Ryan Berkowitz

He/Him
Class of 2027
Major: Materials Science & Engineering
Hometown: Trumbull, Connecticut

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
I wanted to become a ClarkLEADER because I know how hard it is to discover what you are passionate about. I originally came from the UMD's agricultural school as an environmental science major to, well, help the environment. However, after taking one physics class I knew I was in the the wrong major. That summer I took some classes to catch up and then fall of my sophomore year I was in Letters and Sciences until I could officially join Materials Science and Engineering officially in my spring semester. I definitely had my fair share of trials and tribulations so I want to help incoming students find what interests them so they can navigate this process easier and quicker than I did.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering Students?
Try everything and follow your interests. You really don't know what you want to do, or don't know what you don't want to do, until you try it out. I originally wanted to make sustainable materials that took farm waste and mad it into sustainable packaging. But I only knew bioengineering wasn't for me until I joined a lab and saw that it wasn't a right fit. Later that year, when listening to a guest lecture for my intro to the major course (ENMA180) and hearing about printable electronics, I thought it was interesting and would give it a try. After talking to the professor for 30 minutes, I joined his lab. Now I do research in his lab and can explore my ideas in a way I never thought I could. I've been able to use this opportunity to explore other universities for summer research by joining a Penn State REU, giving me a chance me network and try completely new things. All because I tried something different I now know way more than before, and just as importantly, where I might be able to actually use that knowledge.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
I'd definitely recommend the rock climbing club. The people there are super chill (since rock climbers are like the land equivalent of surfers) and don't judge you if it's your first time climbing. I started my freshmen year and am planning to join the club again my junior year. They can meet pretty late so if that's not your forte, go to the bouldering wall in Eppley (the rec center) with some friends, just remember to sign up for a time slot beforehand because otherwise it maybe booked full.