Introduction:
Hello! My name is Bella Carll and I am a sophomore 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.
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:
Hello! My name is Claudia, and I am a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major planning to minor in both Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy. Within the Clark School, I am a proud member of the Flexus community and have spent two years on the Flexus/Virtus Programming Board helping to plan and organize community events, promote the program through outreach, and improve our awareness and implantation of accommodations for students. I am also an undergraduate researcher in the BioInspired Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, assisting in the development of a soft robotic self-steering catheter. Outside of the Clark School, I am a member of UMD’s Squirrel Watchers Club. In my free time, I love to hang out with my family and friends, read, and play video games. I also like to challenge myself to try new things, so I am currently learning to roller skate and crochet.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
To take a message from ENES 200, engineers are world builders. However, I have also learned that our engineering education shapes how we build that world, in both the problems we see and the tools we use to find solutions. As such, it is imperative that we have a say in the engineering education we receive, and the ability to have our opinions heard to improve it. It can be difficult as undergraduate students to feel as though we have the power to point out the issues that we see and experience within the structure of our engineering education here at the Clark School, let alone fix those issues. As a member of the Engineering Senate, I want to be able to give undergraduate engineers the means to have their perspectives and concerns heard, as well as advocate on their behalf, to make the Clark School better for everyone.
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 advocate for the inclusion of five-year graduation tracks in official advising. According to the current graduation plans offered by the Clark School, all engineering majors are required to take at least one (but up to four) 17-credit semester(s) to graduate within four years. While this model can work for some people, many people struggle to succeed with this course load. Almost every engineering student I have spoken to has alluded to this problem. They feel they must take 17 or 18-credit semesters so that they don’t fall behind but then struggle with the workload, leading to lower grades, significant loss of sleep, extreme stress, and burnout. In addition, students feel pressured to follow these four-year plans because they don’t believe they have another option. That is why I want to work with the Clark School engineering departments to offer both four- and five-year plans.
Introduction:
Hi! My name is Julia Fox, and I’m a Junior studying Civil Engineering with minors in Project Management and Sustainability. I love being involved on campus and exploring all the different programs UMD has to offer. Through ASCE and the CEE Department, I’ve had the chance to meet amazing people, plan events, and advocate for students. I’m passionate about making sure everyone feels supported and heard. If elected, I’m excited to focus on building stronger connections within our engineering community and helping students take full advantage of the resources available to help them thrive!
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to represent undergraduate students in the Engineering Senate because I believe there is a gap between student concerns and the policies that affect us. Many students struggle to find academic support, navigate career resources, or have their concerns addressed. Through my experience in student organizations, I have seen how direct advocacy can lead to real improvements, from better student resources to more transparent decision-making. I will work to strengthen faculty-student communication, push for expanded academic and career development resources, and ensure student perspectives are valued in important discussions.
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 an Engineering Senator, I want to increase awareness and accessibility of tutoring resources within the Clark School. Many students are unaware of the academic support available, and I want to ensure that every student can take full advantage of these resources. Additionally, some majors lack dedicated tutoring services, making it harder for students to get help in challenging courses. I will work with departments to expand tutoring availability, especially for high-demand and difficult subjects, so all students have the support they need to succeed.
Introduction:
My name is Camille, and I am an incoming senior studying Mechanical Engineering. In school, I am involved in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in charge of student outreach. I am also part of the Dean's Council, where I help bring up ideas to better our school while always taking and considering input from students. I am also a Clark Scholar, where I am conducting a project focusing on creating books about different engineering majors to give out free of charge to children in our community. Our goal is to inspire young girls and boys to pursue a career in Engineering. In my free time, I love spending time with my dog and cat at home! I also enjoy spending time with my Clark Scholars friends, who are like family to me. During the school year, I love attending Maryland sports games, especially soccer and football.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I wish to represent my fellow undergraduate student classmates on the Engineering Senate because as your senator for the 2024-2025 school year and someone who has been involved in the Dean's Council, I have been listening to the requests and needs of the students, and I am currently working to find solutions. I want my work to continue so I can finish what I started last year. As your representative, I will listen and care for every opinion that is brought up as I find ways to solve issues and address any concerns that students have. As someone who is a leader of a research group and has been a senator before, I have learned how to be a good leader, and I hope that you allow me to continue that leadership as your senate 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?
Something that I want to improve within Maryland Engineering is the availability of study resources. I have heard from students via a survey that many wish that there was more availability for tutoring sessions, along with other types of resources that can help them improve in hard courses. As a fellow engineering student, I know how tough some material can be in classes, and we all deserve all the support we can get to succeed. As your senator and representative, I will make sure that we improve and extend the availability of these resources to assure support for the students in Maryland Engineering.
Introduction:
Hi there! I'm August, a Computer Engineering Major in the ECE Department. I am the Treasurer of the Institute for Electric and Electronic Engineers for the Student Branch at UMD, I am the Technical Coordinator of the Terrapin Works Woodshop where almost all engineering students go for ENES100 and ENES102, and I am a part of WIE through the Virtus Living and Learning Community.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Through my time at Terrapin Works, IEEE, and Virtus I have gotten a good idea of the many engineering disciplines at UMD and their wants. As a representative of the, I hope to be able to represent the interests of the student body as they have elected me to make individual academic and social experiences better than ever.
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?
My major goal for students through the Engineering Senate would be to provide students access to Engineering Resources such as labs outside of school hours to ensure that everyone has equitable access to what they need to complete their degree in the way they want, not hampered by restricted access to labs or computer hardware.
Introduction:
Hi everyone, my name is Hayley. I am currently a freshman mechanical engineering student living in Pyon Chen, but I am originally from northern New Jersey. My favorite classes so far have been ENES 100 (shoutout team WallE Inc.) and ENES 102. Outside of class, you can probably find me studying at the STEM library, sitting out on La Plata when it’s sunny, or watching Criminal Minds in my free time. In the past, I have worked as a baker, a nanny, and a volunteer tutor for my local middle school. I am confident that this leadership experience has strengthened my communication skills and problem-solving abilities. I hope to find lifelong friends and teammates in my time here at UMD, I am excited to work with you all in the future!
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I am running to represent undergraduate students in the Engineering Senate because I am passionate about bringing engineering students together to form a strong community and being able to voice our thoughts and concerns. It is important to include student’s opinions when making decisions on topics that directly affect students, like budget and educational plans or personal matters. I believe that I have a good understanding of what we undergraduate engineering students want, and I am willing to listen to others with an open mind and advocate for change. Together, we will work to create a supportive environment where all of our voices will be heard and respected.
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 main goal I have as a part of my Engineering Senate role is to encourage student involvement through the promotion of extracurricular activities, and specifically, the engagement of the powers of this senate position and the Dean Student Advisory Council. It is important for students to know that they are welcome on campus and any of their problems can and should be addressed. I am very proud to be a Maryland Engineering student as we have many strengths, but issues such as engagement, student work-life balance, cost of education, and general affordability of textbooks and other lab necessities need more attention. I hope to create a stronger sense of community by advocating on behalf of all of us engineering students.
Introduction:
Having already served as an undergraduate senator and representative on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council this past year, I understand how to be successful in the role. With experience as a subteam lead for Terps Racing and conducting research with the Space Systems Lab, I know how important involvement is on campus in Maryland, and I want to bring student voices to the forefront.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Undergraduate students in the engineering college need a voice that is unafraid of voicing their concerns. In my role this past year, student funding for academic clubs was just one issue I raised to the engineering senate, and I hope to bring many more going into the future. No concern is too small, and I know that as an undergraduate senator, your voices will be heard.
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 hope to improve student feedback and inform the typical engineering student of just how much influence they have over their own education. In my work with DSAC, student polling was essential, but so were tools like Instagram and simply voicing a concern. I want to make students aware of resources like the undergraduate seat on the Senate and have the population seriously consider what ways they want to see UMD change. With that improvement, I know UMD will continue to climb its way as one of the best engineering schools in the nation.
Introduction:
Hello! My name is Shirin, and I am a junior studying chemical engineering from Annapolis, MD. I am passionate about the intersection of engineering and healthcare. As a member of the Student Health Advisory Committee and an EMT intern, I actively work to improve student well-being and community health by amplifying student voices. In my free time, I figure skate and lead our university's figure skating team as the vice president. I also enjoy hiking and visiting museums!
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I want to serve because I want to be a bridge between students and faculty to create tangible solutions in Maryland Engineering. The undergraduate perspective is invaluable. By listening and advocating for undergraduates, I can provide avenues for addressing the real challenges students face. As an engineering student, I have heard and personally experienced the difficulties of navigating coursework, securing research opportunities, and accessing career resources. My experience on the student health advisory committee has strengthened my ability to advocate for student needs, and I hope to transfer these skills into advocating for my peers and classmates. If elected, I will ensure that undergraduate voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and policies reflect the needs of our community. By fostering open dialogue between students and faculty, I hope to create a more supportive and enriching environment where every engineering student has the resources 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 someone deeply passionate about student health, I want to bring more awareness regarding mental and physical health within Maryland Engineering. Engineering students juggle intense coursework, research, and career pressures, which can take a serious toll—I’ve seen it firsthand and experienced it myself. That’s why I want to advocate for better access to mental health resources, like peer support programs, stress management workshops, and clearer guidance on counseling services. Physical health matters, too, so I’d push for more wellness initiatives, such as ergonomic study spaces, fitness resources, and healthier food options in engineering buildings. By creating an environment that truly supports both mental and physical well-being, I hope to help students feel less overwhelmed, perform at their best, and find a healthier balance between school and life.
Introduction:
My name is Taylor R. Phillips Hillian, and I’m a freshman majoring in bioengineering. I’m thrilled to be running for the Engineering Senate because I’m truly passionate about enhancing our engineering community. On campus, I’m actively involved in several initiatives. I participate in Lakeland Stars tutoring, where I work one-on-one with underrepresented/financially struggling students to enrich their academic experiences. Additionally, I serve as the freshman representative on the advisory board, which has helped me develop my leadership skills and advocate for my peers' concerns and ideas to the executive board. I'm also a proud member of the University of Maryland Club Cheer, the Black Engineering Society, and the Black Student Union. Furthermore, I’m part of the University of Maryland Scholars program in the Science and Global Change cohort and am honored to be a Clark Legacy Scholar recipient. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to our engineering community!
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Being a representative for undergraduate students in the Engineering Senate at the University of Maryland is an amazing opportunity. It allows me to advocate for my peers, ensuring their voices and concerns are considered in important decisions. I have the chance to influence policies that affect our academic and campus life, from curriculum updates to student support programs. This role not only helps me develop as a leader but also enhances my communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for my future. Additionally, the relationships I’ll build with faculty, administrators, and fellow student leaders will be valuable for mentorship and professional growth. Most importantly, I believe I can truly make a difference and have a lasting, positive impact on our university community. It’s not just a position; it’s a commitment to support my peers and drive meaningful change.
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 member of the University of Maryland College Park Engineering Senate, I would focus on making significant advancements in areas that matter to the engineering community. My efforts would include enhancing access to research opportunities for undergraduates by advocating for increased funding and mentorship programs and providing students with valuable hands-on experience. I would prioritize promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within Maryland Engineering, ensuring that all students feel supported and welcomed. Strengthening mental health and academic resources would be essential, as I want every student to have the support they need to thrive. Additionally, I would work to build stronger connections between students and industry leaders, creating more opportunities for internships and career pathways. My aim is to tackle these challenges and create a lasting, positive impact on the engineering community for both current and future students.
Introduction:
Hello! My name is Kiera Miglani, and I am a sophomore studying electrical engineering with career interests in medical devices and robotics. I am an out-of-state student, specifically from Massachusetts. On campus, I am a part of the Society of Women Engineers and my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. A few of my hobbies are going to the gym, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. I am passionate about improving the engineering student experience and advocating for better resources. I would love to make sure everyone’s ideas and opinions are heard and taken into account when making decisions within the engineering department!
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I would like to represent my fellow undergraduate students and their ideas and opinions. Students have a unique perspective within the Maryland Engineering program, a perspective that the administration will never have. I hope to bridge the gap between students and administration, ensuring that student concerns, ideas, and feedback are actively considered in decision-making processes. Additionally, I want to help create opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and community-building for students at all stages of their academic journeys.
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 would like to strengthen tutoring resources, as many of the resources now don’t align with people’s schedules, or don’t exist outside of office hours for a specific class. I think GSS sessions would be beneficial for certain engineering classes, as they give people a way to study or work out problems as a group. Additionally, I'd focus on improving mentorship opportunities for underclassmen and those new to the Engineering community. By connecting them with upperclassmen or alumni, we could help guide their academic and career journeys more effectively. Due to advisors having so many students to focus on at once and not having gone through the program themselves, advice from upperclassmen has been incredibly valuable and helpful to me.
Introduction:
Hi, I am Vinay Raman, a second-year civil engineering student. I am looking forward to my junior year and the chance to start new classes and activities. Outside of my classes, I am a TA for Physics 161, and I am in the local project for Engineers without Borders. I like to watch sports and movies, and I love going outside. You can often find me in class, taking walks around campus, or eating really slowly in the dining halls.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
I have had a great time in my first two years in college, but I know many other students haven’t been so lucky. Whether you are having trouble adjusting to college life, finding resources for your classes, or managing your schedule, it can be frustrating to feel behind, especially when the months and semesters fly by quickly. I hope I can make other students feel more comfortable in college and more excited about their future.
I also know that most students don’t even know that they can impact engineering school policies through the engineering senate. I think a big part of my role in the Engineering Senate would be connecting students to the resources they need but might not know about. I hope that by doing that, I can help other students feel more optimistic about their college experience
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 Chef Gusteau from Ratatouille said, “Anyone can [become an engineer].” Every student in the Engineering School should feel like they are in control of their education and their future. Our main priority should be giving everybody the help they need to feel confident that they can get through college. We can do this by pushing everyone to think ahead and create a plan that they want to follow, not one they were told to follow.
It also means making the Engineering School more approachable and less intimidating. I don’t want people to feel nervous about joining the school or be afraid that they won’t have a nice experience in college. Instead, we should show everyone that with the right attitude and a little bit of help from the school, anyone can succeed here.
Introduction:
Hi everyone, I’m Ojasvi Sharma, a sophomore studying Electrical Engineering and minoring in Computer Engineering. I’m a NJ native from the suburbs of Hillsborough. On campus, as the Academic Chair for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) chapter at UMD, I manage academic resources (our test bank and website) and help organize academic events. I also served as a UTF for ENEE140, where I guided students through programming concepts, assisted with assignments, and advocated for changes in exam content and discussion times to better align with student needs. I’m also a DoD SMART scholar with previous internship experience at Northrop Grumman. Outside of academics, I enjoy recreational soccer and following UMD basketball, especially their March Madness run (go Crab Five!).
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Through my experiences as a UTF and the Academic Chair for IEEE, I’ve witnessed the challenges that engineering students face in navigating academic resources - whether it's underutilized study materials or difficulties in accessing personalized career advice - firsthand and online on many forums. I've had many conversations with students in my discussions who feel overwhelmed by exams and unsure how to manage their coursework and create effective study plans. I am also deeply committed to advocating for all students, understanding that everyone has their own unique circumstances - whether it’s extracurricular commitments, family obligations, commuting, being out-of-state, or anything else - that impact their ability to excel academically. Regardless of whether they're within the students’ control or not, I want to ensure that every voice is heard, and every student has equitable access to the support they need - and deserve - to succeed.
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 of my key goals as part of the Engineering Senate is to develop a university-wide test bank and resource hub where students from all engineering majors (or any major) can contribute and access old exams, solutions, study guides, and other materials - with professors’ written permission, of course. As someone who manages the IEEE test bank, I’ve seen how valuable past exams are for students preparing for assessments, yet such resources are often restricted to specific departments or clubs. By consolidating them into an organized, accessible platform, we can provide all students with a powerful study tool, including efficient features like course-specific folders and student-uploaded solutions. The Engineering Senate can advocate for this initiative by collaborating with faculty, departments, and IT services to ensure academic integrity and feasibility. This project would promote academic collaboration, grant equitable access to study resources, and empower students to confidently succeed on their exams.
Introduction:
I’m a freshman. My major is electrical engineering. I’m part of Gemstone, and I cook a mean gyro (it’s pronounced year-o). I’m interested in robotics, history, and pretty much anything DIY when it comes to electronics. I work about 15 hours a week, sleep maybe about half of that in the same time period. I’m a commuter, but I’m always interested in getting involved beyond the classroom, whether in some labs or in the Robotics @ Maryland team. I’m here to talk about what I want to do, so I made this short and sweet.
Why do you want to represent undergraduate students on the Engineering Senate?
Throughout this year I’ve seen the limitations that come with cut funding. The pandemic has displaced the University’s commitment to clubs, and never has this been observed more so with those with an engineering purpose. We need more than just lecture halls or even laboratories. We need real, active clubs and opportunities to actually apply and improve our skills. In our stressful and often occupied schedules, these clubs not only serve as a place for application but also socialization. I think it’s fair to say that many of us do and will continue to become familiar with people as we go through our college journey, but we truly become friends once we take the time out of our days to enjoy each other’s company. I recognize this, and want to foster this, which is why I to secure funding for all the clubs at the Clark School of Engineering!
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?
When I’m in that Senate, I want to work alongside other like-minded representatives to advocate for increased and guaranteed funding for all manner of activities. From balloons and drones taking flight, down to the diving of robotic subs. From the buggies at the SAE garage up to the bioengineering up in Clark Hall– providing ourselves and our university’s teams not only a competitive advantage but also satiating our thirst for opportunity! In practice, I want to pester the Dean to work toward a framework that streamlines how funding is distributed and makes it one of our primary goals in the next few years. In doing so, we can truly see much of the student-led efforts across this side of campus bloom into success and a greater legacy.