Collaboration Across Campuses
As you begin your time at Lehigh, you will be exposed to so many different organizations, clubs and groups you can get involved with to find people that will welcome you with open arms.
College:
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science
Program(s):
Major:
Civil Engineering
Hometown:
Camp Hill, PA
Activities:
Head Gryphon, President of Lehigh University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders, Martindale Student Associates Honors Program, Yearbook Co-editor-in-Chief, Rossin Junior Fellow, Alpha Omega Epsilon Professional Sorority
Q :What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: One thing I would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh is there is a home/place/group for everyone on campus. Thinking about the start of a new chapter that begins with one's college journey can be scary as you enter "uncharted territory" and are likely being pulled away from the familiar friendships you have had for the past twelve years of your life. As you begin your time at Lehigh, you will be exposed to so many different organizations, clubs and groups you can get involved with to find people that will welcome you with open arms. Most importantly, first-year students are not alone in navigating this vast landscape of options. Lehigh does an amazing job at integrating students into campus life through a series of programs (bLUprint and NavigateLU) that make sure each student has access and knowledge of the resources available to them which ultimately ensures you find your home/place/group on campus.
Q: How has Lehigh prepared you to take on tomorrow’s challenges?
A: Because of the many opportunities and experiences Lehigh has provided me, I can easily say Lehigh has enabled the growth of my skills to take on tomorrow's challenges. However, while having a variety of tools in a toolbox is great, what’s crucial is knowing which tools (or skills) to use and possessing the confidence to use them. Through the opportunities Lehigh has provided, I have been fortunate enough to have experience after experience that has empowered me to want to change the world—knowing I have the skills necessary to do so.
Q: We often hear that Lehigh is special because our students are collaborative, not competitive, with each other. Have you seen this to be true? How so?
A: In my time at Lehigh, I have found this statement to be true many times. Since class sizes tend to be on the smaller side (especially specialized/major-specific courses) students come to develop close friendships with classmates. These friendships so frequently evolve into study groups or connections you know you can rely on when you have questions or need help. In this way, there is a strong collaborative environment across campuses that never seems to transition to competitiveness.
Q: You were part of the Martindale Student Associates Honors Program that conducted research in Morocco. Can you please tell us more about that, and why you’re interested in research that can impact humanity?
A: Through the Martindale Student Associates Honors Program, I was able to learn about a variety of topics alongside a small cohort of students and faculty in Morocco. The program provides the chance to meet with government officials, business leaders, activists and so many other influential people, providing a well-rounded understanding of the country. Following my experiences in the country, I am now tasked with writing a research paper on a topic specific to Morocco (the option of desalination processes in Morocco) to be published in an academic journal. This form of research that comes with the program - writing an impactful paper on a topic critical to both the country of Morocco and the global population - has always interested me because it equips me with the opportunity to explore issues and solutions in fields of study I both find interesting and believe hold the potential to incite change/progress. The ability to incite change or progress is such a valuable opportunity in ensuring there is growth and a reason for hope looking forward.
Q: You were drawn to Lehigh because of the interdisciplinary opportunities—how has this type of learning shaped your problem-solving skills?
A: As a civil engineering major, many of my classes provide training in technical problem-solving; I am taught to execute system models and calculations. However, because of Lehigh's interdisciplinary opportunities, I can tap into my creative side, expanding my toolbox to approach various problems. Because of the additional problem-solving skills my more creative involvements provide, I can address problems with more confidence, knowing I can view the existing scenarios from multiple perspectives.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: My favorite thing at Lehigh will always be the people. All of the wonderful experiences and opportunities offered on campus are great, but what makes them so great are the people within them. Everyone is welcoming and I feel that because of the connections I have made through my variety of involvements and the learning that occurs as a result of those connections, the campus environment has truly enabled me to grow as a person.
Q: Where is your favorite study spot or place to relax on campus?
A: A single favorite study spot is extremely hard to choose. I enjoy the peacefulness of doing my readings in a window seat in Linderman's reading room or the energy of working on projects on the first floor of Fairchild-Martindale Library (FML). If I have to pick just one though, I love studying in Wilbur with the buzzing of all of the maker machines in the background. It is just such a fun environment to feel motivated and inspired in.