Why did you choose to study at WPI? 

I decided to go with WPI because of the project-based learning style since I wanted my education to be based on practice and not lectures and tests. However, what really sold me was when I found out about WPI's music program. In choosing a STEM school, I did not expect that there would be a vibrant music scene, but there were lots of ensembles, performances and faculty members that made it possible to study engineering and still play music.

How are you involved with the WPI community? 

I'm involved in Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, Orchestra, and Marching/Pep Band, which lets me stay connected to music throughout my engineering studies. I'm also into photography and serve as manager of the SCOPE program (Student Consultants on Pedagogical Excellence). I chose these groups because they balance my technical coursework with creativity and leadership. Music gives me a consistent creative outlet and community, photography lets me flex my creative muscles, and managing SCOPE has taught me organizational and interpersonal skills that I wouldn't get in a classroom.

What’s your favorite thing about WPI? 

The thing I like best about WPI is its integration of a demanding STEM program with an arts experience, which is something I did not know that I would have when choosing a STEM-focused college. The hands-on projects are another favorite of mine since they help students apply their knowledge rather than just remember facts from a textbook. I also really enjoy the sense of community where everyone has meaningful connections with their peers, as well as faculty members and administration.

Do you have a faculty or staff mentor? 

Raul Picon has been incredibly influential, even though I switched majors after taking his Chemistry 1010 class because I realized science wasn't the right path for me. Despite that, he has remained a constant source of support throughout my time at WPI, especially through my work with the SCOPE program. We've traveled together my first year for the Eurovariety academic conference in Poland and my sophomore year at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference in North Carolina. His mentorship has shaped my WPI experience far beyond that one class.

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

Project-based learning has made my learning experience more practical and tangible. This is evident in my entrepreneurship class taught by Ardian Preci, where we practiced making value propositions and pitching through practical in-class sessions. The final project pushed me the most since my group had to come up with a business proposition, memorize it, and then present it to my classmates and judges. Through that, I learned how to speak in front of an audience and developed practical skills that I would not get from any textbook or lecture.