Student Spotlights
Meet some of our outstanding students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom! Each month, we celebrate their achievements, passions, and the unique paths they’re forging toward success.
Elise Tejeda
Elise is a junior in Materials Science and Engineering. She’s actively involved in the Society of Hispanice Professional Engineers (SHPE), the upcoming MatSE Chair in Material Advantage, and a member of Keramos, the MatSE Honors Society.
Elise has served as an MEP Peer Mentor, Welcome Committee member, and EMBARK volunteer. She also conducts undergraduate research in the Sottos Group within the MatSE department.
Fun Fact: Elise enjoys lavender matcha.
Goal: She’s passionate about supporting underrepresented students in STEM and hopes to mentor others by sharing resources and experiences.
This semester, Elise participated in a Co-op at Sherwin Williams in Cleveland, Ohio, on the Polymer Engineering R&D Team. Her main project involved updating quality control specs for a solvent-based polymer, which included producing batches and running lab tests. She also collaborated with teams like Materials Testing, Chemical Synthesis, and the Paint Group, and even learned how to make architectural paint from start to finish.
Nayely Sandoval
Nayely is a sophomore in Civil Engineering with minors in International Engineering and Spanish. On campus, she serves as Membership Chair (SHPE), Secretary of Engineers in Action (EIA), and is a member of STYL.
She’s also an MEP Peer Mentor and conducts Contextual Engineering research under Dr. Ann-Perry Witmer. Her current project focuses on engineering and medical interventions for a Ch’orte’ Mayan community in Olopa, Guatemala.
Fun Fact: Nayely caught Steve Lacy’s guitar pick at his Gemini Rights tour in Chicago!
Goal: After visiting one of Pablo Neruda’s homes, she’s inspired to read more Spanish literature by authors like Juan Rulfo, Gabriel García Márquez, and Jorge Luis Borges.
This semester, Nayely studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she explored the city, made international friends, and immersed herself in the culture. She also visited Iguazu Falls, Ushuaia, Uruguay, and Chile—experiencing the region’s beauty and diversity.