Collaborative Entrepreneurial Environment
Lehigh’s wide array of opportunities has allowed me to become a well-rounded individual and prepared me to take on future challenges.
College:
College of Business
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science
Intercollege Interdisciplinary Program
Program(s):
Major:
Computer Science and Business (CSB)
Hometown:
Charlotte, NC
Activities:
Co-founder of InfernoGuard, Kappa Alpha Theta, Lehigh Gut Punch (Comedy Club), Women in Computer Science
Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: Lehigh exudes a down-to-earth, friendly atmosphere that is genuinely unique. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and it feels like no matter the time or day of the week there is an event or activity to attend. I truly love it here.
Q: How has Lehigh prepared you to take on tomorrow’s challenges?
A: Lehigh has prepared me by offering unparalleled learning opportunities and support. Lehigh has allowed me to explore all my interests and try new things. For example, I have always been interested in stand-up comedy but never thought I would try it. However, this past year I joined the Lehigh Gut Punch comedy club and performed a few sets. It was so much fun and I will definitely be continuing! Another opportunity Lehigh provided me was visiting the United Nations headquarters. Last year I attended the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science event in New York. We were given access passes and got to spend the entire day at the UN. Lehigh has Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status with the UN, so students have incredible opportunities to get involved. I guess what I’m getting at is Lehigh’s wide array of opportunities has allowed me to become a well-rounded individual and prepared me to take on future challenges.
Q: You co-founded InfernoGuard, can you tell us a little bit about what InfernoGuard is and how you’ve utilized Lehigh's entrepreneurship opportunities to help further your work there?
A: InfernoGuard is a startup developing a wildfire risk assessment that generates a map of the users’ property showing the fire risk. The map is interactive and allows users to see what is creating the risk so they can be best prepared. I hired Lehigh students to intern at InfernoGuard and work on our technical development. There were a lot of interested, qualified candidates. The Baker Institute helped me advertise the applications by allowing me to make announcements at EUREKA pitch nights. The Computer Science and Business (CSB) advisors also helped me advertise the internships by sending information about them out to all CSB students. There is a vibrant startup ecosystem at Lehigh. There is a lot of support provided through mentoring, workshops and online resources. My favorite aspect of the startup community at Lehigh is how supportive it is. Everyone wants to help each other out. It creates a very collaborative environment.
Q: The Lehigh in Paris program allowed you to study abroad for a summer, can you tell us about this experience?
A: Lehigh in Paris was an incredible experience! The program is run by Professor Savage, who made it a point early on to get us all comfortable with the public transit system and exploring the city. We got to know the city so well, I feel like I could almost be a tour guide myself now! My favorite part of the program was how experiential the learning was. Our courses focused on French history, art history, architecture, French culture and more. Because of that we spent every day of the class exploring the city on walking tours and visiting museums. One of my favorite memories was being one of the first people to see the Louvre Museum for the day. We got to walk around and really take it all in before it got hectic.
Q: How would you describe the Lehigh lifestyle? What is campus life like on an average day?
A: The Lehigh lifestyle is this perfect blend of hitting the books and having a blast. Everyone is focused on their academics, but they are also interested in having a work-life balance. Like most students, I’m always busy, but I enjoy it.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: Picking a favorite thing about Lehigh is tough because there’s just so much to love. But if I had to choose, it’s the people and the place itself. Walking through campus, you feel this sense of awe—it’s gorgeous. By far, the people are the best part. The strong sense of community makes every day special. I also love how there is always something going on.
Q: Where is your favorite study spot or place to relax on campus?
A: My favorite study spot on campus is the Business Innovation Building. I have a desk in the Lehigh Launch area in that building. Everyone else with a desk there also works on a startup, so it is a really cool, collaborative environment. I focus better when I study alone, so I really like studying in one of the breakout rooms in BIB. My other favorite study spot is at the desk in my room. I live in one of the sorority houses that's pretty high up on the hill, so the view is amazing! My desk is in front of a window that faces the valley. I really like working there and getting to see the sunset over the valley. When the weather is nice, I like to relax in a hammock on the UC lawn or in front of my sorority house.