Colin Sample

He/Him
Class of 2026
Major:  Civil & Environmental Engineering
Minor:  Sustainability
Hometown:  Columbia, MD

What inspired you to become a ClarkLEADER?
ClarkLEAD was a great event where you can meet other engineers and learn about different engineering clubs. I became a ClarkLEADER because I know the uncertainty of starting college and I want to help incoming new students feel welcome in the UMD community, just as I felt at this event. But more specifically I want to help the new engineering class learn teamwork and leadership skills they will use onwards.

If you attended ClarkLEAD as a first-year student, what did you enjoy most about the event?
One thing I enjoyed most about the event was talking with my ClarkLEADER, as he was an upperclassman and he gave my group and I insight about classes, professors and other things about life at UMD.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering students? 
The Clark School and UMD in general, has endless opportunities, make sure to take advantage of them. Go to company career sessions, career fairs, the first look fair and find something that you enjoy so it can be an escape from class work.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you are involved with on campus?  
I'm involved with an organization called Engineers without Borders and I am part of the Uganda team. We partner with a school in Uganda and our task is to design and build latrines for the school. I will also be a Scholar Peer Mentor for the Environment, Technology, Economy program during the 2023-24 school year.

What is a cool engineering experience you've had? 
A cool engineering experience I have had is collaborating with a group to build an Over Terrain Vehicle in ENES100, a required keystone engineering course. My group was tasked with the Materials Mission, so we had to pick up a cube, weigh it and determine the material of it, along with the vehicle navigating an arena.