Hello from all of the mentors and coordinators! We are so excited to meet you in the fall and guide you through the beginning of your amazing college experience. Until orientation begins, we are working diligently to make sure you have the best experience possible this August. Read our stories below to learn about the vast opportunities here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering and how you can use your major and interests to impact the world.
Student Coordinators
Berat Gulecyuz
Hello, Berat here! This year, I am one of the Student Coordinators for Women in Engineering Orientation 2019. I will be a junior in Bioengineering focusing on Biomechanics. On campus, I am currently the Community Service Director for the Society of Women Engineers, a project associate for my social entrepreneurship organization Enactus, and a member of Student Alumni Ambassadors. Also, I am a Women in Engineering Ambassador, helping out the Women in Engineering office and programs whenever possible. This program has helped me meet all of my best friends on campus, provide me with a support network, and motivation to do the best that I can on campus. I’m excited to meet and get to know ALL of you!
Michelle McCord
Hi! I am Michelle, one of the Student Programs Coordinators for this year. I am currently studying Engineering Physics with a focus in Energy and Sustainability. I have been a mentor in the past and intern with Women in Engineering during the school year. I also work with Physics Education Research doing code analysis for database systems. Around campus, I spend most of my time at the ARC since I am on the Varsity Swim and Dive team. I am so excited to be a Co-coordinator and share with you all that WIE has to offer!
Alexa Yeo
Hi! My name is Alexa and I am one of the Student Program Coordinators for Women in Engineering Orientation this year! I am a senior in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus in Water Resources Engineering. On campus I am a Women in Engineering Ambassador, the director of the community service committee for the Society of Women Engineers, and the external vice president in the student chapter of the Water Environment Federation. Women in Engineering has given me so much throughout my college experience and I’m thrilled to be able to help welcome you all in August as a coordinator of orientation!
Angela Chan (Photographer)
Hello friends! My name is Angela! I’m a junior is Systems Engineering and Design with concentrations in Digital Prototyping and Civil Structures. This summer, I’m working for the Siebel Center for Design and assisting research on some really cool concrete on campus. Additionally, I’l be scoping community projects as president of Design for America, helping finish our John Deere disability mods as part of Team Tech (Society of Women Engineers), and (hopefully??) fixing my bike. I’m also a freelance graphic designer, will be a PREP ELA for ENG100, and do roller derby with the local adult team! Event photography is the best way to get meet everyone and I’m excited to capture your lovely faces 🙂
Aerospace Engineering Mentors (AE)
Debbie Wiegand (Lead Mentor)
Hi! My name is Debbie and I am going to be a senior in Aerospace Engineering. I am also getting an International Minor in Engineering for Germanic Studies. This summer, I will be working at Aerial Optic in San Antonio, TX. On campus, I am part of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This year, I helped run the football concessions stand. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends and spend time outside. This will be my third year as a Women in Engineering Orientation mentor and I am very excited!
Avery Moore
Hello, my name is Avery and I am going to be a junior in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in French. On campus, I am a part of the Illinois Space Society, where I was the project manager for a rocketry competition called IREC this past year. In my free time, I love rock climbing, hiking, and camping (really anything that has to do with being outdoors). I am beyond excited to be a Women in Engineering mentor as I had a very valuable experience when I attended Women in Engineering orientation my freshman year. I look forward to meeting everyone at orientation and helping you all transition smoothly into your college careers!
Gianna Ciaglia
Hey there! My name is Gianna, and I am going to be a senior in Aerospace Engineering! This summer, I am enjoying my time living in the Rockey Mountains and working on starting my own art business. On campus, I am involved in Illinois Space Society and Alpha Omega Epsilon! When I am not studying, I really love to spend my time at the gym and being outdoors. I am really excited to be a WIE mentor this year, and I cannot wait to meet all of you in August!
Agricultural and Biological Engineering Mentors (ABE)
Jennifer Marten (Lead Mentor)
Hi everyone! My name is Jenny Marten, and this fall I’ll be a super senior studying Agricultural & Biological Engineering with my concentration in Soil and Water Resources. I’m really passionate about the environment and sustainability, so I’m also pursuing a minor in Environmental Economics and Law! Over the summer and during the school year, I work at the Illinois State Water Survey as a data management assistant for the agricultural section of their water inventory program. This past school year, I was the Professional Liaison director for the Society of Women Engineers on campus. This will be my last year as a Women in Engineering Orientation mentor – I’m so excited to meet everyone in August, but it already feels bittersweet!
Daniela Markazi
Hello! My name is Daniela, and I’m a senior pursuing a dual degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from The Grainger College of Engineering and the College of ACES. I am minoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES). I’m a robotics engineer at John Deere. On campus, I’m the President for the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. I’m the head teaching assistant and instructor for Mobile and Web Development for ABE – I actually created the class! In my free time, I mentor a robotics team in Champaign, sing opera, and play a ton of video games. I’m very excited to be a Women in Engineering Orientation mentor this year, and I can’t wait to see you in August!
Bioengineering Mentors (BioE)
Diana Slater (Lead Mentor)
Hi friends! My name is Diana, and I will be a senior in Bioengineering. This summer, I am working at Eli Lilly (a big pharmaceutical company) in Indianapolis as a Manufacturing Intern. On campus, I am involved in Women in Engineering, the Biomedical Engineering Society, International Programs in Engineering, and Catholic Illini. I conduct research here on campus studying the immune response to tissue engineered scaffolds for bone regeneration. During my second semester sophomore year, I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and taught English to a little Spanish girl. In my free time, I love to play soccer, cook/bake, and read. I love Women in Engineering Orientation and am so pumped to meet all of you in August!
Anna Ulanova
Hello, my name is Anna and I am a sophomore in Bioengineering. I am also pursuing a minor in Material Science and Engineering, and I am planning on attending graduate school for Environmental Engineering. I am part of BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society) on campus, where I am also part of the technical committee. I have been involved in Engineering Open House. This summer, I will be working at the U.S Army Engineer Research and Development Department with a focus of environmental studies. I am also part of a research lab on campus involving nano-particle coatings.
Elisa Jensen
Hey guys! My name is Elisa, and I will be a junior in Bioengineering with a minor in Chemistry. This summer, I’m attending a summer research program at Washington State University called “Engineering tools for disease diagnosis and treatment.” I’m so excited to explore what the Northwest has to offer and dive into some research with real-world applications! On campus, I’m involved with undergraduate research, the Biomedical Engineering Society, the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children, and the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. Some of my favorite non-academic activities include exploring nature through hikes and bike rides, reading books, and singing – when you see me in August, ask me about Dial-A-Carol!
Jaime Chen
Hi! My name is Jaime, and I will be a sophomore in Bioengineering. This summer, I will be doing cancer research at UT Austin and learning more about Biomedical Engineering applications in the cancer research field. On campus, I’m a part of the Biomedical Engineering Society and Engineering Outreach Society. During my free time, I enjoy swimming, running, and playing the piano. I’m excited to meet you all in August!
Nicole Johnson
Hi, My name is Nikki, and I’m going to be a junior in Bioengineering! I am also minoring in Spanish, and I’m on the pre-med track! I am really interested in biomechanics and global health, and this summer I’m doing research at Washington State University on the biomechanics of the neck. I’m involved with A.O.E, the engineering sorority on campus, and I volunteer at the local hospital. I love dogs, and in my free time, I knit and bullet journal! I’m super excited to be a Women in Engineering mentor, and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Stephanie Slowik
Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie, a rising sophomore in Bioengineering. This summer, I am excited to be interning with Abbott in Alameda, CA (the San Fran Bay Area) with their Diabetes Care business. Some things that I am involved with at school include working at Research Park and being involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). I served on the Outreach Committee on BMES this past year because I enjoy doing community service and sharing my passion for engineering with others. In my free time, I enjoy watching TV or Youtube, playing sports, and reading. I attended Women in Engineering Orientation last summer as an incoming student, so I can’t wait to share what I learned with all of you!!
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Mentors(ChBE)
Delanie Steinweg (Lead Mentor)
Hello! My name is Delanie, and this will be my final semester on campus. At the end of these 4.5 years, I will have a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, a minor in Psychology, and a Certificate in Neuroscience. On campus, I am involved in LAS Leaders, LAS Alumni Association Board of Directors, Provost’s Undergraduate Advisory Board, Alpha Omega Epsilon, and Illini Pride. I held an internship for two years at Coca-Cola, and I am continuing research for the Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS) on campus this semester. In my free time, I have a passion for photography and enjoy going bowling. I look forward to meeting you all, and I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor again!
Alexandria Marchert
Hi, my name is Alex, and I am going to be a sophomore in Chemical Engineering this year. I love the challenge Chemical Engineering brings, and I’m always looking for new ways to grow and gain more knowledge. On campus, I am involved with the American Institute for Chemical Engineers and Engineering Outreach Society. I also enjoy spending time binge watching shows on Netflix or any Disney movie ever. I am so excited to be a mentor for WIE Orientation 2019. I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Ambar Rivera
Hello! My name is Ambar Rivera and I am going to be a junior in Chemical Engineering this year. I work at a research lab here on campus all about stem cell research, and I hope to one day make a great impact in the medical research field with my research. I like to do a lot active things in my free time such as running, swimming, and biking. I’m always up for an adventure but I also love to relax! Hopefully I can provide some useful insight that will help as many of you make the most out your Illinois experience!
Claudia Cappa
Hi! My name is Claudia and I am going to be a junior in Chemical Engineering. This summer I am studying abroad in Madrid and doing research on electric cars. On campus, I am involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Greek Life, and club gymnastics. When I am not at Noyes or Grainger, I love spending time with my friends and going out to eat. I am so excited to be your mentor at Women in Engineering orientation this year because WIE gave me a group of girls that I can always lean on. I can’t wait to meet you in August!
Emma Baunach
Hi! I’m Emma and I am going into my sophomore year in Chemical Engineering. On campus, I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. With my free time, I like to read and listen to music. My first year at Illinois has been awesome and I can’t wait for you to start your journey!
Olivia Klein
Hi! My name is Olivia, and I’m going to be a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering. I am also minoring in business. I work as a CSA and Pharmacy DH at Walgreens. On campus, I am a member of Society of Women in Engineering and the apparel chair for my sorority. In my free time, I love to work out, volunteer, and play piano. I loved Women in Engineering Orientation because it allowed me to get to know people in my classes before they even started. I am so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this year, and I can’t wait to meet all of you in the fall!
Civil and Environmental Engineering Mentors (CEE)
Kylie Burkett (Lead Mentor)
Hello! My name is Kylie Burkett and I’m going to be a senior in Civil and Environmental Engineering. My focus is in Environmental and Societal Risk Management. This summer, I will have an internship with Engineering Resource Associates working as a field intern. On campus, I’m part of Society of Women in Engineering, where I will be serving as Outreach director this coming school year. I’m also involved in the CEE department as an advisor and co-director for events. In my free time, I enjoy re-watching episodes of Game of Thrones, painting, and 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!!
Amber Decarlo
My name is Amber and I will be a junior in Civil Engineering. This summer, I will be returning to work with 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 get 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!
Avin Arefzadeh
Hello! My name is Avin, and I am a junior in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I am really passionate about the environment and over the last year, I have worked in two environmental research labs: one focused in air quality and pollution, while the other related to biofuels. Working in real labs as an undergraduate has been a great experience so far! Besides being a Women in Engineering Ambassador, I am also involved in the student advocacy coalition, Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity and boxing club. I can’t wait to meet all of you!!! 🙂
Charlee Thompson
Hi ladies! My name is Charlee, I’m a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering, with a secondary focus in Atmospheric Science, and minoring in Sustainability (if you can’t tell, I love the Earth!). During the school year, I’m involved in undergraduate research where I help graduate students study air quality and I volunteer with the Society of Women Engineers. In my own time, I love to exercise, attend concerts, play oboe, and just be outdoors. I’m looking forward to finishing my undergraduate career strong and continuing my education in graduate school next year. I’m so excited to meet you and welcome you to our lovely community!
Claire Samojedny
Hi! My name is Claire, and I’m going to be a junior in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainability, Energy, & Environment. This summer, I am excited to be interning at Burns & McDonnell in their Water Global Practice, and attending PwC’s Women’s Consulting Experience Leadership Conference. I am looking forward to sharing with you all the amazing opportunities Illinois has to offer. I found many new experiences my freshmen year, which have lead to leadership roles. This year, I will be an Engineering Learning Assistant for ENG 100, Social Director for Society of Women Engineers, Internal VP for WEF-AWWA, and paddling captain for Concrete Canoe. I can’t wait to meet you all this fall at WIE Orientation!
Erika Jaszka
Hi! My name is Erika, and I’m going to be a junior in Environmental Engineering with a minor from the Hoeft Technology & Management Program. I love to travel, and this past semester I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland! This summer, I’m interning at EXP, a civil engineering consulting firm in downtown Chicago. On campus, I’m involved with the Society of Women Engineers, Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority, and the Illini Chaarg Fitness Group. I’m looking forward to being a Women in Engineering mentor again this year, and I can’t wait to share all of the opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of here at Illinois!
Jessica Silva
Hello! My name is Jessii, and I’m going to be a senior in Civil Engineering. This summer, I am planning to work as an intern related to my major. On campus, I am in Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority and in the Philippine Student Association. I’m usually hanging out with my friends on my favorite spots on campus such as the Illini Union. I recently picked up bullet journaling! I’m so excited to meet you all and be a Women in Engineering Orientation mentor in August!
Computer Engineering Mentors (CompE)
Megan Walsh (Lead Mentor)
Hi everyone! I’m Megan, and I’m going to be a senior in Computer Engineering this fall. For the past two summers, I have worked in the IT department at Chick-fil-A, Inc. in Atlanta. I love spending my summers in the South with great weather and even greater people! On campus, I like to go to concerts, play intramural sports, and support Illinois at athletic events. I’m so excited for Women in Engineering Orientation, and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Aditi Tyagi
Hi! My name is Aditi and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Engineering. I am originally from New York, so coming to Illinois was a big change, but it has been amazing. On campus, I’m involved in Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) and I’m currently in the process of rushing Alpha Omega Epsilon (the engineering sorority). In my free time, I love going on boba runs, exploring new food places with my friends. WIE Orientation was one of my favorite experiences, as I met some of my closest friends during the process. I’m super excited to be a mentor this year, and I can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Amanda Hsu
Hi! My name is Amanda, and I’m going to be a junior in Computer Engineering. This summer, I’m working at Intel in Folsom, CA doing firmware verification for SSDs. On campus, I’m on the officer board for the Society of Women Engineers ,and I’m an undergraduate researcher in the Science of Security Lablet. I also love long distance running! I’m excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this August!
Breanne Warner
Hi! My name is Breanne Warner, and I am going to be a junior in Computer Engineering. On campus, I am involved in many professional and social RSOs. I am the public relations chair for my professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, and a member in Engineering Council EXPO and my social sorority Kappa Delta. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, and volunteering with WYSE to teach underprivileged children STEM curriculum. I am very excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this summer, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone!
Savni Nagarkar
Hi, my name is Savni Nagarkar, and I am going to be a junior in Computer Engineering. GO ECE! This summer, I am working at Discover as a Data Engineering Intern, and I couldn’t be more excited. During the school year I will be on the board for Engineering Open House and ECE – Student Advancement Committee. I will also be an ELA for ENG 100, so I look forward to seeing some of you in my class. During my free time I enjoy painting, gardening and volunteering in the community. I am excited to meet you in August!
Computer Science Mentors (CS)
Shachi Solanki (Lead Mentor)
Hi everyone! My name is Shachi and I am going to be a senior in Computer Science. On campus, I am the student lead for the Girls Who Code community club hosted by the Department of Computer Science, and am a member of the engineering sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon. I also spent the past 4 semesters working as a course assistant for CS 126. This summer, I am working as a software engineering intern for GoDaddy in San Francisco, CA. In my free time, I love to read, bake, and binge watch Netflix. I’m so excited to meet everyone in August!
Kathy Zhou
Hi! I’m Kathy, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Science. Here on campus, I’m involved in Women in Computer Science, Society of Women Engineers, and play in the non-competitive badminton club. In my free time, I love drawing, reading, watching tv shows, hanging out with friends, and going on runs. I’m excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this year and to be able to meet everyone in August!
Lauren Ho
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Ho, and I’m a sophomore in Computer Science. This summer, I worked at the AbbVie Innovation Center at Research Park. Outside of class and work, I’m involved in the Society of Women Engineers and Engineering Council. In my free time, I like to watch Netflix, take naps, and hang out with friends. I’m super excited for WIE Orientation, and I can’t wait to meet everyone soon!
Maya Gupta
Hi! My name is Maya, and I’m going to be a junior in Computer Science with a minor in Applied Statistics. This summer, I am working at Uber in San Francisco, as a software engineering intern. I’m really excited to be working at such a rapidly innovating startup. On campus, I’m in Engineering Council as the Facilities Co-coordinator for the EXPO subcommittee. Our committee helps organize and run the spring and fall career fair. In my free time, I like to read, hang out with my friends, and run. I’m also a trained dancer and have learned eight different dance styles. I’m excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this year and can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Melissa Chen
Hi! My name is Melissa, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Science. On campus, I’m an active member of HackIllinois, Reflections | Projections, Illinois Computer Science Sail, and also play badminton with the recreational club on campus. I love reading, coding, and playing badminton. Having attended WIE Orientation as an incoming student last year, I’m honored and excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this year and I look forward to meeting everyone!
Natasha Goel
Hi! My name is Natasha, and I am a sophomore in Computer Science. I am minoring in Spanish, and this summer, I interned at Boeing in St. Louis as an IT Intern, ran a debate camp that I co-founded, and tutored high school and middle school students. On campus, I am involved in OTCR Consulting, Women in Computer Science, and Engineers Without Borders. In my free time, I love to scrapbook, sketch, play with my dogs (huge dog fan), read, and workout (or try). I can’t wait to meet you guys this summer, and I hope you enjoy WIE orientation!
Neha Kaki
Hey! My name is Neha Kaki, and I will be a sophomore in Computer Science this year! I am also a pre-med student and minoring in Classical Civilizations. My summer was spent taking a bunch of summer classes, but I’m planning on studying abroad over winter break. I volunteer at the local hospital, and I’m working at a biology research lab this coming school year. In my free time, I like to listen to music (I love rock and 2000’s music), watch Netflix (I’m currently re-watching my favorite old movies), and using FaceTime to stay connected to my family. I’m so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor, and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Sadia Ahmed
Hello! I’m Sadia Ahmed and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Science. I am involved in Society of Women Engineers, Illinois Computer Science Sail, as well as in research under a graduate student mentor. In my free time, I really enjoy painting, graphic design, and eating sushi (Sakanaya is the best sushi place on campus)! I can’t wait to see you all in August and I hope you all love Illinois as much as I do!
Sita Jothishankar
Hey everyone! My name is Sita Jothishankar and I am so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor! I am a rising junior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Psychology. This summer, I will be attending a Women in Tech Summit, where I will meet many inspiring and successful women in STEM. On campus, I am a historian for the information marketing committee in the Society of Women Engineers as well as a historian for the marketing committee for Engineering Open House. In my free time, I like watching Netflix, cooking, and hanging out with my friends! I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Electrical Engineering Mentors (EE)
Micki Rentauskas (Lead Mentor)
Hello! I’m Micki, and I will be a senior in Electrical Engineering, 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 very involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the treasurer for Women of Pride on campus. In my free time, I enjoy doing social justice work as well as embroidery, reading, and watching Netflix! I am eager to meet all of you this August!
Kelly Dunleavy
My name is Kelly, and I am an incoming sophomore studying Electrical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science! This summer, I am interning at Microsoft outside of Seattle, WA! I am really excited to focus on both Software Engineering and Program Management! On campus, I am very involved in WECE (Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering), Pulse (the ECE student organized technical conference) and SWE Team Tech. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy long distance running and am working towards a marathon. I am very excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor as my experience at WIE Orientation last summer was the perfect beginning to my endeavors at the University of Illinois!
Liz Boehning
Hey! I’m Liz, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Electrical Engineering. I’m also minoring in Spanish! I’m part of Illinois Robotics in Space, an RSO on campus. In addition, I’m a big sports fan and go to most volleyball, basketball, and football games. I’m very excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!
Michelle Cheong
Hi! My name is Michelle and I will be a junior in Electrical Engineering. On campus, I’m involved with Society of Women Engineers as the Membership Enrichment Director and Women in ECE as a committee chair. In my free time, I love cooking and being active. I had a great time at my WIE Orientation and I hope to make your WIE orientation a wonderful experience, too!
Nora Dunleavy
Hello! My name is Nora, and I will be a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. This summer, I will be interning at Microsoft in their Gaming division. I am beyond excited to work on a team that brings joy to so many people around the world! Outside of my academics, I am a chair for the Society of Women Engineers and helped plan the ECE technical conference in the Spring. In my spare time, I love to run long distance, read, and participate in engineering outreach! I look forward to meeting all of the new brilliant women in engineering this August at Orientation!
Engineering Physics Mentors (Eng Phys)
Jamie Milota (Lead Mentor)
Hello friends! My name is Jamie and I am going to be a junior in Engineering Physics. I am also minoring in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics. In my free time, I like to play sports and hang out with friends. I’m also in three physics clubs (Society of Physics Students, Society for Women in Physics, and Guidance for Physics Students), which I hold officer positions for each one. I am also in an engineering sorority (Alpha Omega Epsilon), where I met a bunch of amazing and talented female engineers. I am so excited to be a part of WIE Orientation and cannot wait to meet you all in August!
Dana Sim
Hello. My name is Dana. I’m going to be a senior in Engineering Physics with a minor in both Mathematics and Computer Science. I’m a HUGE fan of video games, and so this past summer, I worked at Roblox in the San Francisco Bay Area. On campus, I’m involved in the Society of Women Engineers and will also be an Engineering Learning Assistant for ENG 100. In my free time, I like running (marathon runner) and playing video games (obviously). Some of my favorite games include Pokémon, Kingdom Hearts, Legend of Zelda, and Shadow of the Colossus. I’m excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor and see you all in August!
Engineering Undeclared Mentors
Anne Reardon (Lead Mentor)
My name is Anne and I am a rising senior in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. I am also pursuing minors in Spanish and Horticulture. On campus, I am a member of Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, play on the Illini Field Hockey team, and participate in undergraduate research on hydroponic systems. This semester, I’m studying abroad in Mexico City. I can’t wait to meet you in August for WIE Orientation!
Alexandra Fanning
My name is Alex, and I am going to be a senior in Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering. I am also an officer on the executive board of the American Nuclear Society, and a teaching assistant within the department. This summer, I am excited to return to Exelon for an internship at Dresden Generating Station, where I will be working under the reactor engineering manager. I enjoy reading books and biking in my free time, and I’m really looking forward to being a WIE Orientation mentor this fall!
Dhun Patel
Hi! My name is Dhun (like a sand dune), and I’m going to be a senior in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a business minor. This summer, I will be interning as a Roadway Intern at RS&H while doing some research! On campus, I am a lab assistant for an introductory design course and get to 3D print cool things like a groot pencil holder! In my free time, I like to talk walks on our beautiful campus, binge Netflix, or read! Come chat with me and ask questions at WIE Orientation. I can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Dionora Osmani
Hi! My name is Nora, and I am going to be a sophomore in Materials Science and Engineering. Last semester, I was able to work with other students in MatSE through our Engineering Open House project. My favorite thing about Illinois is the welcoming students and faculty, and the passion that people have to learn and explore. I can’t wait to meet all of you, and let you experience our amazing campus!
Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering Mentors (ISE)
Madison Smith (Lead Mentor)
Hey! My name is Madison and I’m a junior in Industrial Engineering with a Economics and Finance track. I was recently accepted to the Hoeft Technology and Management Program, so I will be starting those classes in the fall as well. This summer, I am working at Panduit as a technical support intern. I am on the executive board for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and also in a social sorority on campus. I was the service chair this past year in IISE, so I frequently volunteer at a local elementary school. I enjoy living a healthy lifestyle, so you can find me running at the ARC in my free time! I’m excited to meet everyone at Orientation!
Francesca Santos
Hi, I’m Francesca. I’ll be a senior in Systems Engineering and Design with a concentration in Control Systems. This summer, I’ll be working in Chicago for United Airlines as an engineering methods and standards intern. I have served my department through the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) organization since my freshman year, and I am also in Greek life, a member of the IL Zeta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. I love running and reading, and I love helping people whenever I can. I can’t wait to show you how amazing Illinois is.
Sara Swanberg
Hi! My name is Sara and I am going to be a sophomore in Systems Engineering and Design. I am involved with Society of Women Engineers, Engineering Freshman Council, and am a WIE Ambassador here at Illinois. I enjoy reading, crafting, and working out in my free time. I am so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor and can’t wait to see you all on campus!
Shivani Dewoolkar
Hi! My name is Shivani, and I will be a sophomore majoring in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Spanish. I plan on studying abroad second semester in Madrid, Spain. On campus, I’m involved in SWE (Society of Women Engineers) as a professional development chair. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, singing, running, and watching The Office. I can’t wait to be involved with what was one of the most memorable experiences my freshman year, this time as an Orientation mentor!
Material Science and Engineering Mentors (MatSE)
Clarissa Domanus (Lead Mentor)
Hello! I am Clarissa, and I’ll be a junior in Materials Science and Engineering. On campus, I’m involved with a research group focused in metals, ceramics, and other structural materials. I am also on the executive board and involved with our MatSE student organizations, Material Advantage and Keramos! Over the summer, I am working in an R&D position with Coilcraft (an electronic components company) on their materials engineering team. I spend most of my free time cooking, listening to music, and going to all the social MatSE events the student organizations have throughout the year. I can’t wait to meet you all, and I hope you’re also excited for WIE Orientation!
Grace Levita
Hello! My name is Grace and I am going to be a sophomore in Materials Science Engineering. On campus, I am the fundraising co-chair for Alpha Omega Epsilon, a social and professional sorority for engineering and technical science majors. In my free time, I love to draw, exercise, and spend lots of time outside. I’m so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor and I look forward to meeting you all in August!
Jillian Carbone
Hi! My name is Jill, and I’m from New Jersey. I’m going to be a senior in Materials Science and Engineering. I am currently doing on-campus nano-materials research under Dr. Moonsub Shim, I am a part of the Illini Women’s chorus, and in my free time, I love to sing and play piano. I cannot wait to meet you all in August!
Mechanical Engineering Mentors (MechSE)
Kellie Halloran (Lead Mentor)
Hi! My name is Kellie. I’m going to be a senior in Mechanical Engineering this year, and I’m also getting a minor in Leadership Studies! I’m currently working as a Research and Development (R&D) intern at PepsiCo this summer. On campus, I’m involved with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as well as a Christian ministry called Young Life. I’m also a Women in Engineering Ambassador and I’m so excited to meet you all at WIE Orientation! When I’m not doing homework, I like to play card games, read, discover new coffee shops, and go on walks around Urbana! See you all in August!
Megha Natarajan
Hi, my name is Megha and I am a rising sophomore in Mechanical Engineering. This summer I am studying abroad in Madrid, and this will be my first time in Europe. When I have time, I like to paint, thrift, and play Animal Crossing. I also really like cats. Let’s all have a great summer, I can’t wait to meet all of you in August at WIE Orientation.
Nikhaar Shah
Hey! I’m Niki Shah and I’m going to be a third year Mechanical Engineering student this fall. This year, I will have the exciting opportunity to intern at Dassault Systems as a quality assurance engineer. I’m excited to have the chance to apply my classroom knowledge in a real working environment to solve real world problems. On campus, I’m involved with the Illini Baja SAE team, which builds and then competes cars. In my free time, I’m an avid photographer and I also enjoy cooking. I’m so excited to meet and welcome all of you to campus this fall!
Paige Solcani
Hey everyone, my name is Paige, and I am going to be a senior in Mechanical Engineering! This summer, I am working at Sandia National Labs in New Mexico as a design intern. On campus, I work in the study abroad office, am the head Engineering Learning Assistant, and am the Social Director for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In my free time, I love to play intramural soccer and volleyball, bake, and catch up on sleep. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone, and cannot wait to see you all in August!
Raefa Malik
Hi! My name is Raefa. I will be a junior in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Business. On campus, I am involved with Society of Women Engineers, Engineering Ambassadors, and the CARE Tutor program. In my free time, I like to watch movies, talk to family and friends. I am excited to meet all of you during WIE Orientation.
Saloni Nagarkar
Hello!! My name is Saloni, and I am a junior in Mechanical Engineering. For the past two summers, I have worked at Caterpillar in the Parallel Co-Op program. I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers and CUBE Consulting, as well as being an Engineering Learning Assistant. In my free time, I like to take walks on the quad and explore the different bubble tea places on campus. My favorite restaurant is Basil Thai, I could eat it for every meal of the day. I attended WIE Orientation as a freshman, so I am excited to share my experiences with you in the fall.
Sarah Speizman
Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Business. On campus, I am involved in a few things, like Baja which is our schools off-roading car team. It’s a lot of fun and really helps you apply what your learning in class. I also like to play lacrosse, hang out with my friends on campus, and binge watch Friends on Netflix in my free time. I can’t wait to meet all of you this August!
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering Mentors (NPRE)
Kelsey Luo (Lead Mentor)
Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey, and I will be a senior in NPRE also pursuing a minor in mathematics and certificates in Computational Science and Arms Control & Domestic and International Security. In my free time, I like to play volleyball, hike, travel, do crafts, and am also quite the music junkie. I had such a great time during my freshman year at WIE Orientation that I am so excited to come back as a mentor this year and meet all of you!