Why did you choose to study at WPI?  

I chose to study at WPI because it is one of the most prestigious engineering institutions in New England. More importantly for me, WPI’s focus of hands-on learning projects, rather than just lecture-based material, is very appealing to me. 

As a transfer student, what has your transition to WPI been like and what helped you adjust? 

My transition to WPI has been smooth overall. The transfer process was straightforward and having support from staff, like my Insight advisor, helped a lot. Academically, it’s been an adjustment getting used to the pace and workload, but staying organized has made it manageable. Coming from the Army and being a bit older gave me a more regimented mindset, so I believe that’s helped set me up for success. Being in Worcester also helped since there is plenty to do off campus, which made it easier to feel settled pretty quickly.

How are you involved with the WPI community?  

I have not joined any clubs or groups since attending WPI, which I hope changes in the future. I have mainly been focusing on my academics and National Guard responsibility. I do enjoy getting to work on labs and class projects with my fellow classmates though. 

What’s your favorite thing about WPI?  

The quality of the education and resources are amazing, comparably speaking, and I know the experiences and network I’ll gain here will be invaluable. I am also a big fan of WPI's location. Worcester's great restaurants, sporting events, and other off-campus activities make it feel more alive than a regular college city.

Do you have a faculty or staff mentor?  

One staff member who has been really influential for me is my Insight advisor, Lindsey Briggs. She made the transfer process seamless and efficient, and she is a great resource. She’s been very welcoming and easy to talk to, which made it easier to ask questions and get help when I needed it. Having someone like her during a big transition made a huge difference for me. She’s a great example of how supportive the WPI staff can be. 

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

Project-based learning at WPI has helped me understand how engineering applies in real situations. Working through problems in teams helped me get better at explaining ideas and solving issues step-by-step. It’s also helped me get more comfortable with troubleshooting when something does not work the first time. Overall, it’s made classes feel more practical and helped me learn what engineering work could be like in the workforce.