Why did you choose to study at WPI?  

I chose WPI for the heavy focus on project-based learning and emphasis on teaching as a craft. The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) was a major draw since I knew I wanted to study abroad. I also appreciated the focus on Humanities and Arts. There were a surprising variety of courses I was excited about and I enjoy the flexibility of choosing your own courses for the requirement. Similarly, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE) has an incredible amount of freedom for choosing concentrations, courses, and interdisciplinary work, which I took advantage of. Since I knew I wanted to go to grad school, the BS/MS program was also attractive because you can mix and match certain majors for the program, which is my plan. 

How are you involved with the WPI community?  

I am currently the president of the WPI Science Fiction Society, the secretary for the Electrical and Computer Engineering honor society IEEE-HKN, and frequently connect with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) and the LGBTQ+ community on campus. These activities fulfill very different interests and passions of mine, which include science fiction literature and board games, community service and strengthening ties in the ECE Department, and engaging with my identity and friends. I have also participated in High Power Rocketry Club, Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Alliance, and the Ballroom Dance team. I love the variety of clubs and events on campus and that I can hand-pick exactly which events I feel will enrich my personal and professional life. 

What’s your favorite thing about WPI?  

At WPI, you don’t need to wait until your senior year to complete a capstone project, meaning that you will have a great wealth of material to discuss during job interviews. I also appreciate the flexibility of being able to skip prerequisites or take graduate courses as an undergraduate student, with instructor approval, as I came in with some credit and have been able to really mold my schedule to best serve my goals and interests. Outside of academics, I greatly enjoy connecting with staff, walking the campus in the springtime, and making use of our lounge spaces, Tech Suites, and wonderful library. 

Do you have a faculty or staff mentor?  

Professor M. Salman Shazeeb taught Biomedical Instrumentation Design, the first graduate course I took at WPI. He believed in me when I wasn’t sure if I could handle the course as a sophomore. Taking the class ended up being one of the highlights of my academic load so far. Since taking the class, I’ve had a chance to keep in touch with Professor Shazeeb for mentorship and to join his lab at UMass Chan Medical School to do work in biomedical imaging. 

Other professors that have had a strong impact on me include Professors Ted Clancy, Kris Boudreau, William Sanguinet, and Cagdas Onal. Through a combination of great lectures, availability during office hours, and mentorship regarding my course schedule and career goals, they have greatly enriched my time here. I’d also like to give a shout out to the ODIME and Gordon Library staff for their services to the school and commitment to support student groups and individuals personally. 

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

This year, I took the class Electrical and Computer Engineering Design, which was essentially like a Major Qualifying Project (MQP) completed in one term. This provided me with great exposure to the realities of implementing physical circuits outside of a controlled lab environment. In this class, I could choose my own components, draw schematics, and write design documents, while working with a small team. Most of my classes include some kind of project or lab experience, which I find very important for developing the sort of soft skills that are sought after in the workplace.