EMBARK Volunteers

Emma Anderson

Hello! My name is Emma Anderson and I am a rising junior in Chemical Engineering here at U of I. I have been involved in MEP since my freshman year, however this is my first time helping out at EMBARK! I look forward to meeting you all and helping you get a head start so you can become a campus expert before everyone else arrives!

Saliyah As-Salaam

Hi! My name is Saliyah, and I'm a senior from Chicago, majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I'm a part of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Empowering Minorities and Building Representation Across Civil and Environmental Engineering (EMBRACE), and the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs Inc. (NACWC) on campus. I am also a Co-Lead Engineering Learning Assistant (ELA) for first-year Civil and Environmental Engineering students. Outside of school, I like watching TV shows, drawing, painting, thrifting, and doing arts and crafts. Welcome to the University of Illinois and the MEP Community!I 

Lesly Beiza Medrano

Hi! I'm Lesly studying Systems Engineering and currently in my third year. I am involved with SHPE( Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and with MEP. In my free time, I like to play soccer, go to the gym or for a run and spend time with friends and family. 

Donllen Cooke

Hello! I am a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I participate in a variety of different RSO's on campus which connects me to wide range of people. Over the years I have learned that the obstacles in your path are the very things that make it special. 

JD Gamboa

Hey, my name is Julian Gamboa but you can call me JD. I’m at sophomore student in Nuclear Engineering with a business minor. 

Ella Greer

Hello! I am a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I’ve been a part of MEP and NSBE since my freshman year and I have loved every second of it. I’m also part of the Engineering Open House committee on campus. I love sports, music, and watching movies in my free time. 

Andy Guzman

Hey everyone! My name is Andy Guzman and I'm a sophomore studying Bioengineering. In my free time, I like to bike around, listen to music, and play the violin for Grupo Illini. 

Santiago Leyva

Hi, my name is Santiago (but most people call me Santi!) and I am a senior studying Mechanical Engineering. On campus, I work in the Kinetic Materials Research Lab and I’ve been involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) since I was a freshman. In my free time, I like to play soccer, try out new video games, and search for the world’s best burrito! 

Landon Lindsay

I’m Landon Lindsay, a junior studying Mechanical Engineering! On campus, I’m currently involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and InterVaristy Christian Fellowship. I like to spend time reading, gaming, playing sports/keeping active, and spending time enjoying nature and God’s creation! 

Maya Morales

Hi, my name is Maya! I am a rising Senior in Industrial Engineering. In my free time, I like to listen to music, bake/cook, hang out with friends, draw, and play video games. On campus, I'm involved with NOBE (National Organization of Business and Engineering) as the VP of Operations, and I'm a member of SCMA (Supply Chain Management Association).

Ashley Oliver

Hi, my name is Ashley Oliver! I am a senior majoring in Bioengineering with a Chemistry minor, and I am also on the varsity Track and Field team. On campus, I am involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). In my free time, I like to play golf and spend time with my friends and family.

Gerardo Paramo

Hello Everyone, my name is Gerardo Paramo and I am a Senior in Bioengineering and the current president for the UIUC chapter of SHPE! Outside of my classes you can usually find me, in my research lab (ask me about it!), on the field playing rugby, or working out. I've done quite a lot on campus and would love to share my experiences and tips for making the most of your four years at UIUC.

Paloma Pichardo

Paloma is an incoming sophomore majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Business. On campus, she serves as the B[U]ILT Marketing Director and is actively involved in SHPE and Illinois InterVarsity. She is from Houston, Texas and loves running in her free time.

Nayely Sandoval

Hello, my name is Nayely! I am a junior studying Civil Engineering and minoring in International Engineering and Spanish. On campus, I am involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Engineers in Action Bridge Program (EIA), STYL, and of course the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP). In my free time I love to read, run, thrift, spend time with friends, and see live music :3

Elise Tejeda

Hello! I'm Elise, a senior in Materials Science and Engineering with a focus area in polymers. Along with MEP, I am involved in Material Advantage as the Women in MatSE Chair, Keramos (matSE honors society), and SHPE. In my free time I enjoy baking, running, and trying new coffee shops.

Adora Ude

Sophia Witola Reyes

Hi! I'm Sophia, a Senior studying Bioengineering with a minor in Computer Science. I'm super involved with NSBE & CARE tutoring. I love running, books, music and movies!