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
Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering and a packaging certificate. I plan to work in packaging design and manufacturing.
Zoe Szczesniak
Treasurer
Mechanical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love to be outdoors and do things like play beach volleyball, snowboard, and paddleboard. I also love to study outside when the weather is nice!
Career Goals:
Meet the Chairs
President’s Committee
Wendy To
eSwamp Director
Computer Engineering, 3EG
Interests: In my free time I enjoy going out with my friends to try new restaurants or make new dishes from recipes I find online. I also listen to lots of music and like putting together spotify playlists. Recently I’ve had the extra time to read and binge watch shows as well.
Career Goals: After completing my undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering, I hope to enter industry, as of this moment I’m still unsure what field I would like to specialize in. Currently I hope to land an internship and gain some experience before I graduate.
Elle Strauss
eSwamp Director
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: I love baking and cooking – my favorite dessert to bake are oatmeal raisin cookies. In my free time, I love hanging with my friends and family, watching TV shows and movies, listening to music, and playing board games.
Career Goals: After graduating with my undergraduate degree in Computer Science, I hope to work either in the software or data analytic side of the industry. I am also hoping to complete some internship experience throughout my time at UF to gain exposure to the industry.
Olivia McCrory
eSwamp Director
Mechanical Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I really enjoy being outside and going on new spontaneous adventures! I love hiking, longboarding, road tripping, and going to the beach!
Career Goals: I hope to find a company in industry I am passionate working for through future internships. My dream job is to use my mechanical engineering degree in vehicle manufacturing.
Andriana Detsis
Sustainability
Mechanical Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I really enjoy playing all kinds of sports (especially tennis), watching cooking and baking videos, reading, listening to indie pop, and getting involved in the community! I also love exploring the outdoors and biking. In my free time I like exploring Gainesville’s many trails and beautiful parks.
Career Goals: After graduating from UF with my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, I aspire to work with the environment. I would love to help create sustainable packaging, infrastructure, and/or work toward the overall goal of creating a greener and more environmentally friendly planet, all while inspiring others to do the same.
Kennedy Moes
Public Policy Chair
Biomedical Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I enjoy cooking and baking with friends or family. I LOVE being outdoors doing activities such as hiking, swimming, hammocking, or visiting state or national parks. Travelling in general is one of my passions, and one of my long term goals is to travel to all 7 continents.
Career Goals: Once I graduate with my bachelors in Biomedical Engineering I hope to continue my education and go to veterinary school! Otherwise I will pursue a career in the biomedical industry where I would love to be involved in research.
Sophia Dadla
Intramural Sports Chair
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: I love doing anything outdoors with friend and family such as hiking, surfing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing in my hammock in Plaza of the Americas! I’m also an avid lifter and love playing any kind of sport, especially volleyball. I have have a newfound interest in cooking and look forward to trying new vegan recipes.
Career Goals: I’m not sure exactly what area I want to work in yet but I hope to work as a software engineer at a tech company after getting my BE. However I’m definitely interested in something that combines computer science with my love for biology or environmental science.
Maya Dunn
Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Director
Mechanical Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I love to draw and read whenever I can! My favorite things to draw are tattoo designs or animals. I also love going wall climbing whenever I go visit family.
Career Goals: After my Bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue a Master’s in either Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering. From there, I plan to pursue a career researching and developing medical devices or robotics.
Gloria Mai
Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Director
Biological Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I love to get a good workout (especially legs) session in at the gym and go distance running. In my free time, I am either online shopping, cooking, or watching my comfort shows Garfield and Spongebob.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Engineering with a specialization in Packaging Engineering. At the moment, I am still exploring what part of the packaging industry I want to pursue, but I am looking towards food! I am also interested in developing sustainable biomaterials or repurposable/reusable materials to ultimately create a more circular economy and reduce packaging pollution.
Internal Committee
Ayushi Elhence
Social Chair
Biomedical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I enjoy drawing, baking, and hanging out with my friends. I love watching TV shows; I’m currently rewatching Modern Family. I also like to stay active by lifting, walking, and playing sports recreationally like volleyball and pickleball.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate UF with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering. After graduation, I hope to go into industry but I am also interested in pursuing a career in research. I also hope to earn a Master’s degree.
Wendy To
Social Chair
Computer Engineering, 3EG
Interests: In my free time I enjoy going out with my friends to try new restaurants or make new dishes from recipes I find online. I also listen to lots of music and like putting together Spotify playlists. Recently I’ve had the extra time to read and binge watch shows as well.
Career Goals: After completing my undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering, I hope to enter industry, as of this moment I’m still unsure what field I would like to specialize in. Currently I hope to land an internship and gain some experience before I graduate.
Morgan Congdon
Formal Chair
Materials Science and Engineering, 2EG
Interests:
Hobbies: Volleyball, Swimming, Reading
Academic: Materials characterization, thin films, and semiconductors.
Career Goals: My current goal is to get an internship in either a national or private laboratory, hopefully working on materials characterization and failure analysis.
Caroline Deacon
Formal Chair
Mechanical Engineering, 1EG
Interests: If there’s a home football game, I’m definitely there! I enjoy going to games, hanging out with friends, spending time with my pets (and showing off pictures of them), crocheting, photography, listening to music (anything from Fall Out Boy to Prince or Noah Kahan) and being outdoors.
Career Goals: After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, I aim to pursue a Master’s either in Aerospace or Mechanical before joining the industry. I’d like to pick up a minor in Sociology as well.
Adriana LaVopa
STEAM Team Chair
Materials Science and Engineering, 3EG
Interests: In my free time, I love exploring new fantasy worlds through reading books, playing games, and creating artwork. My current obsessions are the Stormlight Archive books by Brandon Sanderson and the game Hollow Knight. I also love indoor rock climbing and I am pursuing a linguistics minor!
Career Goals: After graduating with my undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering, I’m planning on pursuing a graduate degree. In the long term, I want to build a career in materials research for a more sustainable future.
Ella Khaw
STEAM Team Chair
Biomedical Engineering, 3EG
Interests: No matter what I’m doing, I’m always listening to some sort of audio and am constantly on the hunt for cute, small objects to add to my collection! I enjoy visiting zoos/aquariums, painting my nails, playing videogames, and gardening. I also love hanging out with friends and eating yummy food!
Career Goals: After graduating UF, I hope to work in the medical device industry. I’m especially interested in cardiovascular adjacent work like stents, but I’d love to work in any role that allows me to make a positive impact on the biomedical field. Currently unsure if I’ll be pursuing grad school, but hopefully I’ll figure that out soon!
Clarissa Cheung
Team Tech Chair
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I love drawing, reading web novels, playing video games, cross stitching, and listening to music. However, recently I picked up crocheting as well which I’m really enjoying.
Career Goals: Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and in the future, I would like to work as a software engineer where I can contribute something positive back to society. However, I’m not exactly sure which field I would like to specialize in, so I’m hoping that my future internships would help me decide.
Dylan Garrison
Team Tech Chair
Aerospace Engineering, 3EG
Interests: I have a lot of different activities I like to do in my free time but I do love to read, watch movies, do puzzles, and go to the beach when I’m not spending time with my family and friends. I also like to stay active with dancing or soccer and travel whenever I get the chance.
Career Goals: I plan to work for an Aerospace Defense Company with NASA as the end goal. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and minor in business administration, I hope to possibly get my Master’s degree in project management or aerospace.
External Committee
Emily Lu
Talk & Tour Coordinator
Computer Science, 3EG
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and watching movies. I also love dancing and dance for Dancing Gators.
Career Goals: When I graduate from my bachelors, I want to work in the tech industry as a software engineer.
Rebekah Cristobol
Off-Campus Outreach Chair
Aerospace Engineering, 2EG
Interests: In my spare time, I like to do my nails and watch tv ( some of my favorite shows are that 70s show and american horror story). I am always listening to music… some of my favorite artists are Beyonce, Kali Uchis, Flozigg, Steve Lacy, Kaytranada, Kendrick Lamar and Tyler the Creator. Also, I love Krishna so passionately, especially Thursday Krishna <3
Career Goals: I plan on receiving my Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering, and hopefully decide whether I want to attain a minor in astronomy or go straight for a Masters. I would like to work primarily in astronautics, perhaps for a company like NASA because I feel like there is so much progress to make and also because it would put me in a closer proximity to the research world.
Kylie King
Volunteering Chair
Civil Engineering, 1EG
Interests: I love reading, art, and animals! My pets are basically a small zoo. My favorite food is pad thai, so you’ll probably find me in one of the local thai restaurants one of these days.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a BS in Civil Engineering and possibly a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Engineering Certificate. As of now, I’m particularly interested in sustainable urban design and coastal resiliency.
Aanya Bhandari
Dance Marathon Chair
Computer Science, 1EG
Interests: In my free time, I create south-asian fusion music with Gator Awaaz, play golf, and attend hackathons. I love creating small projects with circuitry and tinker with them when I can. I am also a huge F1 fan and watch the races/ practices most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Currently, I am working on expanding my lego car collection with F1 chassis.
Career Goals: I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and am looking to work in research and development in surgical robotics through a PhD program after graduation.
Natalie Carter
Dance Marathon Chair
Aerospace Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I am an avid sports fan. My favorite sports to watch are football and baseball and my favorite sports to play are golf and softball. I also love roller coasters, road trips, playing games, early 2000s tv shows, listening to music, and will never turn down a chance to spend time with friends and family.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a minor in sales engineering. After graduation, I would love to work anywhere that gives me the opportunity to participate in space exploration or the aerospace and defense industry.
Corresponding Committee
Kaylie Martling
Evening with Industry Chair
Environmental Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love to read (especially rom coms!) spend time outside, go on walks around campus and Gainesville, play piano, travel, and Taylor Swift. I also really love nature and plants. My freshman year I grew a tomato plant and had fresh tomatoes all semester. Now, I’m currently trying to grow peppers.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate with a degree in Environmental Engineering and hopefully work in a job related to sustainability and environmental restoration. I would love to work in the field or a lab and research as well.
Katelyn Rivadulla
Mentoring Chair
Industrial & Systems Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I love reading, soccer, watching the sunset, listening to music, and spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy learning new skills and I am always down to play any sort of games (card, board, video, sports, etc.)!
Career Goals: I plan to graduate from UF with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering along with an Engineering Leadership certificate. I am working towards gaining internship experience to determine if I am more passionate about optimizing processes in the theme park industry or manufacturing industry!
Gabrielle Motilal
Grad Liaison
Masters in Materials Science and Engineering
Interests: My area of interest is renewable energy and my area of research are batteries since efficient energy storage systems are required to make renewable energy systems more reliable. In my spare time, I love binging korean dramas and speaking Japanese. My most favorite activity in the world right now is to problem solve – it’s super exciting!
Career Goals: To be a proud female engineer that inspires other women into thriving within the engineering profession.
Julliete Alraheb
Career Development Chair
Chemical Engineering, 2EG
Interests: I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, crotching, and reading mystery books.
Career Goals: In the future, I would like to work as an supply chain manufacturing engineer for an engineering firm or a food and beverages company.
Recording Committee
Sophia Vellozzi
Graphic Designer
Computer Science, 4EG
Interests: I love being active and doing things outdoors! I really enjoy working out, yoga, running, and playing tennis. I also love cooking and reading in my free time!
Career Goals: After graduation, I want to work in industry as a Software Engineer, doing meaningful work that combines my passions and interests with engineering and allows me to constantly learn. I also strive to continue to advocate for women in STEM through my work.
Allyssa Collier
Graphic Designer
Biomedical Engineering, 1EG
Interests: In my free time, I love doing anything related to arts and crafts! I spend a lot of time drawing, crocheting, cooking, building, and designing. I also enjoying fitness and spending time with friends and family!
Career Goals: I hope to attend graduate school to get a PhD in Biomedical Science with a concentration on Molecular Biology to work on developing gene therapies for genetic diseases.
Elise Brown
Public Relations Chair
Environmental Engineering, 1EG
Interests: In my free time I love playing the piano, doing hip-hop fitness, cycling, or working on a puzzle. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a huge coffee fan and I love trying new recipes with my Nespresso!
Career Goals: After graduating, I hope to go to law school. I plan to either pursue patent law or work with sustainable infrastructure development.
Tina Chi
Social Media Chair
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: I love food! I enjoy watching food videos, cooking delicious meals (for/with friends), and trying new restaurants. I also love photography and cinematography because they allow me to share my perspective through the lens. Additionally, I enjoy the process of programming useful applications that make life more convenient (I admit, I can be quite lazy…). To relax, I enjoy spending time with friends and being outdoors in nature.
Career Goals: After college, I want to go into the industry and potentially pursue a masters degree. I am also interested in entrepreneurial endeavors within tech.
Lexi Szafranski
Social Media Chair
Computer Science, 2EG
Interests: In my free time, I love hanging out with friends and family , binging random cringy TV shows, and going shopping. I also am a huge adrenaline junky, I have already been skydiving twice and am hoping to go again soon. I’m always open to trying new things though, so you’ll probably find me jumping in and out of hobbies.
Career Goals: I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but I’m not entirely sure what direction I want to take my career in. However, I’m excited for whatever the future holds and I’m confident that I’ll find a fulfilling and enjoyable path.
Madelyn Hotaling
Historian
Environmental Engineering, 1EG
Interests: I’m very passionate about the environment and all things climate change related. I also love dancing, kickboxing, listening to music, and reading!
Career Goals: I hope to get a PhD in Geoengineering and go into climate change research in the future, specifically in the field of research and design for geoengineering solutions.
Vivian Fernandez
Historian
Aerospace Engineering, 2EG
Interests: When time allows, I read comics. When finances allow, I collect them. Otherwise, you will find me admiring the stationary I love to acquire and seldom use, or starting the TV shows I likely won’t finish. I am deeply committed to the craft of Pokémon Go, however, so feel free to reach out and nerd out with me any time!
Career Goals: It is my intent to graduate with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in Material Sciences. One of my special interests lies in studying the overlap between these two fields! Specifically, the effect of space weather phenomena on materials commonly used in aircraft and spacecraft, and the consequences of this extended exposure. Beyond my long-term research plans, I hope to score a position at a major Aerospace firm and expand my arsenal of mechanical design programs I’m experienced with!
Treasurer’s Committee
Zoë Szczesniak
Assistant Treasurer
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 1EG
Interests: I love to play beach volleyball, snowboard, paddle board, exercise, spend time with friends, and read. I also enjoy trying new things and gaining new experiences. My favorite thing to do is to sit outside while listening to music during summer.
Career Goals: I plan to graduate UF with a Bachelors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, along with the AI Fundamentals and Applications certificate. With this, I want to have a role at a company where I can work on developing solutions to make a positive impact in the world.
