an organization called GIVE. On campus, I’m a part of Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority, Engineers Without Borders, and the Society for Women Engineers. In my free time, I love to read and spend time with friends. I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor and meet the next class of women engineers!
Name: Cassie Kim
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Science and Engineering
Hey guys! My name is Cassie and I’m going to be a sophomore in mechanical engineering. When I’m not studying, I’m either learning how to play the drums, playing rugby with the Illinois women’s team, volunteering for my service fraternity, APO, or eating. Some of my other hobbies include sleeping, laughing at stupid humor, and longboarding. I hope you guys are pumped for college and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Name: Sara Legg
Year: Senior
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Hi I’m Sara Legg and I’m going to be a senior in Aerospace Engineering and pursuing the Hoeft Technology and Management Minor. This summer, I am working at Altius Space Machines in Colorado as a part of the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program. In the past I have interned at Northrop Grumman and at GE Aviation. On campus, I am the Director of the Illinois Space Society and am an active member of Alpha Omega Epsilon. In my free time I love to learn languages. I was born and raised in Spain and I am currently learning Chinese. I hope you’re all excited to come on campus and I can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Name: Jackie Letzter
Year: Senior
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
My name is Jackie Letzter and I’m a senior in chemical engineering with a minor in German. I have served the past two years on the Society of Women Engineers officer board. Over the summer and during the academic year I work for the freshman programs office in the College of Engineering. In my free time, I play video games, paint, and play music. I look forward to meeting you all in August!
Name: Shannon Lin
Year: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hello! I’m Shannon, and I’m going to be a sophomore in electrical engineering. At UIUC, I am a chair for the Outreach committee in Women and Electrical and Computer Engineering. I work at the ECE Open Lab on campus throughout the year as well. In the next few summers, I’m hoping to intern somewhere that gets me hands-on in my major, and I also hope to study abroad either in Europe or Japan. In my free time, I am an active member in Covenant Fellowship Church. I also enjoy swimming, biking, watching movies, and playing board/card games with friends. I’m super thrilled to be a WIE mentor this summer and I’m looking forward to seeing all the incoming freshmen!
Name: Jenny Marten
Year: Senior
Major: Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Hi! My name is Jenny Marten and I’m a senior in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with my concentration in renewable energy. I’m also pursuing a minor in Environmental Economics and Law because I think it’s important to not only be able to understand the mechanics of what you’re creating, but also to be able to gauge how that product will react within and reach society. On campus I’m part of Society of Women Engineers, Rube Goldberg Society and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. As a freshman, WIE Orientation really set my freshman year off to a great start and since then I’ve been a mentor to hopefully help other freshmen create a great experience like I had.
Name: Daniela Markazi
Year: Senior
Major: Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Hello! My name is Daniela, and I’m going to be a senior in Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE). I am minoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES). I’m a robotics engineer at John Deere. On campus, I’m the Vice President for the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. I’m the head Teaching Assistant for Mobile and Web Development for ABE (I actually created the class!), and I’m the lead Engineering Learning Assistant for the ABE department. In my free time, I mentor a robotics team in Champaign, I sing opera, and I play a ton of video games. I’m very excited to be a WIE mentor this year, and I can’t wait for this August!
Name: Teagan Mathur
Year: Sophomore
Major: Engineering Physics
My name is Teagan and I’m going to be a sophomore in Engineering Physics. My freshman year I joined the National Society of Black engineers and I am a part of the Junior Executive Board and the Programs Committee at that organization. When I’m not biking furiously to my classes, I enjoy cross-stitching, computer aided design, and puzzling. I’m so excited to be able to meet the incoming class of women engineers as a WIE mentor! I can’t wait to see you, the next generation of women engineers!
Name: Michelle McCord
Year: Sophomore
Major: Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
Hey, I’m Michelle! I will be a sophomore in nuclear, plasma, and radiological Engineering. I am also looking into a second major or minor with physics and focusing on plasma research. This summer, however, I will be working with Exelon Generation in nuclear fuels, giving me an opportunity to explore another side of this major. In addition, I am beginning to volunteer with a research group on campus. Outside of school, I am a varsity member of the university’s swim and dive team. In my occasional free time, I love enjoying all the exciting activities U of I has to offer everyday. I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor and meet you as you begin your freshman year!
Name: Abbey Nkansah
Year: Sophomore
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
My name is Abbey Nkansah and I am a sophomore majoring in materials science and engineering. I am super excited to be a WIE mentor this year! WIE orientation is where I built very strong relationships with a lot of incredible girls. This summer, I worked as a research intern at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois. In my community, I enjoy teaching gymnastics, tutoring high school students, and being a youth group leader at my church.
Name: Rose Nowak
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Hi! My name is Rose! I’m from Chicago and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Science. I was part of CSSI (Computer Science Summer Institute) at Google. I’m part of orchestra on campus and I play the violin. I also participate in Women in CS, WIE, Society of Women Engineers, Engineering Outreach Society, and Polish Club. On a typical weekday you can find me studying while distracting myself with Netflix, binge-watching Friends.
Name: Ali Nunes
Year: Sophomore
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Hi! My name is Ali, and I am a sophomore studying Materials Science and Engineering. On campus, I’m a part of the Illinois trial team, a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, and on the board of Material Advantage. In my free time I like to read, play intramural softball, and go bowling with friends. I participated in WIE Orientation last year as an incoming freshman, so I’m super excited to be a WIE mentor this year and I can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Name: Carolyn Nye
Year: Senior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hello! My name is Carolyn Nye and I am a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering. In addition to my studies, I am a pole vaulter on the University of Illinois Women’s Track and Field team. I also work as an ESTAR (engineering tour guide) for the university and am involved with the Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) club. This summer, I am a R&D intern at 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Women in Engineering Freshman Orientation helped me meet some of the wonderful women in my engineering classes and helped me feel confident going into my first year of college. I hope you all have a great experience too!
Name: Hanna Parker
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science
Hi! My name is Hanna and I’m a rising senior in Computer Science and I’m graduating in December 2018. This summer, I’m working at Capital One in Richmond, Virginia, as a software engineering intern. My interests in CS are big data and machine learning. On campus, I am the Vice President for Alpha Omega Epsilon, a engineering professional and social sorority. I am also a general member of Women in Computer Science (WCS). In my free time, I like to run, watch the Office, cook, and read. This is my third time being a WIE mentor and I’m so excited for all the fun we will have together during Orientation.
Name: Gina Partipillo
Year: Senior
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Hi! My name is Gina, and I’m going to be a “super”-senior (5th year) in chemical engineering. Last year I took a semester off to work in industry as a quality control engineer and an applied electronics intern at Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, Wisconsin. Since I’ve been back to campus, I have worked in the Chan Laboratory doing molecular probe research and I TA ChBE Thermodynamics. In my free time, I like to rock climb, practice yoga, and make dinner with my roommate (and best friend) who I met at WIE orientation my freshman year. I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor again this year and show you our wonderful campus!
Name: Shivali Patel
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science
Hey! My name is Shivali, and I’m going to be a senior in computer science this year. This summer, I will be working in the DC area for Capital One as a Data Engineering intern. I’m excited to get some industry experience there as I did research in a neurobiology lab the summer before. On campus, I’ve been involved in many clubs within the CS department including serving as an treasurer and Corporate Chair for Women in Computer Science, directing the annual ACM R|P conference, and being on staff for HackIllinois. This will be my third year at WIE Orientation, and I can’t wait to show you guys what an amazing home Engineering at Illinois will be!
Name: Monica Paul
Year: Senior
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Greetings! I’m Monica, a soon-to-be senior studying Materials Science and Engineering and concentrating in Metals. I have a minor in International Engineering, and I studied abroad in Madrid last year. This summer I have a R&D internship with Clorox in Willowbrook, IL. I’m from Minnesota, so I’m excited to spend the summer in Illinois and visit Chicago. At school, I’m the EOH Director for Material Advantage (the student organization in MatSE). Besides doing homework and watching Netflix in my free time, I’m also training for a marathon and in the middle of rereading the Harry Potter series for the 800th time. I loved WIE orientation as a freshman, and I know you will too! See you in August!
Name: Caitlyn Peters
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Science and Engineering
Hey! My name is Caitlyn, and I am going to be a Sophomore in mechanical engineering. This summer and upcoming school year, I will be working at Caterpillar as a parallel co-op intern. On campus, I am on the Illini Solar Car team and I am the Social Chair of the Society of Women Engineer’s Recruitment Committee. In my free time I love to explore different events on campus with my friends or to hang out and binge watch TV series. I can’t wait to get to know you all this August!
Name: Suhirtha Raj
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Hi! I’m Suhirtha, and I’m so excited to be a part of WIE Orientation this year. I attended as a freshman, and I still text my amazing mentors when I’m having the occasional 3 AM crisis. I’m majoring in CS (also hopefully minoring in Stats), and I’ll be a sophomore in the fall. I’m involved in WCS and Reflections|Projections, and I’m a Course Assistant for CS 125. Outside of class, you’ll probably find me in random history lectures, practicing dance or calligraphy, volunteering at middle/high schools, or maybe on the quad trying to find dogs to pet. I’m interning at Facebook through the Facebook University program this summer. I can’t wait to meet you!
Name: Micki Rentauskas
Year: Junior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hello! I’m Micki, and I will be a junior in electrical engineering this coming year, and I prefer they/them pronouns. I am passionate about research in renewable/sustainable power and have been doing research since my first semester! I’m also minoring in Gender and Women’s Studies to help me achieve my career goal of pursuing a PhD to then work closely with developing communities worldwide to implement sustainable power systems. I am also a chair in the Society of Women Engineers and treasurer for Women of Pride. In my free time I enjoy doing social justice work as well as embroidery, reading, and hosting local bands to play in my living room! I am eager to meet all of you this August!
Name: Isabel Ruiz
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Hi! My name is Isabel. My friends call me Isabel 😉 . I’m going to be a junior in Computer Science in Engineering. I have been a regular volunteer in Women in Computer Science’s (WCS) outreach event, ChicTech. I cannot survive without green tea and I love studying in the Funk ACES Library in the South Quad. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends, playing video games, and practicing my ukulele. Penny-boarding in the Ikenberry Courtyard is another way I pass the time. I am honored to be one of the first people who will introduce you to UIUC and I’m super excited to meet all of you. See you guys soon!
Name: Claire Samojedny
Year: Sophomore
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hi! My name is Claire, and I will be a sophomore in CEE. I plan on doing my primary in Environmental Engineering and having a secondary in Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability or Chemical Engineering. I will be Recruitment Officer for Society of Women Engineers, and I am very excited about it. In addition, I am involed in WEF-AWWA, Concrete Canoe, and Engineers without Borders. Finally, being on the Fippin’ Illini Gymnastics Club and in orchestra has allowed me to continue my passions from high school. I am more than excited to meet all of you, and I can’t wait to be your WIE mentor!
Name: Julia Francesca Santos
Year: Junior
Major: Systems Engineering & Design
Hi! I’m Julia Francesca Santos, studying Systems Engineering and Design. I love spending time with my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and friends from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), studying hard, and having just as much fun. WIE Orientation gave me a group of girls to lean on throughout college, not just academically, and I can’t wait to help others make their second home in Champaign.
Name: Niki Shah
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Science and Engineering
Hey! I’m Niki, and I’m a rising sophomore in mechanical engineering from just outside of Boston, MA. I’m currently involved with the Illini Solar Car team on campus and have enjoyed it so much that I hope to pursue renewable energy applications after graduation. In addition, I’m a student ambassador for the university’s Women in Engineering program. Outside of classes, I enjoy photography, hiking, and dancing. I’m so excited to meet all of you soon and introduce you to U of I!
Name: Anna Shewell
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Engineering
Guten tag! My name’s Anna and this fall I’ll be a super senior (5th year) in computer engineering. I’ve done a lot of different things in the past 4 years, from participating in the Society of Women Engineers to mentoring a local FTC robotics team to teaching myself HTML and helping my friend revamp her website. I’ve also gotten to travel all over the world! I’ve studied abroad in Taiwan and interned at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. I’ll be traveling abroad again this summer, but I will definitely be home in August; I can’t wait to meet all of you guys!
Name: Jessica Silva
Year: Junior
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hello! My name is Jessica and I’m going to be a junior in Civil Engineering. I’m from Chicago, but I’m planning of staying on campus this summer. On campus, I’m currently a team member on Steel Bridge team and I’m also in Alpha Omega Epsilon. Not only that, but I am also a member in the Philippine Student Association. I can’t wait to meet all of you and be a WIE mentor!
Name: Diana Slater
Year: Junior
Major: BioEngineering
Hi! I’m Diana, and I’m going to be a junior studying bioengineering with a minor in chemistry. This past spring, I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, y me encanté muchisimo! At Illinois, I am involved in the Biomedical Engineering Society, Engineers without Borders (the Malawi project), and Catholic Illini. I love playing intramurals and grabbing dinner at Bangkok Thai. I was so nervous coming into college and jumped at the opportunity to attend WIE orientation. I am so glad I did! I made many friends that were facing the same struggles as me and received super helpful advice that made my first semester less stressful. I am so excited to meet all of you and introduce you to our campus!
Name: Madison Smith
Year: Sophomore
Major: Systems Engineering and Design
Hey! My name is Madison and I am a sophomore in Systems and Design Engineering this fall. I am involved in IISE (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers) and a social sorority on campus. I plan on running for an executive positon in IISE for my sophomore year. When I’m not in class or studying, my hobbies include staying active by running or taking group fitness classes at the ARC and hanging out or getting food with my friends. I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor this year because of how much I enjoyed the program last year. I’m excited to share my engineering survival tips, study spots, favorite restaurants, and advice for freshman year with you in August!
Name: Shachi Solanki
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Hi everyone! I’m Shachi and I’m going to be a junior in computer science. This summer, I am working at The Climate Corporation in Seattle, WA as a software engineering intern. On campus I am one of the facilitators for our Girls Who Code club, a member of the CS 126 course staff, part of the CS @ Illinois Outreach Committee, and recently joined Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority. In my free time I love baking, reading, knitting, and hanging out with my friends! I’m so excited for all of you and so glad you decided to attend WIE camp because it is always a blast! I look forward to meeting you this August!
Name: Amelia Snyder
Year: Senior
Major: Industrial Engineering
Hi! My name is Amelia and I will be a senior in industrial engineering. I speak (but am not literate in) Mandarin as a second language and spent my previous summer working at a startup company in Taiwan. Living overseas for almost three months was challenging with my limited language skills, but it was a fantastic and enjoyable learning experience. On campus, I am involved in a few InterVarsity committees. My hobbies include singing, reading, and baking. I look forward to bonding with you in August!
Name: Josie Stawinoga
Year: Senior
Major: Industrial Engineering
Hello! My name is Josie, and I’m going to be a senior in industrial engineering. This summer, I am working at Abbott in Altavista, VA, as an operations intern. On campus, I’m involved in the Institue of Industrial & Systems Engineers and am an ELA for ENG100 (I look forward to seeing some of you in my class this year!). In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and play with my dogs. I can’t wait to meet you all in August at WIE orientation!
Name: Delanie Steinweg
Year: Senior
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Hey! I’m Delanie, and I’m going to be a Senior majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a Psychology minor. This past summer, I interned at Coca-Cola as a Quality Assurance Technician. In my free time, I enjoy bowling, playing badminton, and hanging out with friends. On campus, I’m currently Vice President of External Events for LAS Leaders, a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon (an engineering sorority), a member of SWE, involved in AIChE, and I participate in both Block I and Orange Krush. There are so many ways to find your place on campus, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you as a WIE mentor again this year. See you in August!
Name: Sage Thomas
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Hi! My name is Sage and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Science. On campus, I am a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon (an engineering sorority). In my free time, I like to read, cook, climb, and run. I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor and meet all of you in August.
Name: Sasu Tuladhar
Year: Junior
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Hello! My name is Sasu and I am going to be a junior in chemical engineering. My favorite things to do on campus is to be involved with RSOs. I was the fundraising/outreach co-chair for my professional chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma and I am part of She’s the First. A few fun facts about me is that I love to play the guitar and ukulele. I’m really excited for this school year and I hope you are too!
Name: Ayline Villegas
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Hi! My name is Ayline, and I’m going to be a sophomore in computer science. On campus, I’m a part of Women in Computer Science and Alpha Omega Epsilon (a professional and social sorority for women in engineering). In my free time, I like to binge watch some tv shows, play sims, and help out with CS 125 office hours. I’m very excited to be a WIE mentor for the first time this year and I can’t wait to see all of you in August!
Name: Megan Walsh
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Engineering
Hi everyone! My name is Megan and I will be a junior in computer engineering this fall. I was born in South Florida and I am currently living in Crystal Lake, Illinois, but I will be living in Atlanta this summer working as an IT intern at Chick-fil-A, Inc. I’m so excited to be back down south for the whole summer. When I’m not busy with schoolwork, I like playing sports, going to country concerts, and watching movies with my roommate. I hope ya’ll have a great summer, and I am so excited to meet you guys soon!
Name: Katy Walters
Year: Senior
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
My name is Katy and I am a senior in chemical engineering with a minor in statistics. On campus, I am part of the Society of Women Engineers. I served on the Professional Liaison Committee for the past three years and had the honor of being the director last year. This summer, I am a Supply Chain Intern with PepsiCo and will be working at the Frito-Lay plant in Beloit, Wisconsin. I can’t believe this is already my fourth and final WIE Orientation and third time as a mentor. I absolutely can’t wait to meet y’all!
Name: Debbie Wiegand
Year: Junior
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Hi! My name is Debbie, and I am a junior in Aerospace Engineering. However, my freshman year I was in Engineering Undeclared. I am also earning an International Minor in Engineering. This summer I will be spending the summer studying at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany. On campus I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers, and am part of the outreach committee. In my free time I like to go hiking and read books. I am very excited to be a WIE mentor for the second year in a row.
Name: Alexa Yeo
Year: Junior
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Hi, I’m Alexa and I’m a junior in Civil and Environmental Engineering and this is my second year was a WIE mentor. I enjoyed attending orientation as a freshman as it was a great introduction to campus and the College of Engineering as well as a great way to meet other people in my major. On campus, I’m involved in the Society of Women Engineers and I play in the University Band. I love to travel and was lucky enough to be able to spend last semester abroad in England. I’m excited to be back on campus and meet you all at WIE Orientation!
Name: Heather Zelko
Year: Junior
Major: Bioengineering
Hi, my name is Heather, and I’m going to be a junior in BioEngineering. On campus, I work in a research lab! I’m also active in Illini Pride and Alpha Omega Epsilon. In my free time, I like to run, hang out with friends, and explore campus!