Kassandra Macchia
President
Environmental Engineering, 3EG
Interests: In my free time, I love to read, spend time with my friends and family, and make coffee runs. I also love binging tv shows with my roommates and getting boba and other various sweet treats.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a bachelors in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Sustainability Studies and Environmental Justice and Policy. After graduation, I hope to use my degree to better our environment!
Adriana LaVopa
VP of Internal Affairs
Materials Science and Engineering, 4EG
Interests: In my free time, I love trying my hand at all kinds of arts and crafts, from drawing to making jewelry to crocheting. I also enjoy reading and indoor rock climbing, and I am pursuing a minor in linguistics!
Career Goals: After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, I plan to pursue a PhD. In the long term, I want to build a career in materials research, though I still haven’t decided on an exact field of study!
Rebekah Cristobol
VP of External Affairs
Aerospace Engineering, 3EG
Interests:On my free time I like to watch tv (Abbott Elementary, American Horror Story , Shameless), grinding in marston and getting into shenanigans. I love krishna and have gone weeks at a time eating it every day. Also, I love online shopping minus the purchasing part <3 #retailtherapy
Career Goals: I plan on graduating from UF with a Masters in aerospace engineering and a Minor in Astronomy. I would like to work for an astronautical company, and eventually get into science education!
Caroline Deacon
Corresponding Secretary
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: Crocheting, listening to music, and photography! I really enjoy Fall Out Boy, Noah Kahan, 80s/90s classic rock, and even country! I also make amigurumi (animals) when I have the free time to crochet, and have also made two tops and a blanket.
Career Goals: I would like to apply for the 4+1 program to achieve a Masters’ in Mechanical Engineering before working in industry, preferably with a defense company.
Sofia Areas Mayorga
Recording Secretary
Biological Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I love to make stuff and I am constantly making stuff for my gecko. I love finding little nooks on campus to study and have a little mental map of them. I love animal and nature photography so I make sure to keep my camera handy when hiking!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate from UF with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Engineering with a specialization in Packaging. I plan to work in packaging design and manufacturing.
Zoe Szczesniak
Treasurer
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I really love to be outdoors, especially back home in Oregon! I enjoy hiking, snowboarding and paddleboarding. My favorite sport is beach volleyball, and I also love to workout. I also really like to tinker with things and figuring out how to fix things (like jewelry, small mechanisms, etc).
Career Goals: I plan to increase the efficiency of energy production and consumption through whichever company I work for in the future. My goal is to work for a company that makes a positive difference in the world.
Meet the Chairs
President’s Committee
Clarissa Cheung
eSwamp Director
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: I like crocheting, knitting, and watching true crime videos.
Career Goals: Becoming a software engineer. Not quite sure what I would like to work on in the future industry-wise.
Cara Connolly
eSwamp Director
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love doing anything involving physical activity, including lifting weights at the gym, running, and hiking. I really enjoy exploring the outdoors, as I have been to nearly 30 national parks and many other state parks and monuments! In my free time, I like to read, listen to music (country and pop are my favorites), spend time with friends and family, and hang out with my dog!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and I am currently considering the Dual Degree program with Aerospace Engineering program as well. My goal is to work in the manufacturing industry and help design cool things like sportscars or planes! I am also hoping to gain valuable internship experiences so that I can be exposed to the industry before graduation.
Alexa Boksiner
eSwamp Director
Biomedical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love reading (my favorite genre being dystopian), coffee shops and boba, and exploring new places with friends. I consider myself artsy, with calligraphy being one of my hidden talents. I’ve recently got into cooking and playing pickleball!
Career Goals: My goal is to work in industry after I graduate where I can design prosthetic devices for leg amputees. I hope to also get a minor in biomechanics.
Josie Pitzen
Public Policy Chair
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time I love to crochet, make jewerly, and really anything hands on. I also really enjoy going on hikes, going out in nature, going camping, and just relaxing in the quiet of the outdoors!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with my bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, and minor in biomechanics. I hope to work in biomechanics and prosthetics after graduation.
Gleda Mema
Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
Exploratory Engineering, 1EG
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing sports, listening to music and going on walks! I love drinking coffee!! (my blood type is espresso) I am always up for spontaneous activities (like buying tickets to fly out to another country the following day) I love going to the beach and exploring the mountains of my home country of Albania :)
Career Goals:As I am currently an exploratory engineering major, I am researching the many departments of engineering and have gotten to learn more about industrial engineering. If I decide to major in this department, I would like to choose the focus of data analytics during my final year or potentially minor in data analytics. I have yet to make a final decision in regard to my major, but I am confident I will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. I am excited to navigate through this journey and hopefully make the right decision.
Angelina Wu
Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Director
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: I love listening to music, doing my nails, and watching makeup/skincare videos! I also like to read and go on walks.
Career Goals: Currently, I am interested in the intersection of health and computer science, so I hope to pursue a career bridging these professions together. I am also interested in languages and geography, so I would like to learn more about those subjects, too. Overall, I hope to apply my love for computer science to another field and create good in the world :)
Leah Perkins
Intramural Sports Chair
Material Science and Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I am interested in any outdoor activity, especially soccer, snowboarding, and hiking. I also enjoy photography and bring my camera on my hikes sometimes.
Career Goals: I am considering a minor in packaging and sales leadership, with my major specialization being polymers. After completing my undergraduate degree, I would like to enter the industry with the focus of making plastics and packaging more environmentally and consumer safe.
Ella Martling
Sustainability Chair
Chemical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I love being active by going to the gym or going on hot girl walks to grab coffee or boba. I also enjoy thrifting and spending time at the beach.
Career Goals: After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, I plan on working in the industry focusing on decreasing plastic use and trying to find sustainable alternatives to everyday packaging.
Internal Committee
Lili Lusvardi
Social Chair
Computer Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I like to go on walks to Depot Park, explore Gainesville shops and restaurants, and go thrifting with friends. You’ll also often find me baking with my fellow SWEtie Keira Woodhead!
Career Goals: After I graduate, I plan on going into industry. I would love to work in the video game industry or anywhere with a focus on design. In the future, I’d like to go back to school to get my PhD so I can be a professor someday.
Alma Dominguez
Social Chair
Chemical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I love to play volleyball and pickleball with my friends, read, paint, watch movies, and try new coffee shops! I am always looking for another skill or hobby to pick up. My current rotation of new hobbies include playing the piano, painting my nails, and running.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate from UF with my Chemical Engineering degree with a minor in Computer Science to apply in the renewable energy and sustainability industry.
Alyssa Collier
Social Chair
Materials Science and Engineering, 2EG
Interests: Crocheting, painting, drawing, working out
Career Goals: To design animal prosthetics!
Giselle Leon
Formal Chair
Biomedical Engineering, 1EG
Interests:In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, trying new food places, going to the gym, and reading. I also love music and going to concerts. I’ve seen Tyler the Creator, Noah Kahan, and Hozier live, and some of my favorite artists right now are Malcolm Todd and Frank Ocean.
Career Goals: After graduating from UF, I hope to attend medical school anywhere in the country and eventually become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Kaylie Martling
Formal Chair
Environmental Engineering, 3EG
Interests: Reading, playing piano, going to the gym, coffee
Career Goals: Graduate with my environmental engineering degree and get a job in industry!
Stella Getsy
Formal Chair
Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love to explore by going on hikes and taking spontaneous trips. When I am home, I paint, write, play lots of video games, and spend time with friends. Recently, I have been enjoying learning to cook for myself!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and I am considering going to law school for intellectual property and patent law. I am super interested in product design!
Claire Wang
Team Tech Chair
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I love learning new pieces on the piano (especially Studio Ghibli soundtracks), drawing, listening to music, and trying out new recipes (and eating them, of course). Recently, I’ve also been enjoying going to the gym with friends!
Career Goals: Currently, I am still exploring different career options, but after graduating with my undergraduate degree in computer science, I’d like to work in something relating to software development.
Eve DaCosse
Team Tech Chair
Aerospace Engineering, 4EG
Interests: I enjoy getting boba, especially at TeaMoment, traveling to new places, and hiking. I am road-tripping across the US this summer and hope to see many new National Parks while listening to a bunch of new music (please give me song recommendations).
Career Goals: I plan to graduate UF in 2025 with an Aerospace Engineering Bachelor’s Degree and a History minor. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in aviation, ideally as a pilot in a role where I can apply my knowledge of aircraft engineering.
Mai Tran
STEAM Team Chair
Computer Science and Math, 4EG
Interests:In my free time, I like to read, draw/paint, and play games (currently obsessed with the new Stardew Valley update!) I also have a caffeine addiction so you can probably find me getting coffee around town.
Career Goals: After graduation, I’d like to work as a software engineer while pursuing a masters part time (in probably some computer science or math adjacent field). I’d also love to eventually become a high school/college math teacher and/or work in the public sector.
Riya Bhakta
STEAM TEAM Chair
Biomedical Engineering, 4EG
Interests: In my free time, I’m either baking heart shaped desserts, playing the NYT letter boxed, or adding to my collection of paintings on mini canvases. I also love making charcuterie boards to share with my friends!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate UF with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and certificate in project management. After graduation, I hope to work in the medical device industry and eventually earn a Master’s in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering!
External Committee
Madeleine Eastwood
Talk & Tour Chair
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: My favorite thing is swimming in the ocean and spending weekends at the beach with my friends. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows (especially Modern Family), getting sweet treats, and spending time at coffee shops. I own two dogs and love animals so much. Also, I love to teach kids, which is why I’m part of a mentoring club.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate from UF with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I also hope to graduate with a minor in Communication Studies. I am interested in attending graduate school to pursue a master’s degree one day. Although I’m currently unsure which exact area or application of Computer Science I wish to pursue, I hope to end up working in the industry as a software engineer.
Shadia Helal
Volunteering Chair
Chemical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time I love to thrift for records and art pieces. I also love being outdoors, kayaking and swimming. Recently, I’ve gotten into making jewelry out of recycled beads!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with my Bachelor’s in chemical engineering and minor in biomolecular engineering at UF, and continue to pursue higher education through a PhD in biotechnology or therapeutic research. I’m unsure of whether I’d like to continue working in academia or eventually go into industry, but I would like to research areas in where chemical engineering and the medical field intersect.
Kylie King
Evening with Industry Chair
Civil Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love reading (anything fun/whimsical), classifying the local flora, and taking care of my menagerie of animals back home! I’m always walking around to find new species/specimens, so if you ever feel like a fun fact please stop by and say hello!
Career Goals:I’m currently pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources. I’m considering applying to the Systems Ecology & Ecological Engineering graduate program, but I need a few more years to figure that out!
Madelyn Hotaling
Evening with Industry Chair
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy kickboxing, dancing, reading, or listening to music! I also love learning new skills, from photography to woodworking to knitting.
Career Goals: I plan on getting a PhD in Environmental Engineering or Geoengineering. My goal is to work in academia, particularly in climate change research. There are many different facets of climate change, but I am interested in focusing on the impacts of pollution on ecosystems, and how we can better prevent those impacts in the future.
Ayushi Elhence
Outreach Chair
Engineering, EG
Interests:
Career Goals:
Ithishree Pittala
Outreach Chair
Mechanical Engineering, 1EG
Interests: In my free time, I love being outdoors with my friends. I love tubing, biking, and going to beaches. I also love listening to music and have recently taken up crocheting!
Career Goals: I hope to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, and I’m thinking of a finance minor. After graduation, I hope to work in an industry that allows me to explore more engineering disciplines through my mechanical engineering degree. I would also like to work someplace where I can make a positive impact on my community!
Corresponding Committee
Eden Navarrete
Career Development Chair
Mechanical Engineering, 4EG
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and hiking. I always love to try new things when it comes to food, nature, and challenging myself in engineering!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate from UF with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in Spring 2025! After graduation, I hope to work in the growing aerospace industry in Florida.
Gloria Mai
Career Development Chair
Biological Engineering, 4EG
Interests: I love to get a good workout or climbing session in, or simply a stroll through the park. In my free time I am either online shopping, cooking, or watching my comfort shows Garfield and Spongebob.
Career Goals: Within BE, my specialization is Packaging Engineering. I love working with consumer products and want to stay in the food and beverage industry! I am also interested in developing sustainable biomaterials or repurposable/reusable materials to ultimately create a more circular economy and reduce packaging pollution.
Isabella Pasquale
SWE Council Chair
Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and going to UF sports games (football and basketball specifically)! I’m also a huge Disney lover, so I take a trip to Orlando as often as I can!
Career Goals: After getting my Bachelor’s in Industrial/Systems Engineering, I want to work in the industry focusing on process improvement, operations, and/or project management!
Olivia McCroy
SWE Council Chair
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I enjoy skateboarding, going to the beach, hanging out with my friends, and working on cars!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a mechanical engineering degree and become a design or manufacturing engineer in the automobile industry.
Rebecca Diaz
Mentoring Chair
Computer Engineering, 4EG
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching hockey and baseball, going on walks, cooking, and hanging out with my dog. Ice cream is my absolute favorite food, and I love checking out new flavors and ice cream shops.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate UF in the Spring with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and join the industry afterwards. I am looking forward to making an impact as well as learning and growing in my professional role.
Elise Brown
Mentoring Chair
Chemical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: Coffee, running, playing piano
Career Goals: I plan to pursue an MBA after graduating from UF.
Samhita Popuri
GradSWE Liaison
Mechanical Engineering Masters
Interests: I love riding my bike, reading and crocheting/embroidery! I have recently been exploring more parts of Gainesville and love going on adventures with friends! I love watching new tv shows, and my all time favorites have been Schitts Creek, Modern Family and The Office, and I am open to new suggestions as well! :)
Career Goals: I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering and I would like to get a job in industry working in the manufacturing or quality engineering sector.
Recording Committee
Emily Hopkins
Graphic Designer
Engineering, 2EG
Interests:
Career Goals:
Kimberly Law
Graphic Designer
Environmental Engineering, 2EG
Interests:When I have the time, I draw/make small animations or sometimes watch movies admiring the craft of storytelling. I love spending time with my sisters and my cat whenever I can. I am also a music enthusiast anything from rock and roll, to orchestral piece or movie soundtracks/instrumentals.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate UF with an Environmental and Civil Engineering degree. I hope to work for a company that aims in restoring the environment and ultimately get a degree in coastal engineering so I can work with the ocean in my future career.
Grace Koch
Public Relations Chair
Biomedical Engineering, 3EG
Interests: One of my favorite things to do is playing with my two cats, Kenobi and Anakin (Star Wars fan). I also really enjoy going to the beach and collecting seashells, so I can go home to make decorations with them. I like to read, fantasy preferred, and draw. I also really like to hike among most outdoor activities (mostly water related).
Career Goals: My career goals are to go into industry working as an R&D engineering in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Hopefully I’ll be able to go back to school at some point to get a graduate degree.
Keira Woodhead
Public Relations Chair
Aerospace Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I love baking with my friends, running, and playing guitar. I can often be found at a concert, talking about music, or making a new playlist. I also love to go on walks to Depot Park with my friend & fellow SWEetie, Lili!
Career Goals: After finishing my undergraduate degree in Aerospace engineering, I hope to either complete my Masters degree or go straight to industry. I am extremely interested in satellites and would love to work in aeronautics in the future.
Rachel Martinez
Public Relations Chair
Mechanical Engineering, EG
Interests: I am a video game nerd and a beach lover! Nothing beats feeling the sand between your toes, under the sun, and the cool, salty ocean. My favorite video games are Skyrim, Ghost of Tsushima, and The Sims. I believe that balancing screen-time hobbies with outdoor activities are needed for a fulfilling life!
Career Goals: After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I aim to pursue a career in the aerospace industry, particularly in roles related to space exploration. I aspire to find a position that challenges me and allows me to apply my skills in innovative ways
Claire Fisher
Historian
Aerospace Engineering, EG
Interests: My interests include outdoor activities such as canoeing, backpacking, and camping. I enjoy watching many different sports such as baseball, soccer, and hockey. I am also at tap dancer! I enjoy flying with my dad and traveling.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in Biomechanics. I hope to work in either aeronautics or sports biomechanics after I graduate.
Nitika Chakraborty
Historian
Aerospace Engineering, 1EG
Interests: I love watching early 2000’s rom-coms, swimming, and trying new foods. My favorite thing is trying foods from all over the world. When I’m free otherwise, I love trying out new makeup looks and getting ready for events.
Career Goals: I plan on graduating UF with a Bachelors in Aerospace engineering, and either going to grad school after that or pursuing a job in this field to make an impact in it.
Treasurer’s Committee
Charlotte Jagar
Assistant Treasurer
Chemical Engineering, 1EG
Interests: In my free time I love to hike when I’m feeling outdoorsy and read when I’m not! While it’s not my major, I also love coding and have several independent projects I like to work on.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate from UF with my B.S. in chemical engineering and go on to work in the pharmaceutical industry to work on medication development.
Sophia Dadla
Fundraising Chair
Computer Science, 3EG
Interests: I love doing anything outdoors with friends or family, especially surfing, running, and exploring nature trails. I’ve also been getting into baking and have loved experimenting with new recipes!
Career Goals: After college, I’d love to start working as a software engineer at a tech company where I can combine my passion for environmental science and technology!
