Meet the Mentors

Miguel Alonso
Fairfax, VA
4th Year, Computer Science

Internships/Co-Ops

Software Engineer Intern @ Amazon (Summer 2021 & Summer 2022)
Co-Op Engineer @ Peraton (Spring 2022)

Professional/Student Organizations

CS Ambassador
Dean's Team
UTA

Favorite Thing About VT

The Hokie community.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

My key to success was creating a schedule every week which included homework, classes, and extracurriculars.

Fun Fact

I like to run.

Quinn Anderson
Chicago, IL
2nd Year, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

Student Alumni Association
FLEX Mentor
Dean's Team

Favorite Thing About VT

Football games and hiking in the mountains.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Pay better attention in classes, that first test I had was difficult in my classes and after I learned but I wish I focused more the first month.

Fun Fact

I play the bagpipes!

Natalia Ayala-Torres
Woodbridge, VA
3rd Year, Construction Engineering and Management

Internships/Co-Ops

Preconstruction Intern at Coakley & Williams Construction Summer 2022

Professional/Student Organizations

CEED
Galipatia TA
Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about VT is the familial environment on-campus! I have met some of my closest friends in class, and it all starts when someone decides to walk up or sit next to you, and say, "hi."

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

It's okay having trouble in your classes, it can take awhile adjusting from high school. It's normal!

Fun Fact

My all-time favorite snack is plantains. Doesn't matter how it is cooked, it's the primary food group in my pantry.

Tre' Bailey
Spartanburg, SC
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

NSBE
BOC
BSA
IISE

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about VT has to be my friends and the networking. VT has so many opportunities for students and I love meeting high caliber people.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I woul dhave known that time management would be the biggest thing for student to become the master of.

Fun Fact

I do freelance photography in my free time, through my start bus business 4K Studios by Tre' Bailey.

James Barber
Fairfax, VA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

NSBE
Ujumia

Favorite Thing About VT

The engineering program and the inclusion of VT culture. 

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Study spots and where to find help on campus.

Fun Fact

I ran track through high school.

Riley Benefiel
Baltimore, MD
2nd Year, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

DBF
Intramural Sports

Favorite Thing About VT

School spirit.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have known not to compare myself to others. Others in the same major might be ahead of you in classes or better at one class than you. It is important to do the best that you can do and you will do okay.

Fun Fact

I have two dogs and a cat.

Jack Benzing
New Fairfield, CT
2nd Year, Materials Science and Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Currently working on undergraduate research.

Professional/Student Organizations

Rocket League Club
CEED

Favorite Thing About VT

The football games.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Stay on top of your work! You'll be so much happier if you do.

Fun Fact

I have a huge love for hockey!

Kait Biggs
Austin, TX
2nd Year, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Enco Civil engineering consulting firm - summer internship

Professional/Student Organizations

Zeta Tau Alpha
Rec sports referee

Favorite Thing About VT

You will never be bored if you don't want to be, getting involved is so easy and super rewarding.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

With good balance you can keep from burning out, no reason to stay up until 2am any night.

Fun Fact

I studied abroad in Costa Rica for 4 months in high school.

Rishika Botlaguduru
Chantilly, VA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

SWE
IEEE General Officer

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about VT is the school spirit and how everyone loves and wants to be a Hokie!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I knew how important it was to make relationships with your professors. This means showing up to class, attending office hours, and asking questions when you need help.

Fun Fact

I love to travel and collect glasses from every place I visit. My collection currently is around 63 shot glasses.

Zaya Bowman
Lynchburg, VA
3rd year, Chemical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Materials Research Intern at Luna Labs

Professional/Student Organizations

AIChE
ACS
SWE

Favorite Thing About VT

Tech is just really supportive environment to learn and be challenged in.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Don't think that you have to have everything completely planned out, you still have so much time to decide what you want to do in your life.

Fun Fact

Peanut butter pickle sandwhices are elite.

Will Brown
Pittsburgh, PA
2nd Year, Electrical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Favorite Thing About VT

All of the phenomenal professors. They go the extra mile to ensure that we succeed. 

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

There are a lot of great facilities that you can take advantage of like the Frith Lab. I wish I knew about it sooner because I would have done more independent projects.

Fun Fact

I love ziplining even though I'm terrified of heights!

Emily Burr
Weston, CT
2nd Year, General Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Program Assistant at Virginia Tech College of Engineering CEED

Professional/Student Organizations

IEEE General Officer
Global Engineering Ambassador
HEVT Member
Relay for Life

Favorite Thing About VT

The school spirit!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

It's okay to mess up, it's how you bring yourself back to matters.

Fun Fact

I've lived in six countries!

Tyler Buxton
Roanoke, VA
2nd Year, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

UTA

Favorite Thing About VT

Sports

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Study at the library

Fun Fact

I am fork lift certified

Kayleigh Canavan
Mars, PA
2nd Year, Biological Systems Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Society
CEED Peer Mentoring

Favorite Thing About VT

I love that Virginia Tech is like a family - everyone is always so kind and willing to lend a helping hand. 

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

As a first year student, I wish I had known more study skills and the importance of prioritizing your mental health.

Fun Fact

I have watched the TV show Criminal Minds at least 3 times in its entirety.

Christina Casey
Toms River, NJ
2nd Year, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

The Big Event (TBE)
Real Greek Life (RGL)
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
Pi Beta Phi Women's Fraternity
Hillcrest Hall Council

Favorite Thing About VT

I love the people and atmosphere around campus!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

It's normal to ask for help! Utilize the staff, your community, and all the resources VT offers to their students.

Fun Fact

I am left handed!

Jennifer Chandran
Mountain View, CA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Innovate LLC

Favorite Thing About VT

I love VT's campus and school spirit! I find walking around campus super therapeutic and love going to the Duck Pond and watching the sunset at the Pylons. I've also noticed that the school spirit follows you everywhere. If I go on vacation and wear a VT shirt, I'm bound to meet someone who is affiliated or loves Tech.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Learn what resources are available to you and utilize them. If you are struggling with school, reach out to TAs, go to office hours, or find a study group. Don't think you have to struggle by yourself because there are definitely other people who feel the same way you do. 

Fun Fact

I am an Eagle Scout and I love hiking the trails around the area!

Anushka Devarajan
Anaheim Hills, CA
2nd Year, Aerospace Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Fieldplace Instruments

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
VT Dhamaal

Favorite Thing About VT

The people are so sweet here and the environment is always so welcoming! No matter where you come from, you will always feel at home here.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I had known how important and useful office hours were. They will actually make or break your grade so do not wait until the last minute to go to office hours!

Fun Fact

I've lived in 4 different states all over the country before coming to California!

Hailey Edwards
Ventura, CA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

CHAARG
Society of American Military Engineers
CEED

Favorite Thing About VT

The beautiful campus.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

That there are so many resources available for just about anything on campus.

Fun Fact

I learned how to drive stick this past summer.

Lee Edwards
Burke, VA
2nd Year, Biomedical Engineering

Favorite Thing About VT

How friendly everyone is and the campus.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Don't procrastinate. Also wait to buy textbooks.

Fun Fact

I'm a triplet.

Ibrahim Elfaki
Alexandria, VA
2nd Year, Chemical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

AIChE (Underclassman Liason)
Chem-E-Car Design Team
Prior work in Undergrad Research in the Zhu Lab

Favorite Thing About VT

The campus culture.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I could have known more about the importance of the resume.

Fun Fact

I have been to 6 other countries.

Rachel Esslinger
Weston, CT
3rd Year, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Sigma Kappa

Favorite Thing About VT

The beautiful campus, the energy, and my friends! 

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

It's okay to struggle :) just learn from your mistakes.

Fun Fact

I can slalom ski (water ski on one ski).

Emily Goulet
Leesburg, VA
3rd Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Noblis - government contracting

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon
IISE

Favorite Thing About VT

The sporting events and strong alumni presence.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

How important it was to make friends in each of your classes and get contact information from them.

Fun Fact

I have 32 first cousins; large family.

Michael Haddadlin
Haymarket, VA
2nd Year, Computer Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Summer 2022 at CACI

Professional/Student Organizations

General Officer @ IEEE
Undergraduate Researcher @ Hume/CACI
Mentor @ CEED
Member @ Cedards of Lebanon

Favorite Thing About VT

The great atmosphere and vibes.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Stressors can b a good thing and motivate you to do even better!!

Fun Fact

225lb bench as of Feb. 2022.

Rachel Hager
Richmond, VA
4th Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Supplier Quality Engineering Intern at Volvo
Supply Chain Consulting Intern at EY

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Women Engineers
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
Delta Delta Delta

Favorite Thing About VT

The best part about VT is the people and the hokie community that is formed through a common love for the school. It is easy to find your family whether that be through your major or through organizations.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

As a first year students I wish I knew how to ask more questions and ask for more help during office hours. There is never a bad question and people are always willing to provide help and advice.

Fun Fact

Three of my dogs have been named after Game of Thrones.

Janna Helvey
Alexandria, VA
2nd Year, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

VT Solar Car
Marching Virginians

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite things about VT was that I was able to meet so many people that I would have otherwise not been able to meet, through different organizations or classes!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

There are so many places on campus to help with hard classes, don't just try to power through it when there are so many resources.

Fun Fact

I am very good at finding four leaf clovers!

Oskar Henick
Falls Church, VA
2nd Year, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
EWB (Engineers Without Borders)
Uganda Project

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is the drillfield and the hokie spirit! Seeing everyone get hype at football games is the best.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Schedule your classes based on professors not time, a good professor can make waking up at 8am worth it.

Fun Fact

I was born in Istanbul, Turkey.

Maddison Hughey
Virginia Beach, VA
4th Year, Aerospace Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

I have interned with NAVSEA for the past 3 years.

Professional/Student Organizations

I am part of the 3D PAC design team at Virginia Tech.

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is how friendly everyone is. Virginia Tech feels like home. 

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I had known that everything would work out. I stressed a lot about classes without realizing the four years I spent here I had more than enough time to take all of the classes.

Fun Fact

I am a rescue scuba diver.

Allie Huszcza
Manassas, VA
2nd Year, Materials Science and Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Was a research intern at the SAFETY IMPACT Lab.

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Women Engineers
Alpha Sigma Kappa
Materials Engineering Professional Society
CEED

Favorite Thing About VT

The Hokie Spirit on campus!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Google calendar is your friend!

Fun Fact

I eat cupcakes hamburger style (taking the bottom half and putting it on top of the icing).

Emily Jackson
Ellicott City, MD
2nd Year, General Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Northrop Grumman- Summer 2022
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - Summer 2021
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - 2020-2021 academic year
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - Summer 2020

Professional/Student Organizations

RockSat-X Engineering Design Team at Virginia Tech
Autoplane Undergraduate Research
Society of Women in Engineering
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Student Member

Favorite Thing About VT

I love meeting people that share my passion of space exploration! It's awesome getting to work with other students with the same goals and dreams.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish that I used my resources. Go to office hours, pay attention to the syllabus, and use the resources on canvas!

Fun Fact

I am certified to drive steam engines (trains) in Maryland and Virginia!

Lauren Kinslow
Glen Allen, VA
4th Year, Chemical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Women Engineers
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Kappa Kappa Gamma

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite things about VT is the food. There are so many great options that I never get sick of it.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I had know that you don't have to spend all your time on academics. You should find fun social activities to do, to destress and relax.

Georgia Koutsouras
Long Island, NY
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

International Society of Explosive Engineers
Gamma Delta Sigma (sorority)
The Italian Club at VT

Favorite Thing About VT

I love the amount of school spirit at Tech. There is neer a day that goes by where I don't see at least one person in their hokie gear.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

If you change one path on your walk to class or leave one minute earlier/later you are almost guarenteed to see a friend along your way. It sounds absurd since Tech is such a huge campus, but it works.

Fun Fact

I love playing volleyball.

Emily Kroliczak
Chesapeake, VA
3rd Year, Computer Science

Professional/Student Organizations

SWE
Association for Women in Mathematics
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA)

Favorite Thing About VT

Football games :))

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Don't be afraid to get help if needed and don't stress yourself out to much!!

Fun Fact

I'm a twin!

Jessica Kroliczak
Chesapeake, VA
3rd Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

SWE

Favorite Thing About VT

The scenery! I love to take walks with my friends both on and off campus, especially when the sun is setting.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I knew that it was okay to fail and to not be so hard on yourself. Things do get better!

Fun Fact

I have been cliff jumping.

Alex Lammers
Miami, FL
2nd Year, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Chi Omega Sorority

Favorite Thing About VT

The diversity.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

There is a balance to everything, learn how to say no but also have fun!

Anthony Lee
Hillsdale, NJ
4th Year, Computer Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Intern @ PepsiCo

Professional/Student Organizations

HokieVision
RoboGrinders

Favorite Thing About VT

The many different opportunities the school provides their students to become involved with the Hokie community!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I knew about the many different scholarship and research opportunities that Virginia Tech has. Also the importance of forming personal connections with your professors.

Fun Fact

I am an Eagle Scout and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Anna LoCicero
Abington, MA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Kappa Alpha Theta
VT Alpine Ski Team

Favorite Thing About VT

The people you meet & the beautiful campus.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I knew how important it is to attend office hours!!!

Fun Fact

My high school golf team & I won the MA D1 state championship in 2021!

Milan Lowe
Manassas, VA
2nd Year, Aerospace Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Internship at the architect of the capitol

Professional/Student Organizations

lambda (a service fraternity)

Favorite Thing About VT

The academic environment, the people, the campus, the energy (literally everything).

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have known how important each syllabus is for every class.

Fun Fact

I have played the piano for 9 years.

Robbie Mayer
Bristow, VA
4th Year, Chemical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Cargill in Blair, NE

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity

Favorite Thing About VT

MOUNTAINS AND FOOTBALL

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I knew about my frathernity sooner. Pledging was a blast and I wish I would have done it sooner.

Fun Fact

I know the winner of every presidential election since 1892. Why? I don't know.

Ellie McDaniel
Chantilly, VA
2nd Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team

Favorite Thing About VT

Football Games

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Making use of a professor's office hours is really important.

Fun Fact

I like to bake!

Charlotte McGlynn
Lebanon Township, NJ
3rd Year, Chemical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

I did a summer internship with Whitman Co.

Professional/Student Organizations

Chem E Cube
Wish Makers

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about VT is the spirit of the school.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have known to prioritize balancing academic and personal life.

Fun Fact

I love cooking!

Grace McHenry
Wheaton, IL
2nd Year, Biological Systems Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Mechanical Engineering Intern at Richardson Electronics

Professional/Student Organizations

SWE
Outdoor Club @ VT

Favorite Thing About VT

The area surrounding campus.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Go and get out to meet new people and try new things.

Fun Fact

I shoot competitive Target Archery.

Zach Meiners
Arlington, VA
4th Year, Construction Engineering and Management

Internships/Co-Ops

Worked last summer with Whiting-Turner as a Field Engineer Intern.

Professional/Student Organizations

I am part of the Catholic Campus Ministry and was a member of the Construction Management Association last year.

Favorite Thing About VT

I love going to Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum and jumping to enter sandman for every football and basketball game!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have studied with the people in my dorm who were in the same classes as me, it would've helped a lot!

Fun Fact

I'm from a family of Hokies! My dad graduated VT as an electrical engineer and my sister is starting her freshman year majoring in business!

Natalie Metz
Herndon, VA
4th Year, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Field Engineer Intern at Hensel Phelps Co in Alexandria, VA
Intern in the Land Development group at Timmons in Ashburn VA
Land development intern at J2 Engineers in Chantilly, VA

Professional/Student Organizations

College of Engineering Dean's Team
College Mentors for Kids
Gamma Phi Beta sorority

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is the beautiful campus and how great the professors and students are.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have known that it is okay if it takes you a little while to adjust to college life. You will find your place here and eventually feel comfortable!

Fun Fact

I once lived on a boat for 3 weeks and showered with salt water.

Hojin Mun
Bethesda, MD
2nd Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Clearton LLC
V Wonderland
GI Advisor Intern

Professional/Student Organizations

Kappa Sigman
IISE

Favorite Thing About VT

All the resources that Tech provides.

Katie Murnane
Fredericksburg, VA
2nd Year, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

UFM
ASME
SWE

Favorite Thing About VT

Hokie Pride

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

How many people were also nervous.

Fun Fact

I've been chased by a bear.

Shaniya Overton
Chesapeake, VA 
3rd Year, Chemical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Altria Manufacutring Intern for Summer 2022

Professional/Student Organizations

National Society of Black Engineers Membership Chair
VT FASA
SAAS
Ujima LLC in 2021-2022
Hypatia LLC in 2020-2021

Favorite Thing About VT

I love all of the ways you can get involved since there are so many clubs and activities to participate in. On top of that, the people are very friendly and welcoming, so it makes the process a lot easier.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I had known to maintain connections with teachers and other students.

Fun Fact

I do a thing called "Song of the Day" in which I shuffle my music and try to relate it to how my day is going.

Anthony Phan
Midlothian, VA
2nd Year, Mechanical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

ACEC
SASE
UHS Delegate
Swim Club

Favorite Thing About VT

I like how amazing the campus is laid out.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Definately to go out and make friends as soon as possible. They will be your best support group!

Fun Fact

I have never broken a bone before.

Grace Piscitelli
Reading, PA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

DENSO Manufacturing International

Professional/Student Organizations

SWE VT
IISE
Panhellenic

Favorite Thing About VT

Football games!

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have known more about help sessions and utilized them more!

Fun Fact

I have been a total of 12 European countries!

Trent Rabor
Baltimore, MD
4th Year, Chemical Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

AICHE
CEED
FASA

Favorite Thing About VT

Center street.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

VT grade distribution, organizational skills, and the bus system.   

Fun Fact

I am a second degree black belt.

Saran Rathore
Glen Allen, VA
4th Year, Chemical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Manufacturing Intern at Altra
Design Release Engineering Intern at Stellantis (Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles)

Favorite Thing About VT

The people are super friendly and the food is really good.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

There are so many resources to your disposal to ensure your success, including your advisors, professors, and mentors!

Raphael Rodriguez
Dumfries, VA
2nd Year, Computer Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

IT Internship with Prince William County Government

Professional/Student Organizations

Mens Rugby
Hume Center
IEEE

Favorite Thing About VT

The amount of opportunities it offers for you to succeed.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Don't compare your successes to others because that will just lead to thinking down on yourself, and making you feel as if you are not deserving of becoming an engineer.

Fun Fact

I am a barber, and I started to learn to cut hair during covid. I also enrolled in barber school in January 2021, so follow my insta @rapthe_barber.

Jared Rubino
Ringoes, NJ
4th Year, Mechanical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Danone North America, WSP

Professional/Student Organizations

Interfraternal Council
Delta Chi

Favorite Thing About VT

How nice my peers (fellow students) are.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

How important it is to meet with your advisor early and plan your classes. Also better time management skills.

Fun Fact

I am a second degree black belt.

Hannaneh Shadabi
Washington, DC
4th Year, Electrical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Goodyear

Professional/Student Organizations

Human Powered Submarine Design Team
Astronomy Club
Caving Club

Favorite Thing About VT

Beautiful campus and good food.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Resources available to students.

Fun Fact

I am a certified scuba diver, yet don't know how to swim.

Cleo Simeonidis
Washington Township, NJ
3rd Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Manufacturing Internship with ANOVA

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon

Favorite Thing About VT

The amazing people.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I knew to get involved in as many organizations as possible.

Fun Fact

My full name is Cleopatra.

Sean Sykes
Lanham, MD
2nd Year, General Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Internship this past summer with Shocky Metronment

Professional/Student Organizations

BSA
NSBE
CEED

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite thing about VT is the connection between students and faculty.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Something I wish I knew freshman year is that everyone is confused so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Fun Fact

I can drive stick.

TJ Taylor
Abingdon, VA
3rd Year, Aerospace Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Inertial Labs
NASA

Professional/Student Organizations

AIAA
SEC

Favorite Thing About VT

Sports (through the ups and down)

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Wait to buy your textbooks.

Fun Fact

I fractured my skull in 2 places in 5th grade.

Joe Tramontano
Hurt, VA
2nd Year, General Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Field Intern at Blair Construction, Inc.
Engineering Intern at Reynolds-Clark, LLC

Professional/Student Organizations

Building Goodness Foundation
VT Clay Target Team

Favorite Thing About VT

The atmosphere and easy access to outdoor actitivies around campus.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

I wish I would have known to study more and manage free time and time for school. Freshman year brings new opportunities and experiences but can also be a challenge when trying to manage them.

Fun Fact

I have enough animals at home to open up a Petsmart.

Elise Turka
Pittsburgh, PA
2nd Year, Aerospace Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

SWE
Student Success Center Tutor

Favorite Thing About VT

Going to soccer games with friends.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Checking your email at least twice a day is a MUST to stay up to date on opportunities of all kinds! 

Fun Fact

I have a dog named Toby.

Shefali Verma
Fairfax, VA
2nd Year, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Professional/Student Organizations

Society of Indian Americans
Concrete Canoe

Favorite Thing About VT

Getting to meet so many new people in many different areas of study.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

There are so many resources to help you succeed, all you have to do is ask!

Fun Fact

I make my own jam!

Sydney Weeks
Clemson, SC
2nd Year, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Software Engineer at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Professional/Student Organizations

Class Office
Dean's Team
Student Alumni Associates (SAA)
Student Life Council (SLC)
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Society of Women in Engineering (SWE)

Favorite Thing About VT

The amazing connections I have made with fellow Hokies through the many unique opportunities offered on campus - whether clubs, classes, or events! 

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Don't get involved in things because they "look good for your resume." Do things because you enjoy putting your time into them and are passionate about the work!

Fun Fact

My favorite animals are squirrels and my career plan in elementary school (before discovering engineering) was to write a newsletter called "The Squirrel's Nest News."

Timothy Wu
Gainesville, VA
3rd Year, Computer Science

Internships/Co-Ops

Software Engineering Intern at CACI International Inc.
Cloud Engineering Intern at Zeta Associates Inc.

Professional/Student Organizations

SASE (Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers)
NLCF (New Life Christian Fellowship)
IEEE @ VT
We Suck at Cooking Club

Favorite Thing About VT

My favorite things about VT are the opportunities you have to connect with people through clubs and through your major.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Something I wish I would have known as a first-year engineering student is to learn how to manage your time and responsibilities well. Make use of tools like Google Calendar and Canvas to help you organize and manage your time.

Fun Fact

I am also an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant to an Undergraduate Researcher at the InfoVis Lab.

Danny Yessayan
Charlotte, NC
4th Year, Mechanical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Intern @ Duke Energy

Professional/Student Organizations

HPS
ASME
Undergraduate Research
Honors College

Favorite Thing About VT

Going out with friends and playing spike-ball on the drillfield.

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Research with professor is possible.

Fun Fact

I can speak three languages.

Maria Zakhem
Alexandria, VA
3rd Year, Electrical Engineering

Internships/Co-Ops

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Wuality Engineering Intern: Summer 2021
ExxonMobil Instrumentation Intern: Summer 2022

Professional/Student Organizations

Alpha Omega Epsilon
Cedars of Lebanon Club
ECE Ambassadors Club
Global Engineering Ambassadors Club

Favorite Thing About VT

The people, campus, and FOOD! :)

Something you wish you would have known as a first year student...

Everyone is in the same position you are so put yourself out there!

Fun Fact

I can speak three languages!