What are one or two of your fondest memories that you made at Penn?

The most rewarding aspect of my time at Penn had nothing to do with my graduate research or courses. It had everything to do with having the opportunity to connect with and mentor students through the ODEI office. I am a huge believer in mentorship and the power that it has to not only inspire, but to catapult a student early in their career into doing great things. I think of mentorship, especially mentorship of first year students, as a "sling-shot" of sorts. As a mentee, you have an opportunity to accelerate your growth in many ways when paired with the right mentor. As a mentor, you really have a chance to help students with life-long habits like time management and resourcefulness. Having the chance to do that for the many bright students I came across in the 4-5 years I mentored was extremely rewarding to me. I recall the many meetings going over physics problems over and over again until everyone in the room truly understood the "why" behind the physics. I also look back at times when students came to me seeking advice, reassurance, or just someone who was willing to sit and listen. Those were my best moments at Penn.

What role did the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion play during your time at Penn?

ODEI gave me a "home" away from home. It gave me a space to come and relax, chat, see people from similar backgrounds to mine who were trying to achieve similar things to those I was chasing after. ODI gave me a space to expand my mentorship abilities and to continue to grow as a human being. I owe a lot of who I am as a mentor and as an emerging leader to ODI and the staff at the office.

If you could go back in time and mentor yourself at the beginning of your time at Penn, what would you say?

Ah, great question! I found my transition from undergrad to Penn graduate school extremely difficult. For a moment there, it didn't look like I was going to make it past my first year. I would tell my younger self to stay focused, worry less and just continue to work hard. I spent too much time thinking "what if" --- time I could have spent figuring out where my academic weaknesses were and addressing them. I would also tell my younger self to find more mentors who can step in and help!

What is your current career? Is this the career path you envisioned for yourself while at Penn?

I am a mechanical engineer and PI for a MEMS-Based laser communication system at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. I feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I love my job, I love the mission behind it and the technology is truly ground-breaking. I wake up each day knowing I make an impact.

What is a significant achievement or milestone you've accomplished since your time at Penn? Nothing is too small here!

I am very proud to be leading such a large effort (multi-year, multi-million, multi-sponsor) at the Lab after only being here a little more than two years. I have had the chance to meet and present to very senior government and department of defense officials (though sadly, I cannot name them here!). I look forward to what is to come in my career!

Broadly, what would you like ODEI students and alumni to know about you?

I am always an email or phone call away. I will find time to talk with you and help you. Whether it is a quick resume review, career advice, internship help, or connecting you with someone in my network. Please reach out to the ODEI staff - they all know how to get in touch with me. I repeat: Do not hesitate, I will find the time for you!