Meet the Peer Advisors

There are no Biological Engineering Peer Advisors for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Puloma Bishnu (pb472)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

You will fail many times, and that's okay. Give yourself time to adjust to the rigor and difficulties of college and Cornell Engineering, and understand that even if your classmates seem like they are perfectly fine, they too are adjusting to college coursework and learning how to build a life on campus. You won't do well on all your exams throughout college, receive every internship offer, and get into every club. Everything happens for a reason, and you will look back and realize that these are learning lessons that shape how resilient and successful you are. They are necessary for growth. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

In high school, I was involved in bioengineering research and coming to Cornell, I saw that the classes offered to BME students were incredibly interesting and I wanted to take them after reading the course descriptions. I found that the BME major's mission and values align with mine as an aspiring researcher and I knew it was the right fit for me after speaking with multiple BME students.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am involved with the Indian dance team. Nazaqat, which is the only Kathak dance team on campus. It has given me a community of people who I can relate to culturally and personally, as well as a way to learn a difficult but rewarding dance style that is incredibly fun to perform with my teammates. The team has provided a safe space where I completely forget about my stresses and concerns with school and personal life, and just focus on dancing and the music. I am grateful for the stress reliever and opportunity to clear my head when my days are typically so packed. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Angelina Chan (ac2566)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don’t overload yourself! Give yourself enough time to explore strategies that work for you to help balance everything on your plate. Take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to utilize resources at hand to ask for help. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I have always known that I wanted to be a part of the medical field in some manner. I learned about BME when researching and found it fascinating how it was a perfect intersection between biology, mathematics, and engineering. What really solidified my decision was taking Intro to BME as my ENGRI requirement, since it allowed me to briefly explore the different BME concentrations offered. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love taking walks around campus/Ithaca with friends. I find a good walk coupled with wonderful weather can do a lot to clear my mind. Also, my friends and I try to have game nights whenever we are free, which is a bunch of fun. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Alexandra Griffin (acg232)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Balance your school and social life! Everyone has and will continue to tell you this, but it could not be more true. At any school, especially at Cornell, it can become easy for you to get sucked into your grades, but studying is not everything. I am guilty of forgetting this occasionally. There are so many incredible opportunities to meet new people and have fun. Enjoying your time when you are not studying will help you focus and be more productive on your schoolwork. Studying is important, but so is remembering to spend time and make memories with friends. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Being the daughter of a pediatrician, biology was always in my genes. However, besides biology, I was addicted to Legos and asked how everything worked as a kid; that made BME the perfect major for me. BME allows me to be a part of the team creating the solution to improve the lives of thousands of people worldwide by combining my interest.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I joined the Cornell Ski Team, which has been one of my favorite things at Cornell. We travel to different mountains each weekend to compete in ski races against other schools. It has been one of my favorite things, not just because I love to ski but also because of the people who make each practice, race, and team event enjoyable and memorable. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Emma Weiss (erw89)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Make friends in your classes! It is so beneficial to study and work through problems in groups. It really helps to illuminate anything you are struggling with and get answers to specific questions. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I have always been interested in biology and physics and wondered how the two subjects depend on one another. I want to understand how applying the principles of mechanics to the medical field can improve human quality of life. Taking Introduction to Biomedical Engineering as a freshman definitely reinforced my interest in BME!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a member of Less Than Three Acapella. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and joining an acapella group allowed me to keep it that way. Rehearsals and performances help break up my day and give me healthy breaks from engineering classes. Acapella has also helped me find a sense of community on campus and meet others who I have lots in common with. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Luc Francis (ldf54)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 The breadth of opportunity on campus is immense! It can become easy to feel overwhelmed.   I recommend everyone take on as many academic, social, and extracurricular opportunities   as possible during their freshman year. If it is something you have never done before and   know very little about, that is a good sign to check it out! There will be few moments in your   life where you will have this amount of immediate access to information.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

Within my major curriculum I was looking for two things: engaging subject matter and skills that I wished to improve. It is important to find purpose within your studies, especially in rigorous engineering classes. Throughout high school, I had a natural affinity for cellular and molecular biology but did not feel as confident in math-intensive classes. I felt that BME would give me to opportunity to further develop my interest in cellular and molecular biological principles while also giving me the opportunity to improve my quantitative and math skills.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a member of the NCAA D1 Swimming & Diving Program. There are many things I have learned throughout my athletic career, but my collegiate career has further instilled in me the importance of commitment and discipline. Dedication to quality, attention to detail, and the importance of “understanding the process” have provided me with additional skills that I routinely bring to my studies and my career.

What are your pronouns?

He/Him/His

Antranig Baghdassarian (ab2864)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 Don’t be afraid to ask for coffee chats! Sophomores and Upperclassmen are wells of   information and they’d love to help answer any questions you have and have them share   their own advice as well. Worse they can say is no and that’s ok! What matters is you asked.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 I knew engineering was for me because I love understanding how machines work and I’ve   wanted my work to help people in a physical/medical sense. I watched a video on the different types of engineering careers and saw the most fulfilling field I could work in would be biomedical engineering where I’m able to work on the human ‘machine’.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am in a weekly Bible study with CRU, one of the Christian groups on campus and it has helped me find awesome, kind, and loving friends. It also allows me to take a breath when things get hectic and realize there is more to life than the next prelim I have, and refocus my vision onto God.

What are your pronouns?

he/him

 Jane Guglielmo (jg2464)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 A piece of advice I would give to myself is to try things outside of my comfort zone. Show up   to that club information session you heard about, try out that new dining hall, and ask your   friends from class to grab a coffee. After just one year at Cornell, I've realized that time goes   by so fast, so it's best to make the most of it by meeting new people, discovering your niche   interests, and learning a lot!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

My goal is to affiliate with biomedical engineering because it combines the problem-solving aspect of engineering with my interest in the human body and biological systems. I have always loved my biology classes throughout high school, so I wanted to find a career path where I could contribute to the health field in a way that helps people around me. Within biomedical engineering, I hope to learn more about and pursue a career in diagnostic techniques/devices or preventive pharmaceuticals for cancers.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am involved with the Food Recovery Network (FRN) at Cornell, a volunteer organization that collects leftover food from campus dining halls and donates it to local food pantries. I have really enjoyed learning about ways to reduce food waste and love that I can make a tangible impact in the Ithaca community. The club also has a great sense of community, providing a wonderful place to meet new people who share similar interests.

What Are Your Pronouns?

she/her

Shanie Zeltzer (sez32)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 College is a time to enjoy the learning process rather than to get worked over. Making   mistakes is inevitable and nothing is as ‘big’ as it may appear at the moment. Dive into the   trial and error process and learn what works best for you! :)

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 Through a medical fellowship program in high school, I had the opportunity to dive into the world of prosthetics and TMR surgeries for amputees. I’d known since early high school that I wanted to pursue medicine, but this experience truly introduced me to the exciting intersection between engineering solutions and medicine that I now study further as a BME student.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Picking up the guitar and singing something I can always count on as a de-stress activity. It’s nice to set time aside from work to enjoy a hobby that can help detach myself from the world of academics and constant studying. I also love to make time to go out and do something fun with my friends, whether something small or big!

What Are Your Pronouns?

she/her

 Monalisa Almeida (mca74)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give       yourself?

 Go to club fest and check out all the different clubs and student organizations! Its a great   way to find out what Cornell has to offer and what clubs you find interesting. It can help you   find clubs to help you explore different professions and clubs that are just for fun.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 I came to Cornell already decided on BME because I was always interested in the medical   field but I did not want to become a doctor. I was more interested in how everything connects and the research behind it all. I decided what concentration I was going to pursue after taking an Intro to BME course that covered all the concentrations and you were able to do a lab experiment related to each.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am on the Cornell Ultimate Frisbee team. I had never played ultimate nor thrown a frisbee before joining and I have really enjoyed being on the team. We have tournaments very frequently so it is always nice to travel after a long period of prelims. It is also a great way to meet new people outside of engineering and from different years that I would have never met before. 

What Are Your Pronouns?

she/her/hers

 Emma Leung (efl45)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give       yourself?

 Be open to new experiences. It takes time to adjust to life at Cornell and it’s important to stay   on top of your work, but also take the time to meet new people, explore different parts of   campus and Ithaca, and pick up new hobbies through the multitude of clubs on campus.   Freshman year is exciting, but it can go by pretty quickly.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 Coming into Cornell, I knew that I was interested in biology and the problem-solving aspect in engineering. While taking the class Intro to BME, I was able to learn about all of the fascinating applications of BME as well as apply useful techniques in labs. I was also drawn towards the BME concentrations that Cornell offers, so I ultimately chose BME as my major.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a member of Less Than Three A Cappella, and it’s been one of the most fun experiences I’ve had so far! I’ve always found singing to be a good stress reliever, so a cappella was a great way to continue this hobby while meeting incredibly talented people who shared my interests.

What Are Your Pronouns?

she/her/hers

Kong Chen (kc823)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Finding a good balance is crucial. It’s easy to be caught up with academics, but mental health and social life are just as important. Create a study group that will motivate you academically and a group that can socialize when you need a break from academics.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Is it okay to not know what you want to do, that’s what freshmen year is for: finding what you’re passionate about. I was not set on chemE coming in. I also considered MSE and envE. However, after learning about chemE and the process aspect of it, it sets me up directly with my interest in sustainable energy systems.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a huge foodie so I love exploring restaurants in Ithaca and trying new foods. I also love listening to music(especially Taylor Swift) to unwind when I need a break.

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Lauren de Silva (lwd37)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don’t limit yourself. There really is no better time than freshman year to explore your interests. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

ChemE is the perfect major for indecisive people like me. No matter how many times my interests change or my career goals shift, I know with a ChemE degree, I will be prepared for whatever industry I enter. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I spend most of my free time doing mindless things like listening to music and hanging out with friends. Putting time away for myself to unwind has helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Ashlyn Dumaw (ad733)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Taking care of yourself is just as important as your grades! Joining clubs, making friends, and learning how to live on your own should be prioritized along with academics. Don’t get so wrapped up in school that you forget to actually enjoy your life.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I chose ChemE because I loved high school chemistry and wanted to use it in an applied context with other STEM fields. After taking ChemE classes here, I’ve discovered that I enjoy the wide applicability of the major - you can do so much with it. That flexibility made me sure I wanted to affiliate with ChemE.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

In my free time, I love to thrift and transform old clothing into new pieces. Sewing allows me to express myself creatively and build a wardrobe that I love!

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Kayla Johns (kmj68)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Find a method that works for you to keep track of all of your assignments and schedule to help keep you from getting overwhelmed (I am an avid google calendar user). And most importantly, always remember to make time for the things that you love to do!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided on ChemE by talking with older students in the major to hear about their experiences and the things that they love about the major. I also did research about the possible career paths that different majors could lead me to and consider what major would help me achieve my overall future career goals.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional and social STEM sorority on campus that allowed me to become friends with so many amazing and supportive girls that I can study or just relax and hang out with!

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Athavan Shanmuganathan (as3277)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Create a stricter routine of studying every day earlier into the semester. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided before coming to Cornell University in high school when I took introduction classes in Chemical Engineering which I really enjoyed so that pushed me to look deeper into the field as a whole.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am in the dance team Cornell Bhangra on campus and it has been so much fun and great stress reliever. I have met so many great people on the team while learning something completely new to me that was good for my health and body. 

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Stephen Smith (sls539)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Find the right balance. A healthy amount of sleep, exercise, and social activities will help you just as much (if not more) on schoolwork than pulling all-nighters in the library. We all came to Cornell because academics were a priority in our lives, but your'e only a freshman in college once, so enjoy all that Cornell and Ithaca have to offer.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Like many others, I originally chose ChemE simply because I liked chemistry in high school. However, I have chosen to stay with, and affiliate with the major after learning about the diversity of career paths that our alums work in. At it's core, ChemE is about studying processes, and most everything involves a process: preparing food for our grocery stores, refining oil for our cars, producing vaccines to keep us safe, and even developing algorithms to study financial markets

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am an active member of Big Red Sports Network, where I help develop analytics for the basketball team. This has allowed to both develop a portfolio of projects I am passionate about and find a community that enjoys sports as much as I do.

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Sebastian Soto (ss2736)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

One piece of advice i’d give myself is to make time for myself. Freshman year can be so hectic that it feels like things are constantly happening and you don’t want to miss out on anything. Being able to skip out on things and make time for yourself is extremely important and has helped me ground myself.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I really loved Chemistry in high school and my favorite teacher inspired me to become a Chemical Engineer.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I think going to the gym has really helped me stay motivated and serve as a good way to clear my head when things are getting stressful.

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Elaina Varriale (ejv35)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

The most significant piece of advice I would give myself would be to measure success in other ways, besides academically. For me, I was not doing as well as I thought I would, and I had to fight the disappointment in myself. But in reality, I was successfully acclimating to the Cornell community and making new friends, which I had to give myself credit for. While the primary reason we are all here is to further our education, it is important to take a step back and prioritize yourself and the connections/memories you are making with those around you. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I was always drawn to the STEM field and I concluded that I wanted to study some form of engineering. Chemical Engineering stood out to me, not only because I liked chemistry but also because of how broad it was. I didn't really know what I wanted to do post-grad, but Chemical Engineering was involved in everything from consumer products to energy to pharmaceuticals. It's extremely challenging, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else now that I'm going into my junior year.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love exploring the Ithaca community and all that it has to offer. I think it's a bit of a misconception that Ithaca is in the middle of nowhere and may not have much to do. I love exploring the different hiking locations, restaurants, ice cream places, and beautiful views that Ithaca has to offer. Ithaca is definitely what you make of it and I would encourage everyone to go exploring in their free time. It's also an excuse to get off campus, even just for a little bit.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Gee Tam (gmt66)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Take time to appreciate the small things in life, whether it’s going to college town for a treat, watching movies with friends, painting a pumpkin, joining a sports club, late-night yapping with your roommate, or even being in those 3-hour chem labs. Try not to get stressed out by the never-ending list of to-dos and goals far in the future you can’t work on now, and also focus on living in the present. Four years may seem like a long time, but they’ll pass by in   the blink of an eye, so make sure to make time for yourself!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

When I first came to Cornell, I was stuck between several majors, but ultimately picked chemical engineering mostly after talking with upper classmen ChemEs at events and taking the intro to chemical engineering course. The ChemE department at Cornell is quite small, and because of this, the ChemEs are often very close-knit and get to know each other well on a personal basis. I’ve met plenty of amazing people in this department already and only look forward to getting closer. ENGRI 1120 was a phenomenal class that not only introduced many chemical engineering problems and future classes in an understandable pace, but also super fun, with the class and labs being surrounded around food (shout out to Dr.Godwin and Dr. Franklin!). Ultimately, I choose this major because of the people, the concepts, and the pretty broad array of industries that require chemical engineering.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

In the spring semester of my freshman year, I joined the recreational fencing club. After taking the PE class in the fall, I really came to admire the sport. Granted, I’m not ready great at it, but it forces myself to take a breather and destress. I often can get hyper-focused on assignments or projects, but this actually hinders progress, which is why taking breaks it’s important. Also, fencing is a fun way to exercise and be healthier. 3 hours a week doesn’t significantly negatively impact my classwork or other commitments, but it makes me feel a lot better about myself and not get overwhelmed with stress (of course, balance and time-management are key for this!)

What are your pronouns?

she/her/hers

 Michael Constant (mjc456)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 One piece of advice I would give myself is to get lost on campus more often! By simply just   exploring campus, I could have found more study spots earlier in my time here and learn   how  to navigate campus to find the shortcuts to classes that no one tells you about! It also   makes for a fun activity to do with new friends and you can make a whole adventure out of it.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I was really stuck on deciding between Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering but two things that helped me decide where the course content at Cornell and the career prospects of both majors in the future. By searching up core classes in both majors, I measured my first reactions to each class and felt like I had a higher interest in the chemical engineering courses. It also helped me to see advanced classes to get excited about. For the career prospects, the versatility of ChemE attracted me as I could go into my career of biotechnology but also still have highly applicable skills to go into another industry of my choosing such as fashion/ textiles or energy. ChemE allows me to pursue my main interest while exposing me to many other industries at once.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am extremely in love with music whether it be playing with the Big Red Marching Band (join by the way!!), composing my own classical pieces, or listening to it on my walks to classes. I always like to say that music has a powerful impact on my mood so I use it a lot to center myself on a hard prelim week or start the day on an upbeat attitude so I'm ready to tackle the challenges that engineering and overall university has in store for me.

What are your pronouns?

he/him/his

 Noyonima Masud (nsm89)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Throughout my first semester, I struggled with the concept of having multiple outlets of   happiness in life. I used to spend all my time and effort on academics and hope for the   academic validation to make me happy. However, soon after the academic validation failed   to pull through, I struggled with my mental health. That is when I realized the importance of   spending time and effort on multiple things that were important to me—not just one. Ever   since that realization, I began prioritizing having multiple outlets of happiness, and I had   never been any happier. So when it comes to advising my younger self, I would repeatedly   emphasize partaking in activities that make me happy in addition to academics. This could   be a club, a sports team, or even just hanging out with friends because when you do have these other sources that provide you with joy, when the academic journey gets tough, you will still have the energy and motivation to push through. Like everyone says, college is what you make out of it, and it certainly is not only about academics.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet  affiliated?

The little cell factories in our bodies have always interested me, and I know that through Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, I can learn about ways to manipulate them so that new remedies for diseases can be found. Additionally, I want to affiliate with Chemical Engineering in Cornell because of the diversity of professions present within this field. There are various niches in this field that I can explore before committing to the one that truly ignites my passion.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I have been a part of Bangladeshi Students’ Association since first semester, and it has contributed a lot to making my first year experience so memorable. Being involved with this club and being able to plan events directly has allowed me to feel more connected to my Bangladeshi roots in America, which had helped a lot with the homesickness. The people I have also met through this club are also extremely fun and kind to be around and always bring the best out of me.

What are your pronouns?

she/her

 Grace Nelson (gpn8)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Become comfortable with asking for help when you need it.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 My ENGRD course helped me decide my major. I enjoyed the subject matter and liked the people!

 What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I’ve been learning how to play guitar. It provides a creative outlet while helping me to meet new people.

What are your pronouns?

she/her

 Amy Wu (asw254)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Stay organized and manage your time well with all your assignments. At the same time, make   sure to find time to relax, hang out with friends, and do something fun.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet     affiliated?

 I've always loved math and chemistry, and I've always wanted to help solve global challenges and make a difference in the world. With chemical engineering, I've found ways to use my interests to achieve those goals. I also love how broad chemical engineering is, as it allows me to explore different fields and better decide what I'm interested in doing.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love to watch TV (especially crime dramas) and go on hikes with friends. It's always important to take a break away from schoolwork to refresh and have some fun.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Aiko Akiyama (ata66)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Set aside time for friends and fun activities! Treating yourself in this way will improve your mental health and allow you to return to your studies later with heightened vigor. It is easy to feel overwhelmed if you do not break up your time with something outside of school work. Cornell is academically rigorous, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Since I was little, I have been fascinated with the way things are made. I loved taking things apart to figure out how they worked. I wondered how bridges were able to support the weight of all the cars driving over it. This interest combined with my strengths in mathematics and problem solving led me to Civil Engineering.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a member of the dance group, LOKO. Through this community, I have grown close friendships with my fellow dancers; practicing with them gives me something to look forward to every week. Not to mention, dancing has also been a creative outlet for me and a great source of exercise.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Juliana Chen (jkc223)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Be patient and trust yourself in the process of adjusting to a new environment. You’ll find a friend group for you with people who appreciate you for who you are.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Looking at the required classes for each engineering major helped me realize what really interested me, which ended up being Civil Engineering!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I like to go on weekly runs with my running buddy to explore different trails around Ithaca and to stay somewhat in shape.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Adigun Olusola (abo29)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

I would tell myself that struggle builds character and that all of this hard work will prepare you for much greater future endeavors.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

There were a few things that influenced my decision on my major. I was always good at math in high school and growing up in New York City, I was always fascinated by the infrastructure and architecture of skyscrapers and buildings. I knew I didn't want to do Architecture but still wanted something creative and technical. As a result, I looked into Civil Engineering and eventually grew to appreciate it as my major. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I workout a lot. It's given me tremendous peace of mind and is something I look forward to doing as often as I can. I typically aim to go 4-5 days a week. 

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

 Daniela Valdez (dv238)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 Start implementing healthy habits. Reserve proper time to eat, talk to friends, shower, and   sleep. You won’t be successful academically if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 I chose civil engineering because I was amazed at how involved they are in creating   functioning cities. Civil engineers help build roads, houses, buildings, and work towards   providing us drinkable water.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love rollerblading. It has taught me that it is okay to fall and fail. You just have to stand back up and keep enjoying the ride ahead of you.

 Ekin Kahraman (ek734)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 Don’t be afraid to try it out! There are so many opportunities Cornell provides us with, both   engineering and non-engineering related and it is in our hands to try it out. There is always   something for us to enjoy and we would never find it out without trying it out.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 Following my flowchart and taking required engineering courses, I started to realize my interests leaned towards civil engineering. Also, attending required major affiliation sessions helped me a lot to learn more about different majors.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I was a part of International Student Union and as an international student, it helped me to find a community which involved both engineering and non-engineering majors.

What are your pronouns?

she/her

Katherine Chang Wu (kc842)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

I would tell myself to reach out to others more often. I found myself often hesitating to reach out to others, whether it had been for academic help, to grab lunch/dinner together, or to go hang out. I would definitely urge my freshman self to prioritize making memories with others and really appreciate what Cornell has to offer. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided on CS in high school after I had taken my first Python class. After spending hours and hours on assignments, I surprisingly found that I actually enjoyed the grueling process of coding and debugging. I liked how logic focused CS is and its many diverse applications. The possibilities of CS genuinely excites me and I look forward to exploring them.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Going to the gym is something that I began in college. I enjoyed the nice break that it gives from the stress of academics in addition to the feeling of being active. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Stella Dong (ssd74)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don't be afraid to do things by yourself that interest you! everyone is super friendly during the first few weeks and you'll probably meet some new friends

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Taking classes related to majors I was interested in.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Going to the gym! Super cheesy but it helps me keep my mind distracted for a little bit and take a quick break from all the stress.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Stella also serves on the Peer Advisor Executive Board as a Vice Chair of Retention.

Caitlyn Joyce (cej57)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

The best place to study is the 2nd floor of Mann Library in the cubicles.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

After taking CS 1110, I decided to switch from BME to CS.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

 I like going on runs because it helps me clear my mind when I'm stressed about school.

Preferred pronouns? 

She, Her, Hers.

Aditya Kakade (apk67)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don't be afraid of going to office hours or asking TAs/Professors for help!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I chose CS because it genuinely excited me and aligned with my learning style of solving problems/puzzles.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am on Hindu Student Council -- being able to spend time every week on a non-academic activity is an amazing and much needed break, and I've made a lot of friends outside my major by going to meetings and helping the club plan events!

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Ella Krechmer (egk46)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

I would tell myself that I would be alright. The beginning of your first year is so difficult, being away from home and struggling with balance. I would love for younger me to know that it really would get better, and I would find my place and my people.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I became interested in CS by taking classes in high school, and I was really excited by the combination of problem solving and creativity I saw in my assignments and projects. Coming to Cornell, my CS classes furthered that interest and convinced me to purse a CS major.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

BASE Productions, a contemporary and hip hop dance group on campus, has allowed me to continue fostering my love of dance after coming to college. I've found an amazing community with my fellow dancers, and was able to meet people that I never would have in the College of Engineering.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Sophie Meng (sym28)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Make sure to take care of yourself and give yourself a break by doing things you enjoy.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I think CS is a flexible field and can be applied to essentially any other field of study, which is what really drew me to it. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love to run, and it’s a great way to manage my stress and activity levels. Plus, if I run outside, I can explore the campus and surrounding community.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Rani Datta (rd447)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 I would say reach out for help early on and make great study buddies.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 My parents highly encouraged a degree in STEM and I enjoyed my coding classes in high   school so I decided to pursue a CS degree.

 What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am part of Teszia Belly Dance Troupe and it is so much fun!! Every practice is basically a fun hangout with my friends while also learning a beautiful dance style. We also are invited to a lot of different performances which are also a blast. It has benefitted my mental health and confidence as a performer and person so much.

What are your pronouns?

She/her

 Tanvi Mavani (tm669)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 Focus on opportunities and being involved on campus! Academics are important but not   everything so make sure you are spending enough time joining clubs, trying new things, and   meeting as many people as possible.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 I knew I wanted to major in computer science prior to attending Cornell but taking the CS   courses definitely affirmed my interest. Additionally, getting involved in tech-related clubs increased my interest in the field.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am on one of the Indian dance teams, Big Red Raas, and it has definitely been a great way for me to meet people and build a community on campus!

 Anvi Savant (as3568)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 Take advantage of Engineering resources!!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 Took an intro to ORIE class(ENGRI 1101) and loved it!

 What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Playing IM soccer in the fall was a great way to stay active and make new friends at Cornell!

What are your pronouns?

She/her

 Caitlyn Cahill (cr258)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 The biggest thing is to not put too much pressure on yourself when it comes to academics   and to explore opportunities outside of academics. You are in a new environment with new   people, a new place, harder classes, and don’t really know what to expect. A little bit of     healthy stress is okay but it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and like you don’t know what you   are doing. Everything will fall into place correctly and don’t over pressure yourself too much.   Meeting people through outside activities and having events to de-stress will help this also!

  How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

I went into Cornell Engineering not knowing what I wanted to major in other than something that had to do with math, problem solving, and innovative ideas and technology. After taking CS 1110, I knew that CS was right for me. It challenges me to think outside the box and excites me to learn about!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you? 

Getting season tickets to hockey with all my friends! The games are so exciting and something to look forward too every weekend :)

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

There are no Earth and Atmospheric Science Peer Advisors for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Asma Ansari (ara89)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don’t be so hard on yourself, but don’t let yourself off the hook either. Prioritize yourself, but that doesn’t mean letting go of important goals and achievements that will make you feel confident and happy with yourself.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided to commit to ECE because I wanted to understand how electronics work. So many aspects of our lives have become intertwined with computers that it only makes sense to understand how they work.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I started reading for leisure again, and it’s a nice break from using my electronics. I have been learning a lot more from reading for fun compared to reading for a class.

What are your pronouns?

Any Pronouns

Chimdi Anude (cca54)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Never skipping meals before exams. It is so easy to be focused on studying for an exam that you forget to eat. Feeding your mind and your body is crucial for being successful.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I took a Digital Electronics class in high school and really enjoyed the content. I also love how versatile ECE can be. I don't feel like I am limited to one job or one industry.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love to read! Whether it's fiction, memoirs, or opinion pieces, I enjoy escaping the world around me and diving into subjects and topics that use other parts of my brain. I learn new things about myself every time I pick up a new book.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Kirti Bagepalli (kb593)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Take advantage of opportunities like office hours or tutoring services early on because it can be a great way to meet people to collaborate on problem sets and make connections with the TAs for when you need help.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Initially, I was leaning toward computer science because that's what I had the most experience with, but after taking a physics class in high school, I became more interested in electrical engineering and decided to shift toward ECE.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a part of Nazaqat, the kathak-fusion dance team, which helps me de-stress from academics and where I have made some of my closest friends outside of engineering. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Sherri Qazi (sq86)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

One piece of advice that I would give myself during my first year is to not stay in my room, be social/go to socials, and go to office hours if you're struggling. I tend to let myself struggle on my own, but by meeting people I was able to cultivate a network of classmates and friends that could help me emotionally and academically. The same people I met in an FWS are now my best friends in the same major as me!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided on my major from the information sessions that are offered in the first semester. I knew that I wanted to be an ECE major based on the classes where the content came naturally to me and that I enjoyed. I suggest taking a variety of classes from different engineering fields and seeing what you like the best!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

One non-engineering activity that I am involved with is Moot Court, a competition-based club where students prepare legal research, write briefs, and complete oral arguments in front of a panel of judges. It has benefited me by improving my public speaking skills, argumentative skills, and has given me an opportunity to interact with students of other academic disciplines that can teach me about non-STEM related ideas and concepts.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Emith Uyanwatte (eu52)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself? 

 Don't stress out so much and sleep more :)

 Jodi Hahn (jyh42)

Jolin Tsai (jt869)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Establish a routine that accounts for all things (academic and non-academic) you want to accomplish in a day.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I chose ECE for its versatility to explore different engineering fields and discover the career   path that I would enjoy the most.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Piano Society - connecting with students from different majors over a common interest!

There are no Engineering Physics Peer Advisors for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Celeste Chhibber (cc2525)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

As hard as it sounds, learn to be okay with not doing well. Success isn’t just based on academics, but happiness.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I’ve always been passionate about sustainability, and environmental engineering gives me the opportunity to try and help the planet.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I’m part of a sorority on campus, Kappa Alpha Theta. It’s really easy as an engineering student to feel like you have to shut yourself into the library and study all the time, but that’s not helpful for anyone. Being part of a community such as my sorority has helped me push myself socially, and make sure I’m balancing my time at Cornell.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Maddie Edwards (mpe32)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don't stress about what everyone else is doing! It is OK to figure out everything at your own pace. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I am super interested in sustainability and how we can make our everyday life more environmentally friendly. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I joined club soccer in the fall, and it was the best choice I have made at Cornell! It is an amazing group of women who love to compete but also have fun. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

MacKenzie Fountain (mdf226)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Stay rooted in yourself; your values, your confidence, and your genuine personality because you're awesome and all things are possible for you.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I chose Environmental Engineering because I have a passion for solving complex problems and working in field environments. The interdisciplinary nature of this major offers a diverse range of career opportunities and interesting courses. Additionally, I am committed to sustainability creating innovative solutions that will benefit future generations.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

One activity I enjoy doing is exercising (yoga, lifting, running) in my freetime and playing basketball. This past year I played on the Women's Club Basketball Team, and that was a great way to meet new people that come from different majors and schools. School keeps my mind turning and workouts help me stay active and grounded throughout the week.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Jennifer Ai (jla292)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

It takes a while to adjust to Cornell, but be sure to meet new people, make friends, take care of yourself, and ask for help when you need to.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I took a few CS courses in my freshman year, but I decided to register for INFO courses after taking AppDev's Intro to Digital Product Design and realizing my interest in the creative and interdisciplinary field of ISST.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I joined Chinese Students Association in my freshman year to meet new people with similar backgrounds and cultures as me. I also love exploring Ithaca's restaurants and gorges.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Aaron Koka (avk65)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give   yourself?

 Make time for yourself; you’re going to have to spend a lot of time and effort on school and   work so try to find time to relax, get involved in hobbies, and just have fun.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet   affiliated?

 I learned as much as I could from each major through Cornell websites, my classes, the information sessions, and my advisors. Through all this, I felt that the interdisciplinary major of ISST appealed to me the most as it connected with my broad interests by dealing with the combination of many interesting and creative subjects such as statistics, data science, behavioral science, and more while still giving me the opportunity to specialize in a specific field within these subjects.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I play a lot of basketball, and it’s really helped me take my mind off of whatever I have going on while making me focus and compete for something. It’s also a great way and probably my favorite way to exercise and have fun.

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Sean Griffin (smg344)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

My advice is to find the things that help you get in the study mindset. For me, it was listening to 2010's throwback music. It can be anything-working outside, going to the same library spot, or wearing a hat just for studying. Whatever gets you in the mindset to work!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I always knew I wanted to be an engineer but for a long time, I wasn't sure what kind. I had a teacher in high school who made a big impact on my life and he was a Materials Science engineer. Because of him and the endless opportunity in the field of Materials Science, I decided to pursue MSE!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I've found working out to be a great activity to do at Cornell. At the gym, I have met so many like-minded people who want to work hard and better themselves. It helps keep me focused on my goals while getting stronger because of it!

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Alexis Sherman (ars398)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Get out of your dorm room because there are better places to study!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

What I've done so far is remove possibilities that I'm not interested in by exploring with classes and going to events.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I'm on one of the club volleyball teams, and I'm incredibly grateful to have time set aside every week to be active and relieve stress.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Allison Dew (amd454)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 My advice would be to define your own idea of ‘success’! Everyone has their own aptitudes,   challenges, and goals. What’s ‘right’ for someone else doesn’t have to be for you. That’s   okay! We can’t really compare ourselves to each other. That goes for your career, academic   journey - everything! Ultimately, try to remember that you’re a unique human being, with   potential worth cultivating, and a personality worth getting to know!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Before Cornell, I didn’t even know my major existed! I was dead set on joining AEP, actually, which in retrospect was not my best plan. I wanted to tread the line between scientist and engineer, and at that time ‘applied engineering physics’ was the obvious choice. But the more I learnt about it, the harder it was to feel excited. The classes weren’t engaging, the coursework wasn’t as hands-on as I wanted, and I just couldn’t ‘click’ with the department. By comparison, Materials Science Engineering (MSE) immediately resonated with me. The Professors are so charismatic, welcoming students for information sessions, support hours, and the occasional coffee chat. Their student body is similar, forming a tight-knit community where everyone feels supported and interconnected. And materials themselves were everything I was looking for - a broad base of knowledge that could be applied to literally any field! It turned out to be just what I was looking for. All that goes to show, there’s no need to be embarrassed if what you think you want to do changes during college - or even after! Changing your direction isn’t so much ‘giving up’ as it is ‘growing up’.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Now that I think about it, I’m actually not involved with any engineering activities - at least, not yet. To me, extracurriculars are a way to flesh out other aspects of my personality, and explore more of the university! For instance, I'm the president of the Environmental Collaborative (ECO), the umbrella organization for sustainability clubs on campus. Sustainability is a passion of mine, and ECO gives me the space to develop that interest outside of my courses.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Theodore Foulen (rf444)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Go to office hours, sleep 8 hours, and take breaks on the weekend!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I wanted to major in something where I felt I would be able to learn the most about the   fundamental theories of the world around us.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I like to read foreign literature in my free time, it is especially interesting to me to read different translations. Reading has been a common hobby between me and other people, allowing me to form connections with many people.

What are your pronouns?

He/Him/His

Emma Brown (emb384) 

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

I would tell myself that academic validation is not necessary for success.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided on Mechanical Engineering because I like hands-on work and I liked mechanics in physics.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am on the varsity women’s fencing team.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Yassine Coulibaly (zyc3)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

The one piece of advice I would give myself is taking it it easy. Coming to college I wanted to do and try everything and be the best at everything but looking back at my first year I realized that it is important to understand that college is different from high school and that you can't be great at everything and it is very beneficial to take things one step at a time. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I have always been very interested in cars, especially motorsport and knew that I wanted to have a career within that field. Mechanical Engineering is therefore the majors that mostly resonate with me. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I was part of the Piano society the first semester. I played piano in highschool and I joined the piano society to keep touch with this hobby that I liked. It gave me a break from all engineering, and help me relax when I was feeling stressed. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Kavya Mittha (km773)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Take breaks! Academics can easily get hectic, so it is necessary to find a healthy school-life balance. Spending time with friends and non-academic extracurriculars are just a few ways to do so.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

During high school, I had the opportunity to be exposed to numerous engineering fields, and I immediately fell in love with the flexible, hands-on nature of Mechanical Engineering.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am the Co-President for Cornell's Society of India. Through this organization, I have been able to connect and learn from various students and alumni that have similar interests and are apart of the South Asian community.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

MacKemey Munion (mcm329)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don't be afraid to try new things. This is the time to explore and find new interests, hobbies, extracurriculars. You never know what you might discover. 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I really loved math and physics in high school, so when deciding which type of engineering I wanted to major in I chose Mechanical Engineering because it is such a broad field. My first year at Cornell really helped me solidify my decision to major in Mechanical Engineering through experience gained through my project team and the MAE specific courses I took. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am in Cornell Thrift where we organize events such as clothing exchanges or reuse events to give the students a sustainable option for getting rid of closet clutter, finding affordable clothing, and reusing old items. 

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Patrick O'Connor (pjo36)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Go to office hours! Everyone tells you to do that all the time and you might roll your eyes, but just go! If you're already on campus and have some homework to get done, why not stop by and give yourself the chance to ask questions on the material?

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I went with Mechanical Engineering so I could explore a broad range of topics. I'm still not fully sure where my career is headed, but I know I like making stuff - by hand, digitally, whatever. Mechanical Engineering seemed like the best way to learn how to do that while leaving plenty of options open.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I work out in my spare time, mostly weightlifting. It's a nice break from sitting down doing work all day, and it always feels nice to set a personal record.

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Adhyan Prasad (ap842)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Find a good support group of people that you like to hang around and who will support your interests-no matter what they may be.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided to major in mechanical engineering because of the breadth of knowledge that you gain over your undergraduate career. It opens a lot of doors into potential career fields after graduation and provides a solid basis of engineering knowledge.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Cornell Club Swimming, on which I currently serve as captain, has allowed me to continue one of my passions from high school and meet a lot of really interesting people from all different backgrounds.

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Jeffrey Ruiz (jr996)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Go out of your way to meet people and make friends!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided my major based on the opportunities I would have after graduation. The curriculum content and courses lined up closest with my interests and aspirations for the future.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I've played in the Footvolley Club for the past two years and I have created close bonds with the group. Not only are they great people to be around and we share an interest, but the sport itself is unique and a fun way to exercise!

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

Nidhi Sonwalkar (nrs84)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Office Hours are really helpful even if you don't have specific questions. Many times, it's a great way to listen to other questions and review concepts with your peers, TAs, and professor. I would recommend going to office hours regularly not just right before exams because they will help you learn continuously.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I have always had an interest in spacecraft design, and the classes, research, and project teams I participated in solidified that interest in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. I would recommend trying to find activities that align with your interests, as well taking a variety of classes to see what major interests you most both academically and in research/project applications.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am involved in rock climbing which is a great way to not only exercise, but find time to relax and spend time with friends.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Alma Meili (arr254)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 If you want to go swimming in Ithaca, do it in the fall. At the end of the spring semester, there   are only a few days of warm weather!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I love physics and the environment, so I'm interested in designing and improving the   mechanical side of renewable energy sources.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a member (and the community chair starting in the fall) of the Residential Sustainability Leaders (RSLs), where I get to assist in improving sustainable practices in on-campus dining organizations. I find it insightful and rewarding to change on-campus culture in order to benefit the environment.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Benjamin Okoronkwo (bco26)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

  Hold yourself accountable. Juggling academics, extracurriculars, and life can be stressful   and it’s easy to develop bad habits in that state. If you ever find yourself slipping try catching   up on material, getting ELI tutoring, going to office hours, practicing material, joining clubs,   finding dinner or study buddies, or going somewhere new. Don’t cheat yourself out of   learning and growing as a person and as an engineer. You got it!

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I really enjoy putting things together and thinking up cool product ideas. I think mechanical engineering was right up that alley.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I really enjoy cinema and filmmaking. Watching movies at the cinema and in bed is a great way to destress and out myself in another world. Filmmaking, has served as such a great way to express myself and be creative!

What are your pronouns?

He, Him, His

 Chloe Teig (crt78)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Going from high school to college is a big challenge, so don’t beat yourself up for needing   time to adjust.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I chose MechE because I wanted a more general path of engineering that could be applied to a wide range of careers after Cornell.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I’m in AEPHI and I LOVE it! I lived in the house Sophomore year and I have found some of my best friends at Cornell through it.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Christine Guo (cg692)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Everything will work out eventually. Your hard work pays off.

  How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I am really interested in creating mechanical objects like robots and such, and mechanical   engineering aligned perfectly with what I wanted to do. Mechanical engineering is also very   broad, and that was something I appreciated as well.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I really enjoy playing basketball. I’ve been playing the sport since middle school, and while I am not the best at it, it’s still really enjoyable to play with friends. Basketball has helped me create some of the best friendships I will likely ever have, so I will always have a soft spot for the sport.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Natalie Kaplan (njk82)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 I would tell myself not to try to change too many of my habits at once, even if they were bad. It's hard to handle the changes that college brings, and adding more makes it even tougher.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I actually changed my major four times. I initially intended to be a computer science major, but I had always been interested in engineering. I took Physics 1112 and realized that I shouldn't feel intimidated by engineering classes and that it was okay to leave behind computer science for something I was more passionate about. I switched between several engineering majors before settling on mechanical engineering because the classes interested me the most.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I like to go rock climbing with my friends. It's a fun activity to do together and it keeps me active. It's nice to take a break from work and get some exercise in. It's also been fun to improve alongside my friends.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Qing Yi (qc95)

  Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give       yourself?

 Join more clubs/activities! As a first-year away from home, it's going to be hard to   immediately click with people and find things to do outside of class, but you’ll eventually find   your place if you put yourself out there. If you happen to change your mind about an activity,   you can just stop and move onto the next thing to try. There’s no penalty for trying new   things, especially when college has so much to offer. Taking initiative is intimidating, but   there really isn’t any drawback to it.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

Coming into Cornell, I was already set on Mechanical Engineering because I was involved with robotics in high school. STEM and hands-on work are things I’ve always found myself drawn to, so it was natural for me to pick a major as versatile as Mechanical Engineering for my future career.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

To get my mind off school and help destress, I’m usually doing anything with my friends (playing video games, having a movie watchparty, watching F1 races in the middle of the night, etc.). We all agree to keep the discussion of classes or work to a minimal level to separate college and life, which really helps regulate my mental health in college.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Adona Anteneh (asa226)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Don't let yourself be discouraged by the transition to college! Take advantage of office hours and tutoring hours as much as you can. First year can be overwhelming, but collaborating and asking questions makes life a lot easier!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I knew I wanted to affiliate with ORIE before coming to Cornell because I had heard about the major from my sister. I wanted to do something with data analysis, and I talked to my advisor early on about if ORIE would be a good fit for my interests. 

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I really like to read in my free time and its great to relax on the slope with a book when the weather is nice!

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Courtney Candy (cec345)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Make good friends in your classes! They will make going to class, doing homework, and studying for exams easier and more fun.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I enjoyed statistics in high school the CS class I took in college so ORIE is a great mixture of these two subjects.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Going for a run or swim with friends. There are so many pretty places on or near campus.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Ashna Gupta (ag843)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Office Hours are an amazing resource! It's a great way to meet your peers, form a connection with your professors, and gain a deeper understanding of the course material.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I love the mix of probability, coding, and math that ORIE provides. It spans a vast array of industries and is super important in today's world.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I was on the Ski Team! It was a great way to meet new people and improve my skiing skills. I'm glad I got to take advantage of an activity only available at schools with a colder climate.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Tanya Maini (tm499)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

It's okay to be overwhelmed, especially in the beginning! Getting used to college is difficult. Don't worry if you are not doing your best in school at first, as you will adjust over time. Don't lose hope- you're here for a reason!

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided to major in ORIE because of my love for problem-solving! ORIE is the perfect combination between statistics, mathematical modeling, and data science, which I enjoy. It is super broad, so it will prepare me for a career in numerous fields.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love walking around Ithaca, especially in the summer! There are so many amazing trails to hike, and the sunsets are gorgeous. I always try to take study breaks to walk with friends, as it's a great way to relief stress. I am also a part of Greek Life, which has allowed me to meet and make meaningful connections with so many new people.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Melenie Mendez-Rangel (mm2583)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Everyone’s college experience is different! If it takes some time to get used to the workload that is perfectly fine, you are here because YOU CAN DO IT. It is easy to get wrapped up in appearances, but everyone has their struggles especially during freshman year. Find a way of studying that works for you, and remember this will be trial-and-error, so do not be discouraged.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I’ve always had an interest in math and after taking the introductory computer science courses at Cornell I knew ORIE was the perfect mix of both.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

Joining Salsa Pa’lante has allowed me to meet so many inspiring individuals. Being able to go to practice, and leave all worries about school at the door, has been a great stress reliever!

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Emma Rethy (evr8)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

I would tell myself to go to office hours to get to know the TAs and Professors early on. They are your biggest advocates, and they can help you get a better understanding about what is going on in the class and what the expectations are.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I took the ORIE ENGRI class my freshman fall and loved it! The course material was very relevant and applicable, and really showed me how ORIE uses technical skills to solve problems. This will actually be my second semester TAing the course!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am a ballet dancer in Cornell's Dance Company. It has given me a great outlet exercise and perform, has introduced me to so many friends, and even counts toward Engineering Liberal Studies Credits.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

Lily Young (ly274)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Looking back I would tell freshman me to not be afraid to ask questions. They are the best way to get new perspectives and help from your professor, TAs, and peers. It is also more than likely that someone else has the same question as you, and by asking you will also be helping your classmates! 

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I decided on ORIE because it combined my love for math and problem solving into one! I was first exposed to ORIE in ENGRI 1101 where I was able to learn about its applications and where it can be applied in different fields. Going to the major information sessions and talking to my TAs and upperclassman in ORIE also helped me to decided that ORIE was best for me!

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I started playing squash with my friends after taking the Intro to Squash PE and it helped me form new friendships and find a new community! It has also been the perfect way to take a study break because the squash courts are a five minute walk from the Engineering Quad (and free)!

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Anay Bhat (avb59)

Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

Always ask questions and network with your upperclassmen as much as possible.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

After a research internship in high school where I used data science and my keen interest for finance, it led to me to pursue an intersection of the two which ended up being ORIE!

 What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I love to read spiritual/philosophical books as a nice de-stressor before I go to sleep.

 Sohan Maishetty (skm254)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Looking back to your first year, one piece of advice I would give myself is to enjoy the highs   and lows of freshman year. Coming on campus can be overwhelming while trying to adjust   to Cornell socially and academically. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to excel in   your classes and fit in with new friends, but remember that this is a unique time in life filled   with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I chose to major in ORIE and CS because I am intrigued by the potential of technology to optimize systems. This dual major enables me to delve into both areas and their intersection, perfectly aligning with my interest in financial engineering.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

One non-engineering activity I've enjoyed is being a member of Cornell Bhangra, a dance team on campus. This team has provided a break from my academic routine, allowing me to de-stress and recharge.

 Ishaana Rao (ir268)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 First year ends up being so busy: making new friends, attending classes, finding time to   explore new hobbies, joining clubs... the list goes on! It's important to prioritize yourself and   make time for other things outside of school. Don’t worry if it takes time to adjust and find a   well-balanced lifestyle, it’s normal and happens to everyone! There is lots of support on   campus, whether its professors, or friends.

How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

I took the Introduction to ORIE ENGRI 1101 class in freshman year and not only really enjoyed the professor but also the course content. I also wanted to explore data science and learn more about the intersection between business, engineering and technology - which ORIE is the perfect major for.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I am apart of Cornell Bhangra, a dance team on campus. I have met so many of my close friends through the team, and also found an great way to de-stress after classes.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Tina Li (tml228)

 Looking back to your first year, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?

 Be a “yes” person! As you start your first year of undergrad, don’t be afraid to say “yes” to these new opportunities being presented to you. Each student shapes their own college experience, so taking advantage of social events and student organizations will help you get the most out of your time at Cornell.

 How did you decide on your major? Or, how are you deciding on your major if not yet affiliated?

 I want to affiliate with ORIE because I enjoyed taking ENGRI 1101: Engineering Applications of Operations Research; it was really interesting and fun to take. I also enjoy math and statistics, which is related to ORIE.

What is one non-engineering activity (club, hobby, exercise, etc.) you are involved with and how has it benefited you?

I play the flute in the Big Red Marching Band. I like band because it allows me to temporarily take my mind off of academics and go on trips to other Ivies for away games. I also love the welcoming community and quirky traditions the band has.

What are your pronouns?

She, Her, Hers

 Nicole Zheng (nz268)