Transitioning to college life can seem overwhelming at first. This group of campus leaders has been there as well, and they are eager to share their friendship and wisdom with you.
Instantly make friends. Get help and advice with college things. Stay informed of STEM events, research opportunities, and more!
Aaditya Khanal
Data Science
BIO
Major: Data Science
Minors: Applied Statistics and Computer Science
Year:Ìý³§±ð²Ô¾±´Ç°ù
Hometown: Bhaktapur, Nepal
About Me:Â I am an international student from Nepal who is passionate about finding the stories hidden within data. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and travelling.
Why I Chose СÄÌèֱ²¥: I was drawn to the renowned faculty in the College of Informatics and the hands-on research opportunities available to undergraduates here.
Why I Chose My Major:Â I chose Data Science for its incredible versatility. It allows me to explore any domain I'm curious about, from healthcare and finance, to building music recommendation systems, and beyond.
Career Goals:Â After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school to specialize in a field like Computer Vision or Machine Learning to conduct more advanced research.
Interesting Fact:Â I grew up in Bhaktapur, a city in Nepal that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient art and architecture.
Advice to Freshmen:Â Focus on understanding the core concepts, not just memorizing for exams. The skills you build now are the foundation for everything you'll do later.
Andrea Cárdenas EchavarrÃa
Engineering Physics & Physics
BIO
Majors:
Minor: Mathematics
Year: Senior
Hometown: MedellÃn, Colombia
About Me:Â I'm an international student and I've lived most of my life in Colombia. My favorite hobbies are listening to music, crocheting, making jewelry and playing video games. I'm a member of the Latin American Mentorship Program, and President of the Physics and Astronomy Club.
Why I Chose СÄÌèֱ²¥: Not a lot of universities have the option to pursue Engineering Physics as an undergraduate. In addition to that, I love the small class sizes where I can get to know my peers and professors a lot better, and I love how passionate and willing to help my professors are. There's a lot of opportunities to learn outside of class within campus such as clubs and research and great communities to be a part of.
Why I Chose My Major: I've always been a very logical and curious person. I love learning about the world around us and why things work the way they do. In high school I joined my school's robotics team and that's where I fell in love with engineering. In addition, I've always loved math, chemistry and physics and have found a beauty and art in how they work together and make sense. I thought a blend of those would be perfect for me and that's why I chose to pursue a double major in Engineering Physics and Physics with minors in Math and Honors.
Career Goals: My goal after I graduate is to pursue a master's degree in either Medical Physics or Aerospace Engineering and then working in the industry. I want to work towards helping people through science and engineering and learning more about the universe surrounding us.
Interesting Fact: I have 5 dogs and 2 cats back home and am very happy to show pictures of them when asked (please ask).
Advice to Freshmen: This is your chance to discover yourself and what you like. Give yourself the chance to explore all the different opportunities present for you on and off campus and don't be scared to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything and people, like your professors and peer mentors, are here to help you.
Tessa Sangermano
Chemistry
BIO
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýChemistry
Minor:Â Art History
Year: Sophomore Â
Hometown:Â Cincinnati, Ohio
About Me:Â I love being outdoors, playing video games, and listening to music. I also love to draw, play the ukulele, and play tennis.
Why I Chose СÄÌèֱ²¥: The smaller campus size allows for a deeper connection with my professors and peers. It’s much easier to ask for help when you’re well acquainted with those around you. I also appreciate being close to my family, pets, and friends outside of campus.
Why I Chose My Major: My biggest influence was my high school chemistry teacher. She taught in a way that made it clear that she loved what she did and encouraged us to have the same excitement. Chemistry is a topic I enjoy learning about and I hope to continue to explore.
Career Goals: I plan to pursue a master's degree in Art Conservation, combining my two loves for chemistry and art. I'd love to work in a museum.
Interesting Fact: I walked away from my junior year of high school with 3 new scars. I also have 3 dogs and 2 chinchillas that I adore. I’ve played tennis on the courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.
Advice to Freshmen: Get involved as soon as possible! Life is much easier when you find friends to surround yourself with. Go to SI, office hours, and club meetings. Commit to doing things you’re nervous about, and ask the stupid questions.
More information to come about:
STEM Peer Mentors are student representatives of СÄÌèֱ²¥'s five STEM departments (Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computing and Analytics, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Geology, and Engineering Technology. This group of campus leaders are chosen for their academic achievements, campus involvement, and passion for their majors. Through mentoring and hosting events, these students fulfill an important role in helping build a friendly and supportive STEM community for СÄÌèֱ²¥ STEM majors. A new cohort of mentors is chosen each semester.
Interested in being a peer mentor?
