Matthew Foster
Associate Director
Residential Services Office
mfoster@wpi.edu
Being a first-generation student is exciting, and being in this role also comes with some challenges. WPI's First Generation Fellows are faculty members and staff who have been the first in their families to go to college. They are here to help navigate the complexities of being in a college environment and to answer questions or just listen.
If you're a first generation student at WPI, don't hesitate to reach out to any of the First Generation Fellows.
Program Fellows
Katie Elmes
Director of Equity, Access, & Community
STEM Education Center
kaelmes@wpi.edu
Bridget Nault
Associate Director
Student Aid & Financial Literacy
benault@wpi.edu
Claudia Aviles
Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions
craviles@wpi.edu
Heidi Morton
Assistant Director
Career Development Center
hrmorton@wpi.edu
Jenn Daigle
Operations Associate
Office of Lifetime Engagement & Advancement
jldaigle@wpi.edu
Amanda Laungani
Associate Director
Career Development Center
adlaungani@wpi.edu
Dan DiMassa
Assistant Professor
Humanities & Arts
ddimassa@wpi.edu
Stephen Kmiotek
Professor of Practice
Chemical Engineering
sjkmiotek@wpi.edu
Ian Capozzoli
Admission Counselor
Undergraduate Admissions
imcapozzoli@wpi.edu
Rebecca Moody
Assistant Teaching Professor
Humanities & Arts
rmoody@wpi.edu
Jeannine Coburn
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering
jmcoburn@wpi.edu
Words of Wisdom from the Fellows
Below are some words of wisdom, advice, and thoughts from our First Generation Success Program fellows.
Professor Kmiotek
"I was a First Gen student at WPI in 1976. At the start, I was really nervous about fitting in, but I found a community that was welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background. I hope that all our students, including First Gen, will continue to feel that sense of welcome and I am happy to help you find your home here."
Professor Stephen Kmiotek
Professor of Practice
Chemical Engineering
Amanda Laungani
"Never be afraid to ask for help or clarification! There are so many resources through your staff and faculty members who are here to support you. If you don't know, ask!"
