Introduction:
Hello! My name is Bella Carll and I am a freshman majoring in Bioengineering. Additionally, I am in the 6th Cohort of the Clark Scholars Program. In the Clark Scholars Program, we are currently working on different service learning projects with the intent of researching an issue that has been plaguing our own UMD community, or surrounding communities. As of late, I have been solely focusing on my studies but would like to become more involved in not only the A. James Clark School of Engineering, but other organizations outside of it as well. In high school, I was the Vice President of Model United Nations, a Parliamentarian of the National Honor Society, and played on the Varsity Tennis Team. I plan on joining UMD’s Model UN club, and UMD’s intramural tennis team, and am honored to have been allowed to become involved in UMD’s Engineering Senate as well.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Often there tends to be a disconnect between students and faculty when it comes to supporting students and addressing their academic needs and concerns. The faculty here at UMD does its best to offer the most support available to its engineering students, but who knows what students need better than the students themselves? As previously mentioned, I am in Cohort 6 of the Clark Scholars Program and am currently working closely with peers on a service learning project. My group specifically has been working on creating a safe, alternative storage/charging station on campus for students’ electric scooters. So far, I have had the opportunity to converse with professionals in a variety of fields to gauge their professional opinions on the development of our solution. Therefore, I already have experience working with professionals and faculty members to address the needs and concerns of fellow students, and would love to continue doing so.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
As part of my role, I wish to create a system where undergraduate students can ask upperclassmen for advice. After talking to fellow peers in engineering to ask them what support they could additionally benefit from, I concluded that it would be beneficial to also be able to be additionally advised by upperclassmen in the same major. As engineers, we are already given a faculty advisor in our department who we are to go to for scheduling classes, dealing with academic conflicts, and for help in planning our futures. Although they are in the same department as the students they are assigned to, they haven’t been in college in quite a while and as fields continuously change, it’s difficult to ask personal questions weighing on students. Having an advisor who not only is the same major but has also gone through the same difficulties and challenges would be extremely useful.
Introduction:
I'm Mason Epstein, a sophomore mechanical engineering student at the University of Maryland. Growing up working at my family's hardware store ignited my passion for engineering. Surrounded by tools and machinery, I gained valuable insights into how things work in this field. Currently, I'm an undergraduate research assistant at the MEMS & Microfluidics Laboratory, located in A. James Clark Hall, where I focus on optimizing fabrication techniques for thermoplastic microfluidic chips used in bacteria analysis. Outside of academics, I enjoy channeling my creativity into building projects and participating in sports and other various outdoor activities. I believe in embracing a balanced lifestyle that consists of both intellectual and physical pursuits.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate because I am deeply passionate about fostering a supportive and enriching academic environment for my peers. As an undergraduate engineering student myself, I understand the stresses that we go through daily. Furthermore, I recognize ways in which these stresses could be limited. I believe that by actively engaging with the student body and advocating for their needs, I can contribute to creating positive changes that enhance our educational experience. I genuinely value each person’s opinion and would be committed to listening to all concerns. I would appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to implement solutions that benefit all students. If granted the opportunity, I aim to be a proactive advocate for students as a member of the Engineering Senate, striving to ensure that every student has the resources and support necessary to thrive.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
As part of the engineering senate, I seek to increase the availability of mental health resources available to the engineering community. I believe that fostering a positive and supportive environment is crucial for academic success and personal growth. By working with campus resources, organizations, and faculty, I intend to advocate for increased access to mental health services and dissolve the stigma around reaching out for help. I would also promote ways to improve the wellness of students tailored to the unique challenges faced by engineering students here at the University of Maryland. Through proactive measures and community engagement, I aspire to cultivate a culture where students feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and thrive academically and personally.
Introduction:
Hello, My name is Graham Firosz and I am a Computer Engineering Major here in the Clark School of Engineering. Throughout most of my life, I have been fascinated by two things: computer hardware and public service. As a computer engineer I get to study, create, and innovate in the field of computer engineering, and as your senator on the Engineering Senate, I would have the honor of representing the interests of my engineering classmates. In my first year at the University of Maryland, I got to take ENES100 and ENEE101, where I had the most fun in any class I’ve taken working on the semester-long OTV mission and the various introductory labs. I hope to continue to cultivate this passionate engineering spark in my engineering peers.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to represent my fellow undergraduate students in the Engineering Senate because I can properly advocate for the interests of the students and address the issues affecting us. Not only will I listen to the complaints and initiatives that my classmates discuss with me, but I will also do my best to effect change in the school to address their concerns. This could involve working with the academic faculty, the administrative staff, our fellow undergrads, or the general senate body to ensure the priorities of the engineering students are met. As a senator of the Clark School of Engineering, the students will experience greater representation where their interests are heard and considered by the School of Engineering’s administration.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
As a senator on the Engineering Senate, I hope to bolster more engineering clubs and organizations, help them get registered with the school, and ensure they receive the appropriate funds as a university-registered student group. Being a part of an extracurricular organization, especially one that is focused on engineering skills, will cultivate better social, academic, and practical behaviors that will become useful in an engineering career. Every undergraduate student should have the opportunity to join an organization they are passionate about. Along with helping the administrative side of these clubs, I will also promote them to my classmates and on social media to increase the number of people enrolled in these clubs and spread awareness of the benefits these groups can provide to engineering students. With the influx of new members and assistance on the administrative side, the engineering student organizations at UMD will be stronger than ever.
Introduction:
My name is Elliot Gerig, and I am a freshman Mechanical Engineering major and Banneker/Key Scholar in the Design Cultures and Creativity (DCC) Honors College. Serving DCC on its student council, I value community, communication, and cooperation within a student body. Every voice at UMD must be heard, acknowledged, and respected, especially within such a highly esteemed body of Maryland engineers. Surrounding myself with the best and brightest UMD has to offer, I am both a Chassis Team Lead in training for TerpsRacing and a member of UMD LOOP’s University Rover Competition. The competitions, clubs, and research within Maryland Engineering drive its progress and generate success year after year. I am here to support these organizations, enhance the voices of those in my community, and lead UMD ever forward.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to serve because I understand the importance of the undergraduate perspective. Undergraduate students amount to the vast majority in the engineering department, and as such our voices and concerns must be heard. The decisions advised by those in the Engineering Senate must align with a wide variety of interests and needs, but the undergraduate community most of all. Already I have heard complaints over competition funding, career advising, and where to find resources. I strive to be the linchpin that voices those concerns. I understand the importance of advocacy from several perspectives, I am prepared to take accountability for the decisions I advise, and I want nothing more than to serve my community on the Engineering Senate.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
I want undergraduate students to recognize the power they have to take control of their own education. With my experience advocating for mental health through social media for my high school and fostering a close-knit honors college community, I know voices are strongest when they are united. In an Engineering Senate role, my first priority would be to inform every student of the resources and connections available to them. My goal is for each student to have an assortment of tools to solve any problem that arises in their undergraduate education. I want to start a culture where every student feels they have control over their engineering education, and that starts with putting the right tools in the hands of all students. By making resources for change widely accessible to all, the Senate can better understand the needs of its undergraduates and make progress in the future.
Introduction:
Hello, I am Xan Herbert, a freshman Chemical Engineering and Art History major. I am currently in Flexus and a member of SWE on campus and am looking to get more involved on campus by representing the engineering student body.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I feel I am a good fit to be a representative of students pursuing double majors/dual degrees alongside an Engineering degree. I am personally able to understand the massive time commitment it requires to decide to add more classes on top of an already difficult degree.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
I want to, of course, focus on the problems the student body has as a whole. Some weaknesses I see within the smaller engineering departments are the lack of representation and outreach at Maryland due to a smaller department size. With my position, I hope to improve the departmental quality of the overall major.
Introduction:
My name is Camille Israel, and I am a Mechanical Engineering major and an A. James Clark Scholar. I am a Latina woman with a love for STEM. I am a hardworking, passionate student that aims for success to make myself and my family proud. In addition, I am a team player and someone who knows that to succeed you need the voices and ideas of all people in order to achieve greatness. I have learned how to be a leader through my experiences of being a Clark Scholar and leading research with the program as well as with previous internships. I believe that being involved in the community is very important. The research and project that I am currently working on aims to write books about engineering that would be free and available to all kids around our community to inspire them to follow their dreams.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to represent our student body of undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate because I not only believe that I am a great fit for this role, but I also know that I will be able to succeed and make my mark. I believe in cultivating a community that is not only welcoming but caring, inclusive, and empowering that would make everyone feel like they belong and that they are fully supported by their peers and staff. I want to shine a light on the student voice through any concern and feedback. My plan is to be successful in promoting the general welfare of our community of students. I want to represent the Engineering Senate because I am driven by the commitment to support my peers and everyone that shares the same final goal, to graduate with an Engineering degree, which requires a community with full support.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
As part of the Engineering Senate, I wish to accomplish more cultural diversity that helps everyone feel welcome and celebrated. I believe that it is of most importance to feel welcome, especially when studying such a difficult major. In addition, I wish to bring more attention to those who are in a position that represents our student body and welcome all students to be more involved in our community. I also wish to hold more events for students in engineering to interact with each other, professors, and the Dean. I have many ideas that I hope to take action on if chosen to be in the Senate. I hold my promise to help promote and build a tighter knit community and bring more attention to student voices to help everyone feel heard, understood, and appreciated. You can trust me to represent our student body with success.
Introduction:
As a Computer Engineering freshman, my fascination has always revolved around the intricacies of cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and cryptocurrencies. I'm intrigued by how hackers employ hash algorithms in artificial intelligence and robotics to compromise security and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the digital age. My commitment to ethics has always been consistent; My parents are also computer engineers, always prioritized their morals which encourages me to put in the same hard work and remember my values. My passion extends beyond engineering. Electing to minor in Biology, I've gained an appreciation for the human condition and our place within the biosphere. This approach has broadened my perspective, allowing me to see the interconnectedness of technology, ethics, and life sciences. I want to promote a culture that values ethical considerations in engineering practices. I also believe in developing solutions that not only advance technology but also safeguard our digital lives against unethical practices.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Representing undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate is an opportunity for me to be the bridge between my peers and the decision-makers in our school. My journey into computer engineering, coupled with a deep interest in cybersecurity, and the ethical dimensions of technology, has equipped me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing us as students. Furthermore, my passion for biology and understanding the broader implications of our work on society and the environment adds a very multidimensional approach to addressing most issues. I want to ensure that the voices of our students are not only heard but are influential in shaping the educational, technological, and ethical standards of our current and future engineering community. Advocating for policies that nurture innovation while emphasizing ethical inclusivity will be my focus, aiming to create a more supportive environment for all students.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
Within the Engineering Senate, I aspire to enhance the integration of ethical considerations into our engineering curriculum (the addition of more courses like ENEE 200) and project development processes. Recognizing the rapid advancements in technologies such as chatGPT, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, it's crucial that our future engineers are not only skilled in technical aspects but are also deeply versed in ethical decision-making. By fostering an environment where ethical discussions are a fundamental part of our education, I believe we can prepare students to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow responsibly. Additionally, I aim to strengthen the collaboration between departments, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that highlight the intersection of technology, ethics, and the broader societal impact. My goal is to ensure that Maryland Engineering not only continues to produce world-class engineers but also ethical leaders who are ready to contribute positively to our increasingly interconnected world.
Introduction:
Hello. I am a rising sophomore in Mechanical Engineering from Howard County, MD. I am mostly interested in semiconductor manufacture, in which I am trying to pursue research at UMD, but all engineering is interesting to me. I am part of the executive team of RHA and participate in the Amateur Radio Club and French Club on campus.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I am quite fond of participating in any form of student government, as evidenced by my membership in RHA, but I also feel that the undergraduate program at Clark is confused about who it is meant to target. Struggling students are not offered as much support as they need, and excelling students are not offered the opportunities to exceed even further. There are also a multitude of student-led clubs on campus which I believe would benefit immensely from direct communication with the school, but which do not currently have a voice, and I hope to be that voice.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
I believe that the engineering department at UMD is already excellent in its scope of work, but I believe that it is too difficult for excelling undergraduates to go beyond their coursework and learn about actual industry-relevant techniques and practices. As such, one of my main aims is to involve more undergraduates in research as early as possible. One way I hope to do so is by organizing a “research fair,” where all or most of the labs on campus get together and present their projects to students at the career fair. I would also advertise research findings presentations, which are currently advertised only to graduate students, to undergraduates as well. I also hope to increase the frequency of socials.
Introduction:
Hello, my name is Elaine (Lanie) Lilly! I am a junior chemical engineering major, with a global engineering leadership minor. I transferred almost a year ago from Carroll Community College. During my academic journey, I have loved getting involved with various groups that offered leadership positions. At my former school, I was the Vice President of their STEM Club, and the Vice President of Scholarship for their chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I advertised and held events for the club and society both in school and through trips. Last semester, here at UMD, I was a TA for physics and got to know students that way through holding office hours. Outside of school, I am a music director at a church in Pennsylvania. I have a strong passion for engineering and leadership and hope to get the chance to be a representative of students on the Engineering Senate!
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Having attended two colleges now, I have seen the different ways that issues are handled, and the different problems that students face. These can be financial problems, problems related to student affairs, education, etc. I would like the chance to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate because I would have a unique perspective coming from attending two colleges. The students at UMD not only consist of those originally admitted there, but also transfer students, so I want to represent the concerns of both types for the Senate. I would like to help create an academic environment where all types of students can succeed and have a smooth college journey.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
I wish to strengthen educational support and student affairs within Maryland Engineering and to advocate for transfer students. There already exists educational support such as tutoring, learning communities, GSS, and more, and there are several departmental activities for student engagement. However, I would like to see more multi-departmental activities throughout the semester for student support, especially for transfer students as they are adjusting to the school. I have had experience in advocating for events like these in my past leadership positions, so I believe I would make a good contribution to the Senate by representing students in these ways.
Introduction:
Hi everyone! My name is Michael O'Neill, a rising junior at the Clark School of Engineering majoring in mechanical engineering and pursuing a double minor in global engineering leadership and general business. I am a proud member of the A. James Clark Scholars Program's 5th cohort, in which the disciplines of engineering, leadership, business, and community service are combined under one roof. During my time as an engineer at UMD, I have become a TF for ENES100, an ambassador for the engineering school, the membership chair of ASME, and the undergraduate engineering representative in the university-wide senate.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to represent my fellow undergraduate engineers because I am a man of action. I have sat back in my classes for the past 2 years and scrolled through social media platforms like Yikyak and have heard the complaints that members of the UMD community have and the struggles that members within the school of engineering face. While most simply highlight the issue, few are willing to take action towards improving their experience. I wish to represent those who are afraid to speak up or are unwilling to. I never shy away from speaking my mind or being honest when I experience struggles, but many are reluctant to do so. I want to take my own experience and those of others and take action toward improving our great school of engineering and making the undergraduate student experience as amazing as I have perceived it thus far.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
One thing that I would love to accomplish as a senator is providing my fellow undergraduates more access to academic and professional advice. Currently, at UMD, there are a multitude of resources available to students to accomplish just this, such as academic advisors, career fairs, resume workshops, you name it, but what if we could do more? Despite these resources, I still have colleagues who feel unprepared for career fairs, their resume is weak, or don't know what they can accomplish within 4 years. My goal is to increase the accessibility of campus resources and more in-depth advising to give students more opportunities while being undergraduate engineers. Resume
& cover letter workshops, "how to approach the career fair", making an effective 4-year plan, establishing a flexible schedule, and informing engineering students about their opportunities with minors and study abroad will be my focus.
Introduction:
Hello! My name is Pruthav Patel, and I am a junior Electrical Engineering major and part of the Gemstone Honors Program. I have lived in Maryland my entire life and grew up in a small town called Walkersville. On campus, I am deeply involved with the Clark School as an Ambassador, ClarkLEADER, and an ECE peer mentor. I am also the Electrical Hardware Lead in Terps Racing EV. I am part-time this semester as I am interning at Tesla in Palo Alto on the Battery Electronics team. Outside of school, I enjoy playing basketball and watching sports.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Ever since I joined the Clark School, I have wanted to be a role model by taking on leadership roles like being an Ambassador and peer mentor. I understand and have worked with a diverse set of students over my three years, especially with my role in Terps Racing and being a UTF. With my internships in various places, I have learned a lot from peers in different universities and the beneficial ways their schools support students. I believe I could be a huge help to the Clark students in having their voices heard and their wishes granted. I want to make sure ever student feels like they belong.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
I wish to strengthen industry outreach and career readiness within Maryland Engineering. The Engineering Career Services does an excellent job in helping students get ready to interact with employers, however, there is a lot to improve. We need to learn more from the industry and what recruiters are specifically looking for in job applications. I would like to push to have more resume reviews done by recruiters from different companies. The job market is changing very quickly and students need the support to have competitive applications. The Clark School has great outreach to many companies around the DMV however we still lack the industry outreach to high-caliber companies across the nation. I would like to push outreach to more companies across the United States to give students more opportunities to be involved early in their careers with internships and co-ops.
Introduction:
Hello! I'm Ben Tabor, a sophomore chemical engineering student here at the University of Maryland. I'm a native of Maryland, and my hometown is Frederick. At UMD, you can usually find me doing several things: working in a chemical engineering lab (the Sustainable Separations Lab), going to classes, participating in extracurriculars (like the awesome Clark Scholars program), or working through the piles of engineering homework we're all familiar with.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I wish to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate because I believe I would serve my fellow students well as their representatives. I am not afraid to speak up for myself, or anyone. I am also diligent and will make sure to attend every meeting possible if not all of them. Through my activities and academics, I also engage with a large range of diverse undergraduate students which puts me in a good position to represent undergraduates as a whole. Finally, I have had an interest in politics my whole life, and as silly as it sounds, I would enjoy serving as a representative.
What is something you wish to accomplish as part of your Engineering Senate role or what is something you wish to strengthen or improve within Maryland Engineering?
Going into an Engineering Senate role, my main focus would be improving the quality of teaching. To me, this is about many things, whether it be the quality of the lectures themselves or the lack of resources available outside of the lecture. Missing one lecture should not be the end of the world for students, yet in many cases it is. Some classes don't have any posted notes, so how do you make up for what you missed? Aside from this, I would focus on obvious weak points or objectives brought to me by fellow undergraduate students while in the Engineering Senate.