Kodjo Avougla

He/Him
Class of 2026
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: General Business

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
As a transfer student from Montgomery College, transitioning to the Clark School of Engineering at University of Maryland both exciting and overwhelming. Thankfully, I was paired with a ClarkLEADER who made a big difference in my journey. They not only helped me adjust to the academic culture but also shared valuable insights about resources, opportunities, and what it means to be part of the Clark community. That experience motivated me to give back by becoming a ClarkLEADER myself. I want to support incoming students the same way by helping them feel welcomed, informed, and confident as they begin their own journey at UMD.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering Students?
Connect with other engineering students, seriously, it makes all the difference. I can’t even begin to explain how helpful it is to have people who understand what you’re going through. Engineering is hard, and if you try to do it alone, you’ll burn out fast. But when you have a community to share the struggles (and small wins) with, it becomes not only manageable, but actually fun. Don’t isolate yourself , lean on your peers, study together, and build friendships. That’s how you grow and thrive here.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
There are so many amazing opportunities at the Clark School! One that I highly recommend is Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), it’s a great way to meet other engineering students, attend events, and grow your technical and professional skills. Student clubs in general are a huge part of feeling connected on campus, from cultural orgs to design teams and professional societies, there’s something for everyone. Also, if you're interested in space, engineering design, or hands-on systems work, check out SATDev (Satellite Development Club). It’s UMD’s CubeSat team, and it’s an awesome way to apply what you learn in class to real-world projects.