2021-2022 Engineering Ambassadors

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AAE
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BME
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DISPLAYING X AMBASSADOR

Jaatani B. Abdi

CHE Ambassador

Show more information about Jaatani B. Abdi.

Why did you choose Purdue?

When visiting, seeing how welcoming and friendly everyone had been towards me made me confident that I would be able to fit in as a student at Purdue. Combining that with the world class education that I knew I would be able to receive here assured me that Purdue was the place for me.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Solving problems was something that had appealed to me when I was younger, and two subjects that I had always enjoyed in school were math and science. Learning that applying math and science to solve problems was at the core of what engineers do on a day-to-day basis, which combined many different things I was already passionate about, ultimately drove me to choose it as a major.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

Getting the chance to make relationships with other students is something that I really love about being a Purdue Engineer. Whether it be working together in study groups or something as small as asking a friend a question about something I didn't understand in class, I've been able to build a group of people to support me through my experiences within the College of Engineering. Eventually, when my time as a student comes to an end, I'm confident that the friendships I've made because of those experiences as a Purdue Enigneer will be one of the biggest takeaways from my time here.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Getting the chance to make relationships with other students is something that I really love about being a Purdue Engineer. Whether it be working together in study groups or something as small as asking a friend a question about something I didn't understand in class, I've been able to build a group of people to support me through my experiences within the College of Engineering. Eventually, when my time as a student comes to an end, I'm confident that the friendships I've made because of those experiences as a Purdue Enigneer will be one of the biggest takeaways from my time here.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

Sledding down Slayter Hill the night after a large snowstorm with a bunch of my friends was an experience that I will never forget!

Bobby Albertson

AAE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I wanted an Aerospace engineering degree and Purdue has one of the best programs in the U.S. It’s also a big ten school and it has such an amazing community and culture.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering because during a career search day in middle school the program we were using recommended I do Aerospace engineering. From there, I became interested in the field and now it is my biggest passion.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about Purdue engineering is the people. The faculty are hands down amazing. They are all incredibly smart and working on technologies that shape the industry. Other students also make the experience great because everyone is in the same boat, and all are willing to help each other succeed.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in the college of engineering is to make friends that are engineers. It’s a challenging major, so having a group of people to go through it with and also to have fun with while you pursue your degree makes all the difference in the world. 

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue Memory is my first football game. I was with all my friends and the energy in the stadium was unmatched. From the time I woke up to the time I went to sleep, I was having a great day.  

Megan Bingenheimer

EEE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I visited Purdue as a junior and for the first time I found “my people” — the students I met seemed so passionate and excited about what they were learning about and involved in. Even though engineering is hard, everyone was excited about what they were doing. There is so much to get involved in that 4 years simply isn’t enough time!

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I have always enjoyed math and science. Add that to my love for protecting the environment and my love for making the world a better place, and I found myself in the Environmental & Ecological Engineering family! The small size of the department means you benefit from lots of resources and experiences with your peers and professors during your time here.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

Boilermakers are not afraid to take on the world’s toughest challenges with passion and perseverance. Additionally, the interests of students extend well beyond academics — they wouldn’t have gotten admitted if they weren’t well-rounded.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Ask for help, sleep, and a strong sense of humor.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

Watching a Sweet Sixteen basketball game with my Dad in Mackey Arena!

Hannah Congleton

EEE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because it gave me the flexibility I wanted to explore what I truly enjoyed. I knew at Purdue I could create a community and have many resources at my disposal like career services and mentoring programs.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I have always liked solving problems and knew I wanted to make a difference in the world. Engineering gives me the best tools to solve the problems I want to fix.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue engineer is the community. I have made many friends in my classes, and while we have many differences, engineering connects us all together. Even off-campus whenever I wear Purdue merch I always hear at least one person yell “Go Boilermakers!” and feel the sense of community from that statement.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

I don’t think of it as much of a secret, but I have found the way to be successful is to use all the help you can get. Your professors are always trying to help and want you to understand so go to office hours and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Purdue also has help rooms for different subjects and many classes offer supplemental instruction that helps you gain a deeper understanding of the material. If you use all the resources that are available, you have set yourself up for success.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite memory was during my Urban Water Projects class. The goal of the class was to work with nonprofits to improve their rain gardens that were previously installed. I learned a lot from the class and the shining moment was when we finished our projects and got to see all the work we put into the project.

Kyndall Davis

BME Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because of the various support systems that are in place to help students, specifically minority engineering students, succeed. Programs such as MEP were sure to emphasize how I’ll be a part of a community, and that was a very important factor for me when deciding to go to Purdue.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Throughout high school I’ve been interested in going to medical school, but I wanted a major that allowed me to develop analytical skills that I would need to solve complex problems in the human body. Biomedical Engineering gave me the opportunity to set a strong foundation to enter almost any aspect of the medical field. I feel that if I’m able to connect principles of engineering to the medical field, I’ll have the power to preserve and enhance the lives of many.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite part about being a Purdue engineer are how there are so many different fields that we are able to focus on in each major. In BME for instance, some of my friends love the more technical aspects of coding or software for medical devices, while others might be on the biological side, dealing with cellular components. There seems to be a place for everyone to have the opportunity to explore their interests.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Although the course load is rigorous, the professors are very kind and understanding that you are a person as well as a student. Never hesitate to reach out to them if you need help.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

I don’t have one specific memory, but I love the organizations that I’m in. They host amazing events and a lot of the members are always willing to help.

Janey Dillon

ME Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I knew Purdue was the right place for me when I visited for the first time. I enjoyed the environment and everything the campus had to offer, like the big stadium and the classroom spaced.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering because of the unlimited opportunities it has and the idea that I can do whatever I want when I graduate. I can do anything and so can any engineer.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

The people. All my friends are engineers, and we are all in it together. I love that I can go to anyone, and they will be happy to help. It is such a wonderful collaborative unit.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

I lean on my peers as much as I can. It’s easy to think you are alone in your struggling, but you aren’t, and everyone wants to help each other.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

When I joined the Purdue Engineering Student Council. As soon as I joined, I knew I had made my best friends for life. Without joining, I don’t think I would be as happy at school as I am.

Sam Dlott

ECE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue for its incredible opportunities, people, and resources. I fell in love with the spirit and energy on campus, everyone was proud to call themselves a boilermaker and now I am too!

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering as a major because I have always been a problem solver. I like to help people any way I can, and incorporating technology into those solutions has been something I have always been passionate about.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is the sense of community engineers have. Regardless of what discipline you study, everyone is here to learn how to be the best engineer they can be and that shared experience creates an inspiring community.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in the College of Engineering is to invest yourself in what you are passionate about! When I was a first-year student, I had no idea what I wanted out of my college experience. I kept trying new things and through that found people and things I loved. The piece of advice I got was "you get in what you put in" and that couldn't be truer. The more of yourself you put into Purdue, clubs, and engineering, the more you will walk away with.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory has to be our win over Michigan State during the 2021 football season. As a member of the marching band, being in Ross-Ade was electrifying! I still remember how I felt when time expired and how excited everyone was.

Keme Etta

CE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I wanted to go to a top school for civil engineering that had many opportunities for industry exposure.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose civil engineering because I like being able to see my contributions physically and because of the different industries I could impact.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is the comradery, other Purdue Engineers are always willing to help you.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success is being organized and managing my time so that I can have time to do activities I enjoy.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory was when we beat UVA the year after they knocked us out of March madness.

Denae Galloway

ECE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because it’s a great engineering school and the community was always extremely welcoming every time that I visited.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering because I knew that engineering is involved in almost everything we do and I wanted to make an impact on the world.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is working with all of the other amazing Purdue Engineers and being presented with amazing opportunities that I never imagined I would have access to.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

The secret to success in Engineering is not being afraid to ask for help and never giving up when things get hard.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory is football games with my friends.

Rachel Gander

IDE/MDE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because of the unique nature of First-Year Engineering. I wasn't positive about what area of engineering I wanted to focus on, so having the first year to explore was beneficial for me.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering because I always enjoyed working to solve problems in high school. Since studying at Purdue, I have realized that I also enjoy the thought and design processes needed to successfully engineer a product or system. 

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

I love being a Purdue Engineer because of the unique stories that each person in the College of Engineering holds.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

I think taking time for myself each day has been the most useful thing I have done while studying in the College of Engineering. 

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite memory while at Purdue has been watching the basketball games with my friends. 

Mamie Johnson

CHE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I wanted to attend a school with a strong engineering program, and after visiting Purdue through an event hosted by the Minority Engineering Program, I knew that Purdue would provide me with many opportunities to be challenged, to grow, and form long-lasting relationships with some amazing people.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering because of the versatility of its applications. With a chemical engineering degree, there are numerous amounts of career paths that I can take, and I love that I will have this flexibility as continue to navigate the things that I would like to accomplish within my lifetime.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about Purdue engineering is the support system that I have been able to build. Mainly through my involvements with the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, I have been able to meet people who have helped me in my academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in Purdue engineering is continuously trying to find my personal balance. Every semester I have to redefine what my balance for that given time period will be, but it is so very important to take care of yourself. Yes, your GPA is important; yes, your extra-curriculars are important, but if you ask me, nothing is more important than your personal wellbeing. Whether that means saying no to a few activities here and there or making time each day to do something that genuinely makes you happy, you need to do these things or there is no way that you will be successful in anything that it is you are doing.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

One of my favorite Purdue memories occurred during this past spring semester. It was one of the first nights that it snowed a lot, so people were everywhere on campus sledding, throwing snowballs, making snowmen, you name it. I was comfortable in my room, and I didn’t want to leave the warmth of my bed, but one of my friends came to drag me out of my room and play in the snow, and we ended up having a really amazing night.

Michael Kadus

IE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because of the opportunities to chart my own course and build a firm foundation for my future career. Unique to this university, I’ve been able to have a breadth of professional, social, service-oriented, and academic experiences aligned with my personal interests. In addition, the Industrial Roundtable career fair, large alumni base, and prestigious reputation of Purdue engineering would open the door to many professional opportunities. The potential to launch my career as a well-rounded engineer from a top university made choosing Purdue a clear choice for me!

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose to major in engineering because of the opportunities to solve exciting problems, have flexible job prospects, and change the world. I’m inspired each time I see people’s excitement when they interact with the products I helped bring to market during my internships. Engineering allows me to directly impact people’s lives across globe and that’s a special experience to have! In addition, many future career opportunities remain wide open for engineers, such as entering non-technical roles or pursuing higher education in medicine and business.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue engineer is the community. On campus, I’ve developed close friendships with my peers that will last long after we graduate from Purdue. Beyond West Lafayette, during my internships, I met many Purdue engineering alumni who’ve wanted to share their experiences, hear about what Purdue is like today, and be a friendly connection.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in the College of Engineering is to be comfortable in charting your own path, even if it’s off course from most others. Purdue Engineering has an array of opportunities so each individual can thrive and have fun in their own way. The best way to find success is doing activities that excite you, which will make the work feel less like a responsibility and more like an opportunity!

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory is helping run my first Industrial Roundtable as part of the Purdue Engineering Student Council. Industrial Roundtable is the largest student-run career fair in the country and the campus is buzzing with excitement when this event is running. I love the positive energy, hope-filled atmosphere, and feeling of opportunity that fills campus during Industrial Roundtable! It’s rewarding to help thousands of Purdue engineering students find career opportunities with the many employers that visit campus.

Ashley Kikos

IDE/MDE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I loved the environment of the school when I visited. Everyone seemed so happy to be at school there, and I knew I wanted a school where I would be happy and challenged as an engineering student.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering as a major because I have always loved building or fixing things. In high school, I was actively involved in designing and building sets and props for my community theatre, and I knew I wanted to pursue a degree that would help me continue to do so at a more professional level.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue engineer is the sense of community that comes with being a part of the program. Whenever I need help on homework or need a study group for an upcoming exam, I am always able to find a group of engineers that are willing to help one another. I have also been fortunate to have amazing engineering teams that I have worked with in my classes which have really helped me learn how to collaborate similar to engineers in the industry.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in the College of Engineering is to not be afraid to ask for help and to get help early. It is always easier to go to a study session or find a tutor when material starts to get challenging instead of waiting until the week of an exam to get help. Using Purdue’s resources early has definitely helped me be successful in my engineering courses.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory was the Purdue vs. Ohio State game my freshmen year. As a member of the marching band, I was able to see firsthand the entire stadium storm the field after the Purdue victory. The energy in that stadium was unbelievable, and I hope that we can celebrate more Purdue wins this upcoming season!

Kirunda Kunyiha

ME Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue primarily because of its world renowned engineering program, but arriving on campus (I did my first year online) showed me that there are an abundance of opportunities to grow and succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Other than the cliche of enjoying math and physics in high school, I wanted to challenge myself and felt as though engineering would be a great way to do this. Purdue also has a very competitive engineering program and as someone who thrives in such environments, I felt that this would be a great environment for me to achieve my goals.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

I'd say my favourite thing is the variety and diversity of people I get to interact with. All of my classes are filled with interesting people doing very exciting things and there's always an opportunity to learn. There is also a large network of engineering alumni in many different places, some of which I've personally been able to use to help myself grow professionally. 

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Balance and structure. I've found that creating effective systems for studying, hanging out with friends and (importantly) rest allows me to be successful in ensuring that I have time for all the aspects of my life. I also try to balance challenging myself and overstretching.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

Sledding down Slater Hill was such a great experience for me. Not only was it my first time seeing snow/ice, but I got to experience the very creative and adventurous side of the Purdue community.

Kasseidi Lessentine

CEM Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I was instantly attracted to the large student body, the academic reputation for the college of engineering, the vast amount of networking opportunities allowing me to maximize my post-graduation pathways and the ability for personal growth and development inside and outside of the classroom setting.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose to major in CEM because I grew up helping my father with his construction projects, whether his side jobs or around the house flips, and have always loved doing hands-on tasks that require problem solving and working with others as a team.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is the amount of confidence this program has given me — both professionally and academically. I have done things the former me would never be willing to do. From scheduling a meeting with my advisor to spending hours at Industrial Roundtable, I am further able to magnify how I feel about myself and give myself credit by being intentional with my accomplishments while being aware of the deposits I am making in myself.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in the College of Engineering is to take time for yourself. Remove all the insane expectations you have for yourself and give yourself time to relax. There is so much emphasis placed on performing well academically and not enough on tuning into your mental wellbeing. You can be there physically, but if you’re not there emotionally or mentally, don’t expect much to come of it.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

One of my favorite Purdue memories is attending basketball games in Mackey Arena with my friends and all being in agreeance that IU sucks.

Shreya Misra

AAE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue University because I wanted to study Aerospace Engineering and Purdue is known as the “cradle of astronauts”. I wanted to receive education at Neil Armstrong’s Alma Mater. As an international student, since I couldn’t visit campus, I connected with a lot of Purdue students on LinkedIn to learn about their experiences and the response was overwhelming. I felt like I had a support system in place before I even got to campus, which is what drove me towards Purdue.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I wanted to constructively contribute to a sustainable framework for the future of our world. I loved studying physics, more specifically astrophysics, in high school and I started asking myself pressing questions about the fate of human civilization and inter-planetary travel. In order to deeply understand those concepts, I knew I needed to pursue a fundamental engineering degree.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

Collaborative environments is my favorite thing about being a Purdue engineer. Whether in design classes or student organizations, there is always room for team-work.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. If you’re an introvert, put yourself in situations where you have to engage with a room full of people you don’t know by going to networking events or visiting a club callout. If you’re scared about doing well in Thermodynamics II, take the class anyway! Struggle a little more, attend SI sessions, go to professor office hours and never shy away from asking for help.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

BGR 2019 is my favorite memory. I met some of my best friends during that time and enjoyed myself a lot!

Roan Numa

ECE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

In my sophomore year of high school, I attended a 1-week summer engineering program hosted by the Minority Engineering Program (MEP) called PREFACE. PREFACE sparked my interest in Purdue's Engineering program and introduced me to strong support systems in place for minority engineering students like me. With Purdue having a top engineering program as well, I knew that Purdue would be the right choice for me.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Since middle school, I've had a passion for consumer technology and understanding how the devices we use impact our daily lives. I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could design and build technology, and engineering was the perfect choice for me. 

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

Having a strong, supportive network of Purdue Engineering alumni that can connect you to countless opportunities within industry!

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Build a support network throughout your college career, whether if it's through friends, professors or faculty. You never know when an opportunity can present itself simply from a connection you've made. 

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

Traveling with the Purdue NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) chapter to Anaheim, California to attend the 48th Annual Convention. 

Alexa Stern

ABE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I was drawn to the opportunities that were available at a big school like Purdue, but there were also chances to find a smaller community that made campus feel like home. Having such a strong engineering program was also a plus!

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Throughout high school, I was always drawn to STEM classes. I had great teachers that encouraged me to pursue engineering in college. Without their support, I wouldn't have found my passion for engineering.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineering is the lifelong support and network that I know I'll have. At my internship this summer, there were multiple Purdue Engineering alumni, and many of them had graduated from the ABE program. I was able to get to know some of them really well, and I instantly felt welcomed into the company because of these connections that I had.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

My secret to success in the College of Engineering is to find a system that helps you keep track of your assignments, classes, meetings, etc. It looks different for everyone, but I use my Google Calendar. I have friends that use planners or different apps. It helps you know what needs to be done and what you have scheduled for that day.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory is getting to ride the train the Friday before home football games!

Emily Twomey

CE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because of the highly ranked and Civil Engineering program, but also because of the amazing faculty and students.  Purdue is a widely respected school, especially in engineering, and that's exactly what I was looking for.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Although I've always liked math and science, I chose engineering with the intention of going into civil.  Purdue's numerous options of concentrations within civil engineering was a big deciding factor since I was heart set on studying transportation.  I'm highly interested in transportation infrastructure and want to contribute to the advancements of public transit systems across the the country.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being an Purdue Engineer is something that I would call "academic comradery."  Engineering can be intimidating due to its difficulty and reputation for competition, but at Purdue we are all about working together.  Purdue Engineers aren't afraid to help each other and collaborate, making it a community I am proud to be a part of.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

Being open to experience.  There are a lot of opportunities at Purdue, especially in engineering, and the best thing you can do is say yes and try everything you are interested in.  Don't be afraid to be curious and embrace change.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

Rushing the field after we beat Michigan State!

Madelyn Whitaker

ABE Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I was really passionate about the student culture on campus and the academics are unmatched. I truly feel like there is such a tight knit community among the study body, even more so within the College of Engineering and I have found that success academically and socially is not limited to a select group of people. There are so many great opportunities to be engaged and so many peers and professionals to connect with. The campus is electric, the people are inspiring and motivating, and the faculty are so unbelievably supportive of all student endeavors, and that has something that I have not felt anywhere else.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering as a major because it holistically combined my love for problem-solving, challenges, and in my case, biology. I have always been really passionate about knowing the intricacies to all things involved in sustaining life, down to the cellular level. In the case of biological engineering, I really enjoy solving the complex problems involved with supporting and engineering life beyond what is accepted on Earth, and have designed my major to cater to my professional goals.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is getting the opportunity to be involved in cohorts and classes that are composed of the next big changemakers. It is really motivating for me to know that I am surrounded and am working with future scientists, discoverers, and professionals. While it is definitely never easy, I have only ever felt like being a Purdue Engineer is the place that I was meant to be.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

I would definitely say that the secret to success within the College of Engineering is to ask for help and to collaborate. I see so many high achieving students be afraid to ask for help because they fear that it is a sign of weakness, but being able to develop the skillset to advocate for success and ask for help is such a strength and has helped me so much. Utilize office hours, TAs, and faculty as they are only able to help if they know you need it! Self-advocacy can carry people so far and has helped me so much when I am unable to complete assignments or approach complex problems.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory was going to the Purdue vs. Iowa basketball game this past year. I was able to sit behind the band in the Paint Crew and be in Mackey when Purdue was finally ranked #1 in the nation. I definitely lost my voice and my hearing for the hours afterwards but it was so worth it!

Isabelle Yates

BIO Ambassador

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Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because of the unique opportunities that the university has to offer including several student orgs attached to my major/the college and undergraduate research opportunities. I also chose Purdue because of the phenomenal ABE program and welcoming atmosphere that the campus and community offers.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering because I want to solve problems and find solutions that make life easier and more efficient for those around me. I also love applying engineering principles to everyday life!

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

The best thing about being a Purdue Engineer is the sense of pride and accomplishment that you obtain. There is something very satisfying about finishing a semester long project that you have poured weeks and countless hours into. Learning is one thing but being able to apply it in the classroom as well is something unique that Purdue Engineering offers. Real world experience right in the classroom!

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

The secret to success is being involved in student organizations outside of the classroom. Having an outlet to meet people and have fun outside of assignments is so important to maintaining a balance. Asking for help is also the secret sauce to doing well. Your professors have office hours for a reason, use them!

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory was going to the Purdue v. UVA game in December of 2019. It was my first ever college basketball game and the first time I was able to experience the environment of Mackey. Haven’t missed a home game since!

Sam Zhang

BME Ambassador

Show more information about Sam Zhang.

Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because of the amazing engineering program and the friendly environment offered to students. When I toured Purdue, I was immediately drawn by just how nice and welcoming everyone was. I just knew that this was the right place to make some incredible friends and lifelong industry partners.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

Before coming to college, I had always been fascinated by technology and its applications in healthcare to benefit others. Coupling this with my passion for problem-solving challenges, it became clear to me that I wanted to go into biomedical engineering. I really enjoy the unique and multidisciplinary cross section that is biomedical engineering, along with the diverse applications of all engineering fields.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is the vast amount of like-minded people you meet along the way. The collaborative and welcoming spaces of Purdue Engineering help to foster a lot of teamwork and friendships. Whether or not they are in your specific engineering major, you will always find others that share the same passion for engineering and problem-solving as you do!

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

While I don’t believe there is a particular “secret to success,” I would only offer the advice of staying organized. Organization and prioritization is crucial to staying on top of all academic and extracurricular deadlines. Whether it is using an agenda pad or an online calendar, making sure that I stay up to date with everything allows me more time to plan or think ahead. Plus, staying organized is a great way to automatically look professional and presentable to others.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

From storming the Ross-Ade football field to shouting at the top of my lungs in Mackey Arena, or making incredible friendships through classes and clubs, there are so many amazing memories that I can’t possibly choose a favorite!