Why did you choose to study at WPI?  

I chose WPI because I wanted a place where I can pursue both of my passions in engineering and music. I love how I can find myself testing the stress and strain of concrete that I mixed myself at the beginning of the day, jam out to my heart's content at pep band rehearsal in the latter half of the day, and still have time to study for exams, get good food, and hang out with my friends. I also love the school's focus on project-based learning and allowing students to take the knowledge from the classroom, go out into the world, and make a difference in the community. 

How are you involved with the WPI community?  

My biggest commitment on campus is as a drummer and percussionist for a variety of ensembles. I've marched snare drum for the WPI Marching and Pep Band, learned traditional Ghanaian drum circle rhythms in African Drumming Ensemble, and performed 15 minutes of brutal, yet fun, percussion solos for my Humanities and Arts Practicum, just to name a few. I have been playing drums since fifth grade and I am grateful that WPI has so many opportunities for me to keep doing what I love. 

Outside of music, I also am a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). ASCE is a great way for me to get to know others in my major, as well as learn about the many paths I can take after graduation. Finally, I love attending a few other fun club meetings every now and then, such as Coffee Club. 

What’s your favorite thing about WPI?  

By far, my favorite thing about WPI is the community of students. Every project partner, ensemble member, classmate, or floor-mate I've interacted with has been so friendly and welcoming to me. Being able to walk across the campus, run into someone that I haven't seen in a while, and catch up about life or some other random topic, is so great and makes the campus feel like a home to me. It is inspiring to see so many people with so many diverse interests, talents, backgrounds, and stories to tell (especially as someone coming from outside New England) and to be able to spark a friendly debate with someone about anything from transit systems to sandwich toppings. 

Do you have a faculty or staff mentor?  

I've been lucky enough to meet so many faculty members who have helped me out in my studies, my performances, and my experiences. I want to give a shout out to some of the professors in the civil, environmental, and architectural engineering (CEAE) department, including Professor Sakulich, Professor Rosewitz, and Professor LePage, who have helped me stay on the right track in terms of planning out my classes and projects. I also want to thank Professor Lutch, Professor Struyk, and the many student directors I've worked with who have allowed me to shine artistically and creatively. Finally, I want to acknowledge Professor McCauley for his support and guidance surrounding my Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). 

How has WPI’s project-based learning influenced your education?  

During this past C-Term (first of two spring terms), I was lucky enough to travel to Melbourne, Australia to complete my IQP. Our group of twenty-four students was matched up with various local sponsor organizations and completed projects that will benefit the local community. Outside of partaking in valuable working experience, we explored a country and culture on the other side of the world, met new people, and ate excellent food. 

In addition, various classes are filled to the brim with projects that not only relieve the stress from exams, but also apply the concepts we learn in class. Some of my favorites include simulating a construction bid in Project Management class and experimenting with total stations and ArcGIS software in Surveying class.