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
Hi, I’m Berat! I am a rising Senior in Bioengineering on the Biomechanics track, and this is my second year as one of the Student Coordinators for Women in Engineering Orientation. On campus, I am a member of Student Alumni Ambassadors, a course assistant for TAM 210 and a Women in Engineering Ambassador, helping out the WIE office and programs whenever possible. This program changed my undergraduate experience, as I met my best friends, found a support network and became motivated to do the best I can on campus. I’m so excited to meet and get to know you all!
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 a research group in the Nuclear Engineering department that focuses on multi-phase thermo-fluid flow modeling and experimentation. 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!
Neha Kaki
Ever since my first programming class in my freshman year of high school, I knew I was meant to code. After looking into colleges, I found that service and community were really important to me, and I began to look into medicine as a career. Once I started college, I made the decision to pursue more than one of my passions; I decided to get a degree in Computer Science while also pursuing the pre-medicinal track. Now, as an active member of the Illini community, I’ve made it my goal to pursue my many different passions by starting a dance RSO on campus, involving myself in groundbreaking research, and advising young women on the path to higher education. I am very excited to serve as a WIE Student Coordinator for this year!
Aerospace Engineering Mentors (AE)
Gianna Ciaglia (Lead Mentor)
Hello! My name is Gianna, and I am a senior in Aerospace Engineering. On-campus, I spend a lot of my time doing outreach events with Women in Aerospace and working as an Education Learning Assistant for ENG100 (Psst, you might have me this fall!). I am also a Colorado native, so I love spending my free time hiking, painting, and enjoying the outdoors when I am home. I am thrilled to be a WIE mentor this year and I cannot wait to meet all of you in August!
Debbie Wiegand
Hi! My name is Debbie and I am going into my final semester in Aerospace Engineering. I am also getting an International Minor in Engineering for Germanic Studies. On campus, I am part of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This year, I was part of team tech. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends and spend time outside. This will be my fourth year as a Women in Engineering Orientation mentor and I am very excited!
Grace Griffin
Hi! I’m Grace Griffin and will be a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering. On campus, I am in a social sorority, joined Illinithon Dance Marathon, and am looking forward to rushing a business fraternity in the fall. I nanny over the summer and in my free time I like to tutor high school students, play piano, and watch movies with my friends. I’m so excited for WIE Orientation and can’t wait to meet you all!
Harriet Hunt
Hello everyone! My name is Harriet, and I am a junior in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. Last summer, I interned at NASA. This summer, I’m interning for Collins Aerospace. I am heavily involved with an RSO on campus called Illinois Space Society and I really love to watch horror movies.
Julia Williams
Howdy! My name is Julia, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering, with a minor in Math. This summer, I am working at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is Fulton, Maryland as a national security intern. In addition to being a WIE mentor, I am a campus tour guide and am involved in the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics and a professional and social sorority. When I’m not doing homework, I like to hammock and longboard, or just hang out with my friends. I can’t wait to meet y’all in August!
Agricultural and Biological Engineering Mentors (ABE)
Brooke Stuckemeyer (Lead Mentor)
My name is Brooke Stuckemeyer, and I am going to be a junior in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. My concentration is off-road machinery. I am on the officer board in a club called Illini Pullers. I love this club because I get hands-on experience along with learning other aspects such as business and design. Some other things I enjoy are working out, swimming, and crocheting. I am excited to meet and get to know you all!
Maiah Caise
Hello! My name is Maiah, and I will be a sophomore in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. I also plan on pursuing a minor in Sustainability. During the summer, I will be staying on campus doing research with a professor from my department and taking some online classes. I participate in the Triathlon Club and IlliniLife during the year and in my other free time I enjoy being outside, exercising, and reading! I’m very excited to get to meet you guys and introduce you to campus!
Bioengineering Mentors (BioE)
Anna Ulanova (Lead Mentor)
Hello! My name is Anna Ulanova and I am going to be a senior in Bioengineering. My interests are environmental bioremediation and environmental engineering. I had two years of research experience with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers in Massachusetts. On campus, I am on the BMES board and I have had extensive EOH experience so if you guys have any questions, let me know! I’m super stoked to meet you all!
Elisa Jensen
Hello! My name is Elisa, and I’m going to be a senior majoring in Bioengineering with a minor in Chemistry. Over the summer, I plan to stay on campus as I study for the MCAT and begin applying to medical schools. On campus I’m involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society and Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. Some of my favorite hobbies include traveling, bike riding, photography, reading, playing video games, and volunteering with animals. I look forward to being a WIE mentor for the second time this fall!
Gianne Elias
Hi! My name is Gianna, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Bioengineering. I am a former WIEFX Scholar with the StudyAbroad/Sustainability scholars who went to Costa Rica. I am a member of BMES and participated in an EOH project my freshman year. I also lived in the WIMSE LLC. In my free time I like to golf, play softball/ump , travel, and bake. WIE Orientation was fun and helpful for me, and I hope to help make it the same for you! I can’t wait to see you this August!
Grace Huberty
Hi everyone! My name is Grace, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Bioengineering. I also plan on minoring in Materials Science and Engineering. I’m involved in a lot of activities on campus, including research, Rube Goldberg Society, and Biomedical Engineering Society’s volunteering team. In my free time, I can be found cheering on the Illinois football and basketball teams or making ice cream sundaes in the dining hall. I look forward to getting to know everyone this August, and can’t wait to see you on campus!
Jamie Chen
Hi guys! My name is Jaime, and I will be a junior in Bioengineering. On campus, I’m involved with the Engineering Outreach Society, my church fellowship, and undergraduate research. I will be spending my summer in Texas doing cancer research at a medical center. During my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and playing the piano. I’m excited for WIE Orientation this year and can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Joy Chen
Hello! My name is Joy, and I am a rising senior in Bioengineering. This summer, I will be doing biomedical research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which I am really looking forward to. During the school year, I work in a cancer research lab studying the effects of cholesterol on breast cancer dormancy and recurrence. Beyond undergraduate research, I also love doing outreach and community service through various organizations on campus such as the Society of Women Engineers, the Biomedical Engineering Society, and Engineering Ambassadors! It has been so much fun being a part of these organizations and making new friends. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you guys in August!
Nicole Johnson
Hi! My name is Nicole, but I usually go by Nikki! I am going to be a senior in Bioengineering, but I’m taking 5 years to finish my degree. This summer I am focusing on studying for the MCAT and shadowing physicians. In my free time, I love hanging out with my parents and three dogs (I LOVE talking about them), knitting, and cooking. I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you in August!
Niharika Dangarwala
Hi! My name is Niharika, and I am going to be a sophomore in Bioengineering. I am also pre-med and am hoping to go to medical school. On campus, I am the E-Week chair for the Society of Women Engineers, as well as part of their Team Tech committee. In my free time I like to bake, travel, and I enjoy photography! I am really excited to be a WIE mentor this year and can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Taylor Wills
Hi, y’all! My name is Taylor, and I’m going to be a junior in Bioengineering. I am also minoring in Technology and Management, which is a joint program between business and engineering. On-campus, I’m currently on the executive board for the Biomedical Engineering Society. I am also the philanthropy chair for my Greek sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. In my free time, I love to watch UIUC sports like basketball, volleyball, and football. I can’t wait to meet you all and share my love for this school!
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Mentors(ChBE)
Olivia Klein (Lead Mentor)
Hi! My name is Olivia, and I will be a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Technology and Management. This summer I have an internship with MARS. Currently, I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Seebauer Lab, and I work as a Pharmacy DH at Walgreens. On campus, I am involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Women in Engineering, and Greek Life. In my free time, I love to work out and spend time with my friends. I am so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor again, and I can’t wait to meet all of you in the fall!
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!
Chikako Barnes
Hi, my name is Chikako and I am a sophomore in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering! This past winter, I studied abroad in Costa Rica with my fellow first-year women in engineering as part of my ENG177 class and had a great time learning about sustainability and exploring! I am an LAS James Scholar and on campus. I am involved in American Institute of Chemical Engineers and am secretary chair for the social committee in Society of Women Engineers. I also work at Japan House and am a figure skating instructor. I enjoy working out, baking, playing with my dog, and going on coffee runs with my friends! I’m so excited to meet you all and be your WIE mentor!
Claudia Cappa
Hii! My name is Claudia, and I am going to be a senior in Chemical Engineering. This past term, I worked at Kimberly Clark as an Engineering Co-Op. Kimberly Clark makes products such as Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, and Cottonelle. Last summer, I did research abroad in Madrid, it was absolutely amazing! On campus, I am involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Greek Life, and club gymnastics. If I’m not at Noyes, you can either find me at the ARC or hanging out with friends. I am so excited to be your mentor at orientation this year because WIE gave me a group of girls that I can always count on. I can’t wait to meet you in August!
Emily Bolger
Hi! My name is Emily, and I will be a Junior in Chemical Engineering. This summer, I am doing research with RIPE (Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency). We are working on making popular food crops grow faster through genetic modification to provide for our growing population. I am also on the Varsity Swimming and Diving team here at Illinois, so I am spending a lot of my time this summer training for our season which will begin when classes start in the fall. I am so glad I get to be a part of one of your first Illinois experiences, and I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Emma Baunach
Hi! I’m Emma and I am going into my junior year in Chemical Engineering. On campus, I am a member of LAS Leaders and the Society of Women Engineers. With my free time I like to read and listen to music. My time at Illinois has been awesome and I can’t wait for you to start your journey!
Civil and Environmental Engineering Mentors (CEE)
Erika Jaszka (Lead Mentor)
Hi everyone! My name is Erika Jaszka, and I’m an Environmental Engineering major with a minor in the Hoeft Technology & Management Program. My dream job would be to work in industry as an Environmental/ Sustainability Director or similar role. On campus, I’m the Recruitment Officer of the Society of Women Engineers as well as a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority and the Illini Chaarg Fitness Group. This summer, I’m working as an Environmental Engineering Intern at ExxonMobil in Joliet, IL. In my free time, I love to read and travel! I’m thrilled to be the CEE Department Lead Coordinator for this school year, and I can’t wait to welcome all of you to our WIE family!
Amber DeCarlo
My name is Amber and I will be a senior in Civil Engineering with a focus on structures and construction management. This summer I will be working at Lochner in their structural engineering department. On campus I am in Alpha Omega Epsilon ,which is an engineering sorority where I have met some of my best friends! I am also the President of Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering honor society here on campus. 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!
Ashmitha Dandamudi
Hello! My name is Ashmitha, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Civil Engineering. On campus, I’m in Concrete Canoe, SWE, Intramural Volleyball, and I am on the officer board for American Society of Civil Engineers. When I have some free time, I love to create my own greeting cards, bake, and hangout with my friends. Last year I attended WIE Orientation as an incoming student and I can’t wait to be a mentor this year!
Claire Samojedny
Hi! My name is Claire, and I will be a senior in Civil and Environmental Engineering and minoring in Sustainability. This summer, I am interning at Burns & McDonnell in their Water and Environmental Services Global Practices. On campus, I am the Lead CEE Engineering Learning Assistant for ENG 100, paddling captain for Concrete Canoe, CEE Student Advisor, and involved in club gymnastics, SWE, and ASCE. I can’t believe this is my fourth and final year attending/mentoring WIE Orientation. It has truly been a significant part of my college career where I have made so many close connections. I look forward to sharing all the opportunities Illinois has to offer, and I can’t wait to meet you all this fall!
Emily Dickett
Hello! My name is Emily Dickett, and I will be a sophomore in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I am also minoring in International Engineering with a concentration on Spanish. Off campus, I am the environmental chair of my social sorority, a coordinator of Vis-A-Vis Tutoring, and also love playing intramural soccer. I enjoy being outside, trying new restaurants (let me know if you need suggestions on campus), and spending time with friends and family. I am so thrilled to meet you all this August and to introduce you to such a phenomenal, diverse group of women engineers! 🙂
Leah Courtney
Hey! My name is Leah and I’m going to be a sophomore in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I am also minoring in Spanish. This summer, I am working for Appalachia Service Project as a center staff member. I am really excited for lead volunteers that are repairing homes in the Appalachian communities. On campus I hold a chair for an outreach event for the Society of Women Engineers. In my free time, I like to bake, read, and hang out with my friends. I’m so excited to be a WIE mentor this year and I can’t wait to meet you all at orientation!!
Michaela Patton
Hi! My name is Michaela, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Civil Engineering. I also want to earn a Leadership Certificate and minor in Spanish. On campus, I am in Engineering Council on the Engineering Open House Exec Board, I am a prospective member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a half professional half social STEM sorority, and I am involved in a Christian fellowship called Intervarsity. In my free time I love playing volleyball! I’m in Rec Volleyball Club which meets weekly at the ARC. I’m excited for WIE orientation! It was so helpful for me when I was coming into freshman year, and I hope I can make the experience just as informative and fun for you all.
Nora Harrington
Hi! My name is Nora, and I will be a sophomore in Civil and Environmental Engineering. On campus, I am apart of the Society of Women Engineers as a committee chair. In my free time, I love being outdoors, gardening and exercising! WIE orientation is how I got a great start to my freshman year, and I am so excited to be a WIE mentor! I cannot wait to meet all of you in August!
Computer Engineering Mentors (CompE)
Nora Dunleavy (Lead Mentor)
Hey, there! My name is Nora, and I am going to be a junior in Computer Engineering! This summer, I am returning to Microsoft in Washington as a Software Engineer Intern in the Gaming organization developing new things for Xbox Live! I’m so happy that I can continue to use my education in engineering to bring joy to people across the world on such a large scale. Outside of my schoolwork, I serve on the Officer Board for the Society of Women Engineers, brew coffees of all kind, read, and run long distance. I can’t wait to be apart of the kickoff to your time at Illinois in the Grainger College of Engineering!
Aditi Adya
Hi! My name is Aditi and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Engineering. This summer, I am working at the US Army Corps of Engineers Research Laboratory as an Undergraduate Computer Engineering Research Assistant. On campus, I’m involved in Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE), Alpha Omega Epsilon (an Engineering Sorority) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE). In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, exercise, or catch up on sleep. I am so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor and I look forward to meeting you all in August!
Amanda Hsu
Hi! My name is Amanda and I am going to be a senior in Computer Engineering! This summer, I am working at Censys as a software engineering intern. I’m really excited to be working at a startup that focuses on internet security because it is a topic I have always been interested in. On campus, I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers and work as an undergraduate research assistant on various cybersecurity projects. I’m very excited to be a WIE mentor this August!
Apurva Chanda
Hi everyone! My name is Apurva, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Engineering. This summer, I’m hoping to take some extra core classes and work as a math tutor for students in my hometown. On campus, I’m the webmaster for SWE (Society of Women Engineers) for the upcoming school year. In my free time, I like to dance, listen to music, and bake! I look forward to meeting you all in August!
Breanne Warner
HI! My name is Breanne Warner, and I will be a senior studying Computer Engineering. Last summer, I worked at Motorola Solutions as a software engineering intern and will continue to work for them this Fall at their Research Park office! On campus, I am the director of Engineering Employment EXPO where we put on the career fairs. I also serve on the executive board of Engineering Council, and am involved in my professional business fraternity and sorority Kappa Delta. I am so excited to be a WIE mentor again this year and am looking forward to meeting everyone!
Kelly Dunleavy
Hi! My name is Kelly, and I’m going to be a junior studying Computer Engineering. This summer I will be traveling to Seattle, WA as a Software Engineer Intern at Microsoft within their Office Experience Organization. On campus, I direct a tech conference called ECE Pulse and am on the Board for Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE). Outside of my classes, I love to run for fun and explore coffee shops on campus. WIE Orientation was the perfect launch to my endeavors as an engineering student at UIUC, so I cannot wait to meet you all in August and share this experience with you!
Computer Science Mentors (CS)
Sadia Ahmed (Lead Mentor)
Hello! My name is Sadia Ahmed, and I am going to be a junior in Computer Science. This summer, I am interning at Lockheed Martin in Manassas, Virginia as a software developer. On campus, I am the director for Illinois Computer Science Sail. In my free time, I like to paint, listen to podcasts, and try new restaurants on campus with my friends! I’m excited to get to know you all in August!
Alycia Bhargava
HI! My name is Alycia, and I am a sophomore in Computer Science. I am pursuing a Leadership Certificate, and thinking about pursuing an Art & Design Minor. Here on campus I am involved with Society of Women Engineers Team Tech and in the process of rushing for A.O.E. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, doing art, learning American Sign Language, and watching basketball. I am so excited to be a WIE mentor this year, and I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Flora Zheng
Hi! My name is Flora, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Computer Science. On campus, I’m involved in Women in Computer Science. During my free time, I enjoy running, hanging out with friends, and playing the piano. I’m excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor this year and hope you enjoy WIE Orientation in August!
Kathy Zhou
Hi! I’m Kathy, and I’m going to be a junior in Computer Science. Here on campus, I’m involved in Women in Computer Science, Reflections|Projections, HackIllinois, and play in the non-competitive badminton club. In my free time, I love drawing, reading, watching anime, 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!
Maya Gupta
Hi! My name is Maya Gupta and I am going to be a senior in Computer Science. I am also minoring in Applied Statistics. This summer I am working as a technology consultant for Accenture in Chicago and will be doing research on the side. I am excited for opportunities that are different from anything I have done before. On campus, I am an ELA for Engineering 100, a course all of you will have to take your freshman year. I also enjoy going to games, watching movies, running, and exploring new places. I am excited to be a WIE mentor again this year and look forward to meeting all of you in August!
Nikitha Nagumalli
Hi! My name is Nikitha, and I am a Computer Science major pursuing a minor in Mathematics. I participate in Society of Women Engineers, Women in Computer Science, and the engineering sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon. I am also involved in research, where I work closely with a graduate student. In my free time, I enjoy amateur stargazing, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, and doodling. I am so excited to meet all of you and be a WIE Mentor!
Yashasvini Ramkumar
Hi! My name is Yashasvini, and I’m going to be a junior in Computer Science this fall. On campus, I’m involved in Women in Computer Science as well as the Society of Women Engineers. In my free time, I like watching Netflix, reading, and baking. I’m so excited to be a WIE mentor, and I can’t wait to meet all of you at orientation!
Computer Science + X Mentors (CS+X)
Angie Cheng
Hello! My name is Angie, and I’m going to be a junior in Math and Computer Science with a minor in Statistics. This summer I’ll be working at Omnivision in California as an image processing intern on a machine learning model and maintaining it! On campus, I’m involved in many organizations such as the MechMania, Reflections | Projections, and HackIllinois. I also currently work with Professor Challen as a Course Developer/Research Assistant for CS 125, am an active member in ACM and involved with WCS. In my free time, I like bullet journaling (or trying to), binging YouTube and Netflix, playing golf, and playing video games. I’m excited to be a WIE mentor and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Riya Gupta
Hi! My name is Riya, and I am going to be a sophomore in Computer Science and Philosophy. On campus, I’ve been involved with Women in Computer Science, Association of Computing Machinery, HackIllinois, SAIL, and Black Chorus. In my free time, I love to sing, take pictures, workout, and spend time outside. I’m so excited to be a WIE mentor this year. See you in August!
Shalni Sundram
Hi there! My name is Shalni, and I will be a sophomore in Computer Science + Geography. A little about me: I am an undergraduate researcher on campus, using data science to analyze food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, I am involved in RSOs on campus like SWE and WCS! In my free time, you will likely find me playing the Illini Union piano in intense minor keys, reading monstrous books about the Cold War economy, or maybe even catching some rare Pokemon. I’m excited to be a WIE mentor, and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Electrical Engineering Mentors (EE)
Micki Rentauskas (Lead Mentor)
Hey y’all! My name is Micki, and I use they/them/theirs pronouns. I’m a super senior in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. This summer I’ll be returning to Tesla for an internship on their energy system test team. On campus I’m very involved in the Society of Women Engineers and Women of Pride. In my free time I like to read, watch Netflix and YouTube, and hang out with my cat. I can’t wait to meet everyone and help you all get acclimated to campus!
Shannon Lin
Hello! I’m Shannon, and I will be a senior in Electrical Engineering this upcoming semester. This summer, I have been working as an undergraduate researcher on campus, as well as working remotely part-time at Engineering IT. At UIUC, I am involved with Covenant Fellowship Church in addition to being the treasurer for Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This fall, I will also be an ELA for ENG 100 – I hope to see some familiar faces in my class 🙂 In my free time, I enjoy swimming, outdoor activities, watching movies, and playing guitar. I’m looking forward to helping out with WIE Orientation again this summer!
Steffi Chen
Hi! My name is Steffi, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Electrical Engineering. On campus, I am a part of CU-Impact, the Illini Swim Club, SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and my church fellowship. In my free time, I also enjoy making music and working out. I’m excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor and to meet all of you!
Engineering Physics Mentors (Eng Phys)
Jamie Milota (Lead Mentor)
Hello friends! I am Jamie, a rising senior in Engineering Physics. My minors are Electrical Engineering and Math. I also do undergraduate research in the ECE department studying nanotechnology, an interest of mine for several years. This summer, I have the wonderful opportunity to work at Texas Instruments as a Process Engineer Intern. On campus, I am involved in Guidance for Physics Students (GPS), Society for Physics Students (SPS), and Alpha Omega Epsilon and Society for Women in Physics with officer positions. Furthermore, I am an Engineering Physics ambassador for Women in Engineering. I can’t wait to be a WIE mentor this year and I can’t wait to meet you all. 🙂
Lydia Spychalla
Hello hello! My name is Lydia, and I am junior studying Engineering Physics and minoring in Atmospheric Science. On campus, I’m on the officer board of two physics RSO (The Society of Physics Students, and the Society for Women in Physics) as well as a Christian ministry called the Navigators. I have done two semesters and one summer on campus research, all of which I have loved. I like to spend my free time exercising, getting bubble tea with my friends and doing jigsaw puzzles. I’m excited to get to know you all!
Parima Michareune
Hi! My name is Parima, and I am going to be a sophomore in Engineering Physics with a concentration in ECE. My family is from Thailand, but I grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois. In my free time I like to practice gymnastics or muay Thai, read, run, and watch movies. I am super excited to be a WIE mentor and look forward to meeting all of you!
Engineering Undeclared Mentors
Dionora Osmani (Lead Mentor)
Hi! My name is Nora, and I am a rising junior in Materials Science and Engineering. On campus, I am involved in the Community Service committee in the Society of Women Engineers. In my free time I love to roller blade, and I love ice skating at the UI Ice Arena! 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 in August!
Anastasia Chemerisov
Hello! My name is Anastasia, and I am going to be a sophomore in Chemical Engineering. I love to keep myself active on campus with badminton and boxing. I also love plants and have many to take care of. I am excited to be a WIE mentor and can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Anisha Sharma
Hi everyone! My name is Anisha and I am going to be a sophomore this upcoming fall. I was in the Engineering Undeclared program this past year, which really helped me narrow down my choices and interests. On campus, I am a part of Founders- Illinois Entrepreneurs, an entrepreneurship organization. I have a huge passion for environmental sustainability and hope to one day combine my passion for entrepreneurship with my major to make a positive environmental impact. I am also part of a dance team called Illini Ishaara. In my free time I love to draw, read, and spend time with my friends. I’m excited to be a WIE mentor this upcoming year and meet all of you!
Bozena Izabela Bryja
Hi friends! My name is Bozena Bryja, and I am a junior in Bioengineering, pursuing a concentration in biomechanics. I originally came to the University of Illinois as an Undeclared Engineering student, so feel free to ask me about my experience! I spent the majority of last semester studying abroad in Madrid, Spain and exploring Europe. On campus, I am most involved with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), through leadership positions on the Social and Recruitment Committees. In my free time, I really enjoy working out, reading or journaling, and traveling! This year will be my first time being a WIE Orientation mentor and I’m SO excited to meet all of you soon!
Emily Wilson
Hi! My name is Emily and I am from Wildwood, MO, a suburb of St. Louis. I am going to be a sophomore in either Mechanical or Systems Engineering for the 2020-2021 school year. As a freshmen, I was in the Engineering Undeclared program. I am currently involved with Phi Sigma Rho (engineering sorority) ,Phi Eta Sigma (Honor society), and attend most of the football and basketball games. U of I is an amazing school with so much to offer. I can’t wait to meet you all in August!
Sara Swanberg
Hi! My name is Sara and I am going to be a junior in Industrial Engineering. I am involved with Society of Women Engineers, Illini CHAARG, Engineering Ambassadors, 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!
Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering Mentors (ISE)
Mariana Conde (Lead Mentor)
Hi! I’m Mariana, and I’m from Caracas, Venezuela. I’ll be a senior in Systems Engineering and Design with a concentration in Industrial Design. This summer, I am working as a Technology Consultant for PwC in their New York office. The best part about being a Grainger Engineer is that you get to design your own path, especially with the ISE programs. The resources available to students at this university are one of a kind! My favorites being CARE tutoring (come say hi!) and everyone involved in WIE. I love being creative and using my technical background to tackle real-world problems. When I’m not in class I enjoy running and taking walks in nature.
Dearborn Plys
Hey! My name is Dearborn, I’m going to be a Sophomore in Systems Engineering. I’m also studying Japanese and am aiming to get a Translation Certificate! I’m currently an intern at WPGU, a local radio station in the Engineering department. I’m a member of several organizations on campus including the Campus Union for Trans Equality and Suport (CUTES) and Illini Railroad Club. I also play guitar, bass, and ukulele and love being a part of the local music community. I can’t wait to see you all in August as a WIE mentor!
Rose Chiodo
Hi! my name is Rose and I’m going to be a Junior in Systems Engineering. This summer I’m working for United Airlines in Downtown Chicago as a Strategic and Technical Operations Intern! I can’t wait to be able to use the skills I’ve learned with data analytics from my major and my research with the P&G Smart Lab. On campus, I work in Research Park at the Smart Lab, and I’m the Vice President of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. I spend most of my time hanging with my friends watching Netflix or staying involved with the super fun socials IISE plans. I can;t wait to show you how amazing Illinois is and to watch/help you all succeed.
Sarah Sullivan
Hi!! My name’s Sarah, and I’m going into my junior year studying Systems Engineering and Design! On campus, I am a member of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, and I am also on the executive board of my sorority. In my free time I love to hike, play guitar, and I’m a huge Marvel nerd. I’m so excited to be a WIE mentor and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Stacy Nguyen
Hi! My name is Stacy and I am a sophomore majoring in Industrial Engineering! On campus, I am involved in the Institue of Industrial and System Engineers, Phi Eta Sigma (Honor Society), and Vietnamese Student Association. In my free time, I really enjoy working out, going on adventures, shopping, and having fun! I am so excited to meet you all in August! (:
Material Science and Engineering Mentors (MatSE)
Clarissa Domanus (Lead Mentor)
Hi, my name’s Clarissa! I am originally from the Palatine, IL, and I am going to be a senior in Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE). This summer I am working for Texas Instruments in Dallas as a Process Engineering Intern. I have had previous internships at Coilcraft Inc. and Wieland Thermal Solutions. On campus I am super involved with the MatSE department and have been on the Material Advantage (MatSE student organization) board for two years. Through that RSO I have met my best friends and have traveled to Portland, San Antonio, and San Diego. In my free time I love to cook! Can’t wait to see you all at WIE Orientation!
Doha Amer
Hello! My name is Doha and I am going to be a sophomore in Materials Science Engineering. On campus, I am involved with Engineering Council and the Society of Women Engineers. In my free time, I like to draw, embroider, and play badminton. I attended WIE Orientation as a freshman, and I am excited to share my experiences with you in August!
Jessica Lawson
Hi! My name is Jessica am I am going to be a sophomore in Materials Science and Engineering, minoring in Chemistry. I am originally from Houston, Texas but spent this summer on campus working on our car for Illini Solar Car and doing research. I am involved in Material Advantage, Keramos, Illini Solar Car, and various intramural teams on campus (soccer and volleyball). In my free time I love to cook and do random crafts. I am excited to be a WIE mentor and meet y’all in August!
Mechanical Engineering Mentors (MechSE)
Megha Natarajan (Lead Mentor)
Hi, my name is Megha and I’m going to be a junior in Mechanical Engineering. This summer I am working in Peoria for Caterpillar as a product support and logistics intern. On campus, I am heavily involved with SWE. Last year I was part of the Professional Liaison Committee, and I am going to be the co-lead for Team Tech. I also volunteer at the Innovation Studio, so feel free to say hi. For fun, I read, rewatch old anime, and drink boba with my friends. I have loved WIE Orientation ever since freshman year, and I hope you can have that same experience. I can’t wait to get to know you all this August!
Haley Tholen
Hello! My name is Haley and I am a senior in Engineering Mechanics with a minor in Sustainability. This summer, I working on research under the National Science Foundation. In the two previous summers, I completed an internship at Illinois Tool Works and also had an extraordinary internship related to my research in the Caribbean. On campus, I am on the officer board for Society of Women Engineers (SWE), a women’s fitness group, and an organization I created, Dollars for Dreams! In my free time, I am usually working on my research projects, chilling in a hammock, or playing with my roommate’s puppy 🙂 I am extremely excited to be a WIE mentor this year, can’t wait to meet everyone!!
Joanna Silva
Hi! My name is Joanna and I am a rising sophomore in Mechanical Engineering. I was a part of WIE orientation freshman year and had such a fun time so I wanted to come back. I am so excited to be a mentor this time! In my free time I like to spend time with my friends and family because nothing compares to endless laughter. Incredibly excited to meet all of you!
Riya Gyanmote
Hi! My name is Riya, and I’m going to be a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering. I am also minoring in Computer Science. This past year, I had the opportunity to work alongside Dr.Randy Ewoldt in his research concerning Newtonian fluids. Also on campus, I am a volunteer at the MechSE innovation studio and heavily involved in WIE events and classes (such as the GFX program), In my free time, I love to spend time with my friends, work on random projects on CAD and read. I’m excited to meet all of you in August!
Sarah Landriau
Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a rising sophomore in Engineering Mechanics. On campus, I play on an intramural soccer team and am a member of Illini Motorsports, a student group on campus that builds a formula style car. In my free time, I love to watch Netflix and hang out with friends. I also love traveling, so I’m planning to study abroad my Junior year. I’m so excited to be a WIE Orientation mentor and I can’t wait to meet all of you in August!
Sarah Speizman
Hi, my name is Sarah, and I am going to be a junior in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business. This summer I hope to be able to work at a STEM camp for kids in middle school and high school, hopefully getting more kids interested in engineering! On campus, I am on the board of directors for Engineering Student Alumni Ambassadors. I am also a part of Theta Tau, the school’s professional engineering fraternity. In my free time, I like to play volleyball and lacrosse with my friends, and binge watch Netflix when I can. I am so excited to meet you all in August!
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering Mentors (NPRE)
Paola Silva (Lead Mentor)
Hi! my name is Paola, and I am going to be a sophomore in NPRE. I am from Mexico and have traveled extensively through out my life (I have lived in 7 different countries). My area of interest is power within NPRE. Some of my hobbies include reading (in particular the Pendragon series), hanging out with friends and playing spike-ball. I am excited to be part of WIE this year. Can’t wait to meet you all!