Post-graduation plans: finish a second major in computer science and a minor in biomedical engineering at CU Boulder; pursue a PhD in biological engineering.
This award recognizes undergraduate students with demonstrated excellence in research.
What is your favorite memory from your time at CU Boulder?
One of my favorite memories from CU was learning to ski! I hadn’t had much experience skiing before college, but my friends taught me this past season, and it has been a blast!
What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?
I am very proud of all the work I put into my research. Research has played a significant role in shaping my intellectual skills outside the classroom. I have had opportunities to delve into areas I would not have explored otherwise and to participate in impactful work.
Tell us about a moment (or moments) when you felt like you hit your stride or felt like you were “officially” an engineer.
I first felt like a “real” engineer during our first senior design meeting with VitriVax. I initially felt unqualified to be in a room with such experienced engineers. However, contributing my ideas and opinions to that engineering problem space has made me realize the real impact we can make as engineers.
What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?
I have chronic migraines and entering college I wasn’t sure how I would navigate that in such an intense academic setting. However, I have had some incredible professors and mentors that have made engineering possible for me. There are so many unique academic paths you can take, and no matter your circumstances, you are capable of doing some pretty cool stuff. I have loved my college experience, and the hurdles were absolutely worth it.
What is your advice for incoming engineering students?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students would be to find a balance between life and engineering. There will be extremely stressful times, and one of the best ways to navigate that stress is having positive outlets outside engineering. It is a phenomenal way to meet people outside your major and manage life when things inevitably do not go exactly according to plan.