The Dean's Team

Pranesh Ambokar

Ashburn, VA
Senior, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

HEVT
VT Dhamaal

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Mantech
ASRC Federal

Favorite thing about VT?

Natural beauty

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I would've loved to know how diverse and strong the Indian cultural community is at Tech.

Fun Fact

I played soccer for 15 years

Quinn Anderson

Chicago, IL
Junior, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

Student Alumni Association
CS Ambassadors
VTMUN
Amnesty International at VT

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Hume Center CCI Ideation PUFs Project Summer 2023

Undergraduate Research

Hume Center CCI Ideation PUFs Project Fall 2023

Favorite thing about VT?

I love the beautiful surrounding blue ride mountains and accessibility to hiking!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I had brought my bike to campus as there are tons of fun places to bike and it can be helpful to getting to classes quickly.

Fun Fact

I play the bagpipes!

Chris Angus

Boyertown, PA
Senior, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

SolarCar at VT
Juxtaposition Acapella

CEED Participation?

Galipatia
Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Rivian
Tesla

Favorite thing about VT?

The student community

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Get a good pair of rain boots

Fun Fact

My brother used to have the guiness world record for the biggest mouth.

Kylie Arnold

Pittsburgh, PA
Senior, Chemical Engineering (Spanish Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Student Alumni Associates
Panhellenic Executive Board
Alpha Chi Omega
Class Office (2024)

CEED Particiation?

WEST Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Dominion Energy - Renewables

Undergraduate Research

Chemistry Lab with the Quan Group (semiconductors)

Favorite thing about VT?

Hokie Spirit!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Engineering here has such a supportive and encouraging environment!

Fun Fact

I am trilingual!

Gabriella Arriaga

Boise, ID
Junior, Mining Engineering (Geosciences Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

The Polo Club at Virginia Tech (Fundraising Co-Chair)
SHPE (Ingenieros)
FERL
Mucking Team (2023)

CEED Participation?

STEP
Galipatia LLC
Galipatia Student Mentor
Galipatia Outreach Committee Member
CEED Volunteer

Favorite thing about VT?

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is the vast amount of Professional Development opportunities for Mining Engineers. This includes the extensive career fairs, info sessions, resume workshops, professional development assignments, and mock-interview opportunities available each semester. The Mining Engineering Major Professional Development resources provide me with a way to secure a summer internship with much ease and in a way that I feel very prepared and confident in my ability to succeed in the industry.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish Gabriella as a Freshman knew the importance of being herself, and acting on a growth-mindset. It is okay to fail, and one should not be afraid of failure. I believe every circumstance presents itself with a learning opportunity that will ultimately better you. If I could go back in time, I would assure myself with confidence, knowing that others are there to help me, and I can only be the best version of myself by trying new things and being open to learning.

Fun Fact

I adopted lasagna as my favorite food after falling in love with the show "Garfield" as a child.

Anything else?

Virginia Tech offers many opportunities to give back to the community. Some of my most rewarding experiences here have been with CEED and Galipatia, where I helped K-12 students in robotics, and STEM science events. Through these events, I could once again see myself, the girl who had not yet reached college, as a child, new to the TECH world, and re-live, and re-discover the moments I fell in love with STEM, such as when I participated in my first robotics build and Aerospace Science lesson.

Brandon Avram

Goochland, VA
Junior, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

3D Printed Aircraft Team
VT Alpine Ski Team
National Society of Leadership and Success

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Machine Process Engineering Intern at STIHL Incorporated

Favorite thing about VT?

The food is fantastic and the surrounding area around Blacksburg is beautiful!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Teamwork is extremely important to mastering a skill!

Fun Fact

I am working on my Private Pilot License and have been all lower 48 United States!

Anything else?

Do Mechanical, it's the most versatile and can be used in ANY workplace!!

Alex Bachman

Mechanicsburg, PA
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

BAJA design team
Student Alumni Association
National Society of Leadership and Success
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity

CEED Participation?

STEP
Galipatia (now an Upper Class Leader)

Favorite thing about VT?

The people

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Research Opportunites

Fun Fact

I wrestled for 9 years in Pennsylvania

Eamon Bartlett

Arlington, VA
5th Year Senior, Chemical Engineering (Chemistry and Math Minors)

Professional/Student Organizations

AIChE
Chem-E-Car
Honors College
Goldwater Scholar

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Co-Op at Eastman Chemical Company (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023)
REU at Boise State University (Summer 2021)

Undergraduate Research

Department of Chemistry with Dr. Amanda Morris

Favorite thing about VT?

The campus food is great

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Buy some good rain gear. We get some heavy downpours.

Fun Fact

I ran the Charlottesville Marathon!

Kayleigh Canavan

Charlotte, NC
Junior, Biological Systems Engineering (Biomedical Engineering Minor & Pre-Med)

Professional/Student Organizations

Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Society (UBES)
Biological Systems Engineering Ambassador
Sigma Kappa Sorority

CEED Participation?

Peer Leader in Peer Mentoring

Favorite thing about VT?

The amazing people!!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

How amazing and supportive the community is!!

Fun Fact

I used to competitively Irish dance

Olivia Chan

Syosset, NY
Junior, Computer Science (Human Computer Interaction Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Club Jump Rope at Virginia Tech
Association for Women in Computing
Cru
VTHacks
SASE

CEED Participation?

Galipatia (Freshman Hypatia -> Studio Training UCL -> Design Challenge CL) 

Favorite thing about VT?

I love the scenary and all the support and organizations that VT has to offer.

Fun Fact

I have a twin brother who is also a Computer Science major at VT.

Alexis Conlin

Marshall, VA
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Women Engineers

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Favorite thing about VT?

Virginia Tech has a wonderful community atmospehere and culture on campus!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Everyone else is just as worried about starting at a new place as you are! Don't be nervous just enjoy the adventure.

Fun Fact

I like to research shipwrecks

Hunter Dansei

Davidsonville, MD
Senior, Biomedical Engineering (Engineering Science and Mechanics Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Men's Rugby
Phi Sigma Kappa

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentor

Internships/Co-Ops

FDA

Undergraduate Research

Bioelectromechanical systems lab

Favorite thing about VT?

Home Football Games

Fun Fact

My dog, Buddy, lives with me at school

Alexandra DiBernardi

Manasquan, NJ
Senior, Civil Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Phi
FERL
Tau Beta Pi

Internship/Co-Ops

Rockland County Highway Department
Colliers Engineering & Design

Favorite thing about VT?

I love how VT has such beautiful seasons. The bright leaves in the fall, the flowers in spring, and the snow in winter add so much beauty to an already amazing campus!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

It is a very challenging school for engineering, but that’s what makes it worth it.

Fun Fact

I never visited VT before committing. Two weeks before decision day, I did a virtual tour (because of covid), instantly fell in love, and decided to commit!

Meagan Dixon

Hamilton, NJ
Sophomore, Mining Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Burkhart Mining Society
Bevlee Watford Society
Chocolate Milk Club

CEED Participation?

STEP

Favorite thing about VT?

The sense of community and how the faculty and staff genuienly want to see you succeed

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Patience is truly a virture. Not only with others but also yourself.

Fun Fact

I never had to pump my own gas till coming to Tech.

Anything else?

Consider Mining! It's so cool!!

Olivia Esch

Saint Paul, MN
Senior, Biomedical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Quality of Life Plus

CEED Participation?

Galipatia
Biomedical Engineering Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Internship at Plexus Corporation

Favorite thing about VT?

I love the community, and also the Hokie stone

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Everyone is starting fresh without knowing many people, even in-state students!

Fun Fact

I was in the circus!

Renata Farrell

Frederick, MD
Senior, Materials Science and Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

TEAM Malawi
Catholic Campus Ministry

Undergraduate Research

Therapeutic Ultrasound and Non-Invasive Therapies Laboratory (https://ultrasound-lab.beam.vt.edu/)

Favorite thing about VT?

We have some of the best research opportunities for undergrads! Also, the community here feels like a family. Students and alumni are proud to be Hokies and love to talk about it!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I would have joined a completely random club just for fun. I hear about people joining the craziest clubs and wish I had another year to explore more of the fun things VT has to offer!

Fun Fact

I am colorblind - which is rare for a girl!

Zack Feldman

Jupiter, FL
Senior, Building Construction

Professional/Student Organizations

Interfraternity Council of Virginia Tech VP
Building Construction Ambassador
Deans Team

Internships/Co-Ops

Development Intern at Amblebrook Gettysburg
Project Engineer Intern at Grunley Construction Company
Engineer Intern at Turner Construction Company
Real Estate and Development Intern at Apple

Favorite thing about VT?

The positive and supportive facility and student body!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I had looked into all the student organizations earlier. We have 800+ here at Virginia Tech.

Fun Fact

I am certified to drive an All Terrain Vehicle in the State of Florida.

Olivia Ferrare

Yorktown, VA
Senior, Industrial & Systems Engineering (Professional and Technically Writing Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon
Catholic Campus Ministry
Society of Women Engineers
Female Engineering Recruitment League

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Industrial Engineering Intern at Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Everett, WA
Lean Manufacturing Intern at GE Gas Power in Greenville, SC
Mechanical Systems Intern at W.M. Jordan in Newport News, VA
Software Analysis Intern at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA

Favorite thing about VT?

My favorite things about VT are the service-oriented nature of the community and the constant desire to help make the world a better place.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I was better at prioritizing my interests! Don't be afraid to say no, and focus on what you want to get out of an event/club/class!

Fun Fact

I love baking and testing new recipes; my favorite treat to make is brownies!

Eric Friedemann

Spring City, PA
5th Year Senior, Mechanical Engineering (National Security and Foreign Affairs Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Corps of Cadets Alumni

Favorite thing about VT?

My favorite thing about VT is the friendships I've made since coming here and the growth that I've achieved here.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish that I had explored other engineering majors like Civil or Materials Science and Engineering.

Fun Fact

I found out through bumping my head various time over the summer that I am too tall for Tokyo...

Bruce Furaha

Arlington, VA
Senior, Chemical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

AIChE
Chem-E-Car

Undergrad

Dr. Bortner's Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

Attending Football games

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Enjoy the journey and don't be afraid to take risks early on.

Fun Fact

I appeared on the FDOC VT insta video and it happened to be on my birthday. Random present!

Anything else?

ChemE is so fun! Join us, I'm biased.

Landen Furr

Wilmington, NC
Senior, Civil Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

German Club
Sigma Delta Pi
Meteorology Club

CEED Participation?

Galileo
Women’s Preview Weekend Moderator

Internships/Co-Ops

Seaboard Surveying & Planning
Millenium Architecture Internships

Favorite thing about VT?

The people make VT home!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I had known how important it is to get involved early. Join as many clubs, seek leadership positions, and make as many friends and connections as possible.

Fun Fact

I’m a double major in Civil Engineering and Spanish!

Aaron Grossman

King of Prussia, PA
Sophomore, Computer Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Baja SAE
Juxtaposition All Male A Cappella
Moss Arts Center Production Crew
IEEE
Theme Park Engineering and Design Club

CEED Participation?

STEP
Galileo

Favorite thing about VT?

The mac and cheese at Owens and the VT A Cappella Community

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Having an umbrella at tech is actually cool and you should bring one.

Fun Fact

I have sung for an Austrian prince.

Anything else?

Audition for Juxtaposition! Information is on our Instagram @vtjuxta

Maura Harbaugh

Pittsburgh, PA
Senior, Civil Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Concrete Canoe
AWRA
Tau Beta Pi

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

BDO
Virginia Tech Office of Sustainability
Foth

Undergraduate Research

Sustainable Biomaterials Department - Reclaimed Wood

Favorite thing about VT?

The Blacksburg community

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Blacksburg gets HOT

Fun Fact

I have a cat named Mushu who is my pride and joy

Charlotte Helson

Harrington Park, NJ
Sophomore, Building Construction

Professional/Student Organizations

Virginia Tech Honors College
Building Women in Construction (club)
Zeta Tau Alpha
Viginia Tech Alpine Ski Team

Favorite thing about VT?

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is how involved everyone is. When applying to large colleges and universities, I believe that parents/ guardians number one concern for their student is how they will get involved at such a large university. However, here at Virginia Tech everyone is so eager to learn and participate in a multitude of events and activities.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Don't be afraid to try new things. Everyone is in your shoes when you enter your freshman year, and nobody will judge you for stepping out of your comfort zone. You have no idea how much your involvement and presence can positively impact someone else.

Fun Fact

A fun fact about me is that I used to be an Irish Dancer!

Brittany Hoffman

Fort Collins, CO
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, and Spanish

Professional/Student Organizations

Marching Virginians
Alpha Omega Epsilon
FERL
SWE

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentee

Internships/Co-Ops

Federal Aviation Adminstration

Favorite thing about VT?

I love the community I have found through all the different groups I am a part of, and that this university is what brings us all together.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

That campus is very big and going here involves lots of walking!

Fun Fact

I know a weirdly large amount about riding lawn mowers.

Parus Hundal

Vienna, VA
Junior, Computer Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Virginia Tech Bhangra
Society for Asian Scientists and Engineers

Internships/Co-Ops

Peer Career Advisor at the Smith Career Center (part-time on campus job)

Favorite thing about VT?

Environment. Beautiful campus, beautiful around campus

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

The amount of great food and amenities around blacksburg

Fun Fact

I can speak 3 other languages

Alexandria Johnson

Prince George, VA
Senior, Civil Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
ASCE Concrete Canoe Team
Global Engineering Ambassadors
& College of Engineering Dean's Team!

Internships/Co-Ops

Geotechnical Engineering Intern- Timmons Group 2023
Land Development Intern- Timmons Group 2022

Favorite thing about VT?

The mountains and the school spirit!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I knew to utilize office hours more. Professors and TA's are here to help, so take advantage of the opportunity!

Fun Fact

I'm currently studying abroad at the Steger Center in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland!

AJ Joseph

McLean, VA
Senior, Civil Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

ASCE
ITE
ATES

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Toxcel, LLC - Traffic Engineering Intern (2 summers, 1 winter)

Favorite thing about VT?

The people - caring, passionate, driven, just overall wonderful

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Get involved. Get out of your dorm room. Do things just because they’re fun.

Fun Fact

I drive buses for Blacksburg Transit

Georgia Koutsouras

Long Island, NY
Junior, Mining Engineering (Geosciences, Green Engineering, and Italian Minors)

Professional/Student Organizations

Mining Competition Team
Women in Mining
Gamma Delta Sigma
The Italian Club
International Society of Explosives Engineers

CEED Participation?

CEED Mentee (freshman)
Mentor (sophomore)
Peer Leader (junior)

Internships/Co-Ops

American Consolidated Natural Resources

Favorite thing about VT?

I love when the trees turn maroon and orange in the fall and contribute to VT's school spirit.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

There are so many opportunities to take fun classes that will still help you cover graduation requirements.

Fun Fact

I speak Greek!

Shanthi Krishnaswamy

Boston, MA or Pittsburgh, PA
Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Psychology and Math Minors)

Professional/Student Organizations

ISE Ambassadors
AOE
FEELS
Mental Health Coalition

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Systems Engineer Intern at GE
Vendor Quality Engineer intern at Lowe's
Manufacturing Co-op at Honda

Undergraduate Research

Occupational Exoskeleton lab at VT

Favorite thing about VT?

The people and culture!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

What LLC to join

Fun Fact

I will have been to all 7 continents by Jan 2024 and I have had a real grown tiger at my house

Anything else?

Doing a study abroad in Antarctica in the winter

Sarina Krishnaswamy

Pittsburgh, PA
Sophomore, Materials Science and Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

AOE (alpha omega epsilon)

CEED Participation?

Hypatia

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research in Material Science Engineering

Favorite thing about VT?

I love all the incredible friends I have made while at VT!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Your peers and teachers will be your biggest support system for classes, so don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.

Fun Fact

I have done solo trips to Zanzibar and Fiji.

Amir Lahoud

Brooklyn, NY
Junior, Mechanical Engineering (Creative Writing Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Human Powered Sub Team

Undergraduate Research

Volunteer at laboratory for biological and bio inspired materials.
Research on the mechanical properties of helically rotated structures.

Favorite thing about VT?

The campus.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Your meal plan will run out fast because the food is so good!

Fun Fact

I'm a triplet!

Rachel Mannasse

River Vale, NJ
Senior, Biomedical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

QL+ Student Chapter
Hokie Ambassadors
Therapeutic Ultrasound Lab
Zeta Tau Alpha
Snow Club

Internships/Co-Ops

Stryker

Undergraduate Research

Therapeutic Ultrasound Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

The people!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Get involved in everything that you are interested in!

Fun Fact

I like to ski and snowboard

Livy Meeting

New Albany, OH
Senior, Mechanical Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Women's Club Water Polo
Society of Women Engineers

CEED Participation?

Hypatia

Internships/Co-Ops

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy

Undergraduate Research

Nature Inspired Fluids & Interfaces Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

The student culture

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Going to an out of state school where I knew nobody was the best decision of my life!

Fun Fact

I can tread water for over 30 minutes

Jasmine Mendez

Woodbridge, VA
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

SHPE
BCM
Mozaiko
Latin Link

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

International Paper - Summer 2023

Favorite thing about VT?

The big and welcoming Hokie community

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Bring some waterproof shoes for the rainy days :D

Fun Fact

I can play the violin!

Anything else?

Go Hokies!

Cora Meno

Emerald Isle, NC
Senior, Aerospace Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

DoD SMART Scholar
ICCAE Scholar
Sigma Gamma Tau Member

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentorship Program Mentee 2020

Internships/Co-Ops

SMART Intern – Dept. of Navy FRC-East (Summer 2023)
Pathways Intern – Dept. of Navy FRC-East (Summer 2021 and 2022)

Favorite thing about VT?

The Hokie Nation!! I have a family of alumni, so officially being a part of the Hokie nation now is amazing. Especially at football games!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Tests are usually most of your overall class grade, but you shouldn't stress yourself out about them too much. If you panic, that is not beneficial. As long as you work hard on and fully understand the homework, you will do just fine on the tests.

Fun Fact

I'm scared of heights but I'm an Aerospace Engineering major...the irony is not lost on me.

Danielle Miller

Virginia Beach, VA
Senior, Chemical Engineering (Chemistry Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon
ChemE Ambassadors
American Institute of Chemical Engineers

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Westinghouse Electric Co. (Cranberry, PA - Summer 2022)

Undergraduate Research

Nature Inspired Fluids and Interfaces Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

My favorite thing about VT is the overwhelming sense of school spirit that brings everyone closer together.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

It’s okay to come in without a set plan for the rest of your life. Virginia Tech has the people and resources to help you make your way in the world.

Fun Fact

I competitively roller skated for a short while when I was younger.

Sara Miller

Potomac Falls, VA
Junior, Chemical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

ChemE ambassador
Aiche

CEED Participation?

Galipatia
Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

DuPont
Exxonmobil
Pfizer

Favorite thing about VT?

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is the supportive environment. I feel like everyone here is super helpful and friendly.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

That there are multiple scholarship opportunities. Once your major is declared in engineering you are eligible for even more scholarships.

Fun Fact

I have been paddle boarding with sharks accidentally

Anything Else?

Go Hokies!

Jackie Mosley

Washington, D.C.
Junior, Civil Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Fusion Dance Team

CEED Participation?

Hypatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Nichol's Contracting, Inc.
Town of Christiansburg Waste Water Plant
MCN Build, Inc
Hills Engineers, Architects, Planners, Inc.

Favorite thing about VT?

School Spirit

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

How accepting the engineering community is - everybody has a place to fit in.

Fun Fact

I started dancing at the age of 2!

Alex Murias

Richmond, VA
Senior, Biomedical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Consulting Group - Project Manager
Dean's Team
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Society

CEED Participation?

Hypatia
Summer Academy Peer Mentor

Internships/Co-Ops

McKesson Medical-Surgical Internship

Undergraduate Research

Granata P. Biomechanics Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

Food, Friends, and Blacksburg Fall

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

The 4 years fly by, make the most of your time at Tech and have fun!

Fun Fact

I am still close with my freshmen year dorm hall

Riley Nichols

Chicago, IL
2nd Year, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

Student Alumni Association
FLEX
Outdoor Club

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Favorite thing about VT?

I love football games and the surrounding area to hike in!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

School wise take the first month seriously because it gets harder, and socially say yes to everything really.

Fun Fact

I play the bagpipes.

Ashlyn O'Neill

Stewartstown, PA
Junior, Civil Engineering (Strategic Communication Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

ASCE secretary
VT clay target team
kappa alpha theta
fusion dance team
red cross club
cassell guard exec board
BWIC
student life council

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Rk&k summer 2023 and winter 2022-23
whiting turner summer 2022

Favorite thing about VT?

Everyone I've met and all the amazing activities both in the engineering realm and outside!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Definitely to bring more clothes than you may think you need. I for one under packed for cold weather clothing my freshman year. My parents had to mail some pants and jackets to me which was a hassle. Whoever moves you in can always take items back home with them.

Fun Fact

I cannot whistle nor roll my tongue.

Leo Olivera

Burke, VA
1st-year Masters, Mechanical Engineering

CEED Participation?

Mentee in Galipatia
Mentor in Galipatia
Mentor Liaison
Galileo Instructor

Internships/Co-Ops

Supply Chain/Manufacturing Intern @ GE Aerospace (Summer 2022)

Undergraduate Research

UGRA @ the Hume Center (Spring 2021)

Favorite thing about VT?

School Spirit

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I would say that I do not have to compare myself to any of my peers, and that we are all on different paths

Fun Fact

I play guitar and piano

James Perina

Fairfax, VA
Sophomore, Industrial & Systems Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

IISE
Engineers of Faith
Construction Management Association of America

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Summer 2023 - Construction Management Intern @ATCS

Favorite thing about VT?

The amount of engineers in all of my classes, and the opportunities here for us.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I would have really understood my check sheet before coming, so I could have gotten a head start on a minor/opened up space for research.

Fun Fact

I was on a cruise ship when it caught on fire, and I have 4 pet fiddler crabs.

Nathan Rand

Round Hill, VA
Senior, Aerospace Engineering (Math Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Engineering Volleyball League (President)
AIAA

Internships/Co-Ops

NASA Pathways (Marshall Space Flight Center)
Sequoia Holdings
National Institute of Standards and Technology

Undergraduate Research

Computational Fluid Dynamics/Machine Learning Research (Dr. Roy)

Favorite thing about VT?

Food & Intramural Sports!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Walk around campus during a semester, it is the best way to know if VT is right for you!

Fun Fact

Favorite color is yellow, favorite fruit is lemon, favorite animal is ducks (see a theme)!

Ava Raphael

Baltimore, MD
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

NSBE
SWE
TPED

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Favorite thing about VT?

The welcoming atmosphere and the wonderful opportunities given to students.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help and advice! College might seem so scary but these are some of the best years of your life. Do not hesitate to ask questions about someone's experience at tech. We are here to welcome and guide you!

Fun Fact

I used to play ice hockey.

Rachel Resnick

Leesburg, VA
Senior, Biological Systems Engineering (Music Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

CEED Participation?

Hypatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Internship at DSM-Firmenich

Undergraduate Research

Professor Wright's PlantSynBio Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

The beautiful colors during the fall season!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I knew how cold it got here - I would have invested in a good winter jacket much earlier.

Fun Fact

I have a dog named Sheldon and a gecko named Scotty!

Anything else?

Go Hokies!

Emily Rogers

Pittsburgh, PA
1st Year PhD, Biomedical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Society
BEAM Ambassador

CEED Participation?

Hypatia
Peer Mentor
Peer Leader
inVenTs Studio GA

Undergraduate Research

Spring 2020-Summer 2023: Research in the Wang Orthopedic Biomechanics Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

The Hokie Community! Every person I've met here at Tech is so unique and interesting, and we all look out for each other! It's so nice to be a part of that community and get to know others and their stories!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

It is super easy to get involved here! Although the amount of clubs may seem overwhelming for freshman (I definitely had a little trouble figuring out where to start), it's actually a really good opportunity to find organizations that fit YOUR specific interests and meet people that share them!

Fun Fact

I coached youth lacrosse for 5 years.

Johann Ruiz

Midlothian, VA
Senior, Computer Engineering (Computer Science Minor)

CEED Participation?

Pathways
RISE
Peer Mentor
STEP RA

Internships/Co-Ops

Interned for Raytheon/Collins for 15 months

Favorite thing about VT?

FOOTBALL GAMES

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Don't be afraid to apply/ask about different opportunities, like undergraduate research and internships

Fun Fact

I have a twin brother named Jovan

Anything else?

Go Hokies!

Hiba Sayed

Ashburn, VA
Senior, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

Treasurer of Society of Women Engineers
SEC Freshman Leadership Board
CS Ambassador

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Deloitte Discovery Cyber Intern
Software Engineer Intern at Microsoft

Favorite thing about VT?

The community! Everyone I have met has been so welcoming and is great to have an amazing support system at VT.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Do your research on different clubs and organizations that you can join at VT. Gobblerfest can be overwhelming so it is nice to be able to have a game plan for what clubs you want to learn more about and actually join since time is precious especially being an engineering student.

Fun Fact

I've met the President of Poland!

Cleo Simeonidis

Washington Township, NJ
Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Psychology Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon
Society of Women Engineers

CEED Participation?

Galipatia Mentor
Peer Mentor

Internships/Co-Ops

Industrial Engineering internship at ANOVA
Aggregate and Transportation internship at Tilcon NY

Favorite thing about VT?

The amazing support and kindness from everyone I have interacted with!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Say yes to everything even if you are nervous! Every opportunity can teach you something new and help you in a way you might not know in the moment.

Fun Fact

My full name is Cleopatra

Luis Tovar

Danville, VA
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

SHPE
TPED

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Favorite thing about VT?

The community that Blacksburg fosters.

Fun Fact

I competed in world class music competitions in high school.

Jason Van Tine

Ellicott City, MD
Junior, Mechanical Engineering (Economics Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Beta Theta Pi

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Two summer internships with Northrop Grumman
two co-op semesters with WestRock
one summer internship with EFI Group LLC

Undergraduate Research

DREAMS Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

The people.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

You can audit classes to learn something extra, even if they are out of major.

Fun Fact

I am the sixth person in my family to attend VT.

Jordan Vargas

Burke, VA
Sophomore, Computer Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Favorite thing about VT?

The amount of various opportunities that it has to offer. Anything I have a slight interest in, I can find a club/organization that's all about that topic.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

College assignments are much more difficult and time-consuming than high school homework. Make sure you're starting your assignments well in advance, and maybe try to get ahead by taking some general classes like Calc I/II at a community college in the summer.

Fun Fact

Very big cat person, I have three at home with my favorite being the OG, Namo.

Carolina Vega Alvarado

Villalba, Puerto Rico
Senior, Chemical Engineering (Chemistry Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

CEED Participation?

Galipatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Rovisys Systems Engineer Co-Op Summer 2022 and Fall 2023

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Researcher in Dr. Goldstein’s Skeletal Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology

Favorite thing about VT?

The community!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

The incredible amount of resources available to students

Fun Fact

I am bilingual

Sujay Venuganti

Yorktown, VA
Senior, Aerospace Engineering (Music Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Orbital Launch Vehicle Team
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

Internships/Co-Ops

Federal Aviation Administration
Intuitive Machines

Favorite thing about VT?

The opportunities; every student has the chance to get involved within their engineering discipline, whether it be through joining clubs, conducting research, and working in design teams.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

There are so many ways to get involved academically and socially. Reach out to your teachers and peers to find something that interests you!

Fun Fact

I am part of the percussion ensemble here at Virginia Tech!

Shefali Verma

Fairfax, VA
Junior, Civil Engineering (Green Engineering, Math, and Asian Studies Minors)

Professional/Student Organizations

Concrete for Kids
Crochet Club

CEED Participation?

C-Tech^2
Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

ECS Limited
Van Metre Companies

Favorite thing about VT?

All the students are so friendly and always willing to help another student.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I had taken more time to explore all the different types of engineering through clubs and research. I would try to make friends with people in all the different disciplines!

Fun Fact

Every year I go to pick apricots and then use them to make my own jam.

Anne-Kinsey Wash

Richmond, VA
Sophomore, Aerospace and Ocean Engineering (Spanish Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

SNAME/ASNE
SailBot

CEED Participation?

Galipatia
CEED Tutoring (K-12)

Undergraduate Research

Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project

Favorite thing about VT?

I love watching the sun set over drillfield!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Getting involved in opportunities that offer hands on experience can be really helpful in deciding what you want to major in.

Fun Fact

I race sailboats.

Sydney Weeks

Pendleton, SC
Junior, Industrial & Systems Engineering (Computer Science, Science, Technology & Law Minors)

Professional/Student Organizations

Industrial and Systems Engineering Ambassador
Class of 2025 Secretary
Founder and Co-President of IfYoureReadingThis
Director of Communications for Student Alumni Associates

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Software Engineer for Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Project Management Engineering Intern for Johnson Controls in the D.C. Area

Undergraduate Research

Hume Center's National Security Institute

Favorite thing about VT?

The spirit! Students are proud to be Hokies and I think that's a really unique thing!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

No one expects you to come to college with the answers - the whole point of college is meeting new people and finding answers you didn't know existed before!

Fun Fact

My favorite animals are squirrels! In fact, before discovering my passion for engineering, I wanted to be a journalist and wrote a monthly newsletter I handed out in elementary/middle school called "The Squirrel's Nest News."

Victoria Welker

Raleigh, NC
Senior, Construction Engineering and Management

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon
CEM Ambassadors

CEED Participation?

Hypatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Engineering Intern at Whiting-Turner for Summer of 2022 & 2023

Undergraduate Research?

Study of robotics and its relation to construction (with the MLSoC)

Favorite thing about VT?

I love the community and all that it has to offer. VT has over 700+ clubs and student orgs that you can join - giving every opportunity to meet your people. Through my extracurriculars, I have made lifelong connections with students and faculty alike that have made a lasting impact on my time here at Tech. It especially doesn't hurt that Blacksburg is probably one of the most beautiful places ever.

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I had told myself sooner to say "yes" to opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. I started doing so my junior year, which lead to meeting so many great people and getting to work on such interesting topics of research. College is the time to explore life!

Fun Fact

My first "job" was doing voice overs for local commercials when I was a kid!

Kate Whaley

Richmond, VA
Junior, Materials Science & Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Dean's Team

CEED Participation?

Peer Mentoring

Internships/Co-Ops

Co-Op at WestRock

Undergraduate Research

Advanced Materials Lab under Dr. Tallon

Favorite thing about VT?

The views!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

Get ready to walk everywhere.

Fun Fact

I went to Ghana last summer for research in sustainable materials!

Emma Grace Woolsey

Blacksburg, VA
Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Spanish Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Consulting Group at Virginia Tech (Director of Projects)
Marching Virginians (Horn Section Leader)

CEED Participation?

Hypatia

Internships/Co-Ops

Supply Chain Intern, Premier Inc, Summer 2022
Project Engineer Co-Op, FedEx Ground, Fall 2022, Summer 2023

Favorite thing about VT?

The supportive, tight-knit community

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

You don't have to know what you are going to get involved in right away. The best, most exciting opportunities may be ones you've never heard of.

Fun Fact

I love to cook and bake in my free time

Daisy Yates

Richmond, VA 
Junior, Civil Engineering (Green Engineering Minor)

Professional/Student Organizations

Residential Well-Being Student Leader
Honors College Student Council
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

Internships/Co-Ops

Site/Civil Internship with Dewberry

Undergraduate Research

Research Assistant in Water Quality Lab

Favorite thing about VT?

The people!

Something you wish you had known applying to/coming to VT?

I wish I had known how easy it would be to join clubs and get involved! Go to Gobbler Fest or look on Gobbler Connect.

Fun Fact

I love Scrabble! I'm always down to play.