MEP Welcome Committee

Physics postdoc Hector Silva discusses relativistic theories of gravity in black holes and neutron stars
Adora Ude, Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2028.

Abdul Olagbenro

My name is Abdul or can call me Abdulito (Lito for short) and I'm a sophomore studying Systems Engineering and Design. I enjoy gaming time to time, playing soccer, and taking photos (photography page is LitbyLito). I'm heavily involved in both MEP and NSBE and can't wait to see you around.

Adrian Marquez, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Adora Ude

Hello! My name is Adora and I’m a sophomore majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I’m a Senator for the UIUC National Society of Black Engineers and heavily involved in MEP. Now I’m not one to gossip, but did y’all hear the rumor about butter? Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it.

 
Aisha SalauAshley Oliver, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Aisha Salua

Hello! My name is Aisha Salau. I am a freshman majoring in Computer Engineering. I love knitting, crocheting, and baking. A fun fact about me is I have a twin and my younger siblings are also twins!!

Donllen Cooke, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2027.

Andrea Martinez

My name is Andrea Martinez, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Aerospace Engineering! I love playing volleyball and always having a random side quest!
 
Elaina Gipson, Civil Engineering, Class of 2028.

Andy Guzman

My name is Andy Guzman! I am currently a sophomore in Bioengineering and interested in pursuing a minor in Electrical Engineering. Outside of my classes, I'm a CARE tutor for Grainger, a violinist for Grupo Illini, and the Chapter Development Lead for SHPE.

 
Ashley Oliver, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

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.

 

Benjamin Cerda-Menchaca

Hello! I am a freshman studying Systems Engineering & Design, with a Secondary Field elective in Digital Prototyping. On campus, I'm involved with I-Robotics, HackIllinois, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). In my free time I love to tinker around with different design concepts in Fusion360, and create new language writing scripts. One day I hope to design a giant mech!

 
Gerardo Paramo, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Camilla Forero

Hi there! My name is Camilla Forero and I am studying Computer Science and Molecular Cellular Biology. On campus, I am involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Women in Computer Science, and Re: verie. Outside of class, you will probably see me learning a new K-Pop dance, listening to an audiobook, or finding a new cafe to study at.

 
Isaiah Neal-Webster, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Ceejay Costes Arana

Hi! My name is Ceejay Costes Arana, and I am a Junior studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I am the Treasurer for SHPE|UIUC.

 
Kamila Castillo, Environmental Engineering, Class of 2026.

Chinasa Nwosu

Hi! My name is Chinasa Nwosu and I'm a Sophomore in Computer Engineering! I love rock-climbing, biking, working out, and I've been recently taking up the piano. If you have questions ranging from best computers for college, to greatest albums of all time, feel free to reach out!

Landon Lindsay, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2027.

Daniella Anighoro

Hi, I am Daniella Anighoro, a freshman studying Bioengineering. I am part of MEP, SWE, WIE, ISP, and NSBE, so I am always finding new ways to connect, collaborate, and celebrate diversity on campus. Outside of studies, I love to run, watch a good TV show, and hang out with friends. 

 
Lesly Beiza Medrano, Systems Engineering, Class of 2028.

Diana Gonzalez

Hi! My name is Diana Gonzalez and I'm a freshman majoring in Physics. I'm involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), where I’m the Community Service Chair Counterpart. We work with other RSOs, local schools, and the community to connect college students with community members through volunteer opportunities. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching shows, and reading.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Donllen Cooke

Hello! My name is Donllen Cooke a Junior in Mechanical Engineering at UIUC. I affiliate with a variety of different RSO's on campus including NSBE, ACA, EACC, ASME, ACTs. I love being active and make an active effort to stay connected with my hobbies as well as my friends. 

Santiago Leyva, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Ehiosa Ighodaro

Hello! My name is Ehiosa, and I'm a junior in Computer Engineering. As an aspiring engineer, I'm very excited to see what I can do with the skills that I've developed during my time at UIUC. In my free time, I like to play video games, go on walks, spend time with friends, and try new restaurants!

 
Sophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Elise Tejeda

Hi! My name is Elise and I am a senior in Materials Science and Engineering. On campus I am involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Materials Advantage, as well as undergraduate research in the MatSE department. In my free time I enjoy running, crocheting, and baking. My favorite coffee spot on campus is Brewlab.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Fabian Uribe

What up! My name is Fabian Uribe, and I am a freshman studying Mechanical Engineering. On campus, I'm involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Engineering Ambassadors, Greek Life, and Secretary of Travelling Illini. In my free time, catch me at the ARC playing ping pong, watching Netflix, or playing video games.

 
Santiago Leyva, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Gabriela Kako

Hello! My name is Gabriela Kako and I am currently a freshman in Bioengineering. On campus I am involved in Illinois Robotics in Space and Society of Women Engineers. In my free time I like hanging out with friends and cooking.

 
Sophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

JD Gamboa

My name is JD Gamboa and I am a Nuclear Engineer. My goal in life is to create long-lasting positive impacts in my world or community. I am a determined and driven engineer, one who will accomplish this goal no matter what.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Jocelyn Morales

Hi, my name is Jocelyn Morales, and I'm a freshman majoring in Bioengineering. I am involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Women in Engineering (WIE) and the Illinois Scholars Program (ISP). In my free time, I like playing volleyball and tennis, thrifting, baking, and reading. I am excited to be a part of this committee, and I look forward to meeting you all!

 
Santiago Leyva, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Jojo Poku

Hello! My name is Jojo Poku and I am a freshman studying Civil Engineering. I am involved in National Society of Black Engineers and Club Track. In my free time outside of class, you'll find me playing my saxophone, playing different sports, or climbing at the ARC wall. I look forward to meeting you all and helping you transition into UIUC!

 
Sophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Kamila Castillo

Hello, I'm Kamila Castillo, and I'm a senior studying Environmental Engineering. On campus, I'm involved with (SHPE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and do research with osyter castles in the EEL group. For fun, I enjoy reading, adult coloring books, and hiking.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Landon Lindsay

I am a Mechanical Engineering student that is involved in clubs such as American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), InterVarsity, ACTS, and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). In my free time, I enjoy photography, listening to/making music, and playing sports. I also enjoy spending time with community, whether that be studying with those in Mechanical Engineering or attending social events for different RSOs.

 
Santiago Leyva, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Lesly Beiza Medrano

Hello! My name is Lesly. I'm a junior in Systems Engineering. Outside of academics involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers along with ARISE, TRIO SSS. For fun I enjoy playing soccer, working out, and reading! 

 
ISophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Maya Morales

Hi! I'm Maya, a senior in Industrial Engineering. Currently, I am very involved with the National Organization of Business and Engineering (NOBE) and the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP). In my free time, I really enjoy playing volleyball (I just started to play intramurals!), listening to music, and trying out new food spots.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Mia Chavez

I am a sophomore majoring in Materials Science and Engineering and an ARISE scholar. I am particularly interested in the sustainability aspects of MATSE and how materials can contribute to a more environmentally responsible future. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, hiking, and spending time outdoors.

 
Santiago Leyva, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026.

Michelle Hernandez

Hi! My name is Michelle Hernandez! I am a first generation student currently majoring in Computer Science. Outside of being part of MEP, I'm a member in Women in Computer Science and SIGPWNY (under ACM). In my down time, I love listening to music and learning new things and I'm always down for meeting new people! I'm excited to get to know you all!

 
Sophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Morgan Henderson

Hey everyone! My name is Morgan and I am a freshman majoring in Electrical Engineering. On campus I am the Secretary of the Freshman Leadership Experience and involved with the National Society of Black Engineers. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, binge watching shows, and trying new activities.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Nayley Sandoval

Hello, my name is Nayely! I am a junior studying Civil Engineering and minoring in International Engineering specializing in Latin America. On campus, I am involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Engineers in Action Bridge Program (EIA), participated in a handful of study abroad programs, and of course part of the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP). In my free time I love to read, run, thrift, collect trinkets, wear silly socks, spend time with friends, and see live music :3

 
Sophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Saliyah As-Salaam

Hi! My name is Saliyah, and I'm a senior majoring in Civil Engineering. I’m involved in 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). I also serve as a Co-Lead Engineering Learning Assistant (ELA) for first-year Civil and Environmental Engineering students. Outside of school, I love watching TV shows, drawing, painting, thrifting, and doing arts and crafts.I look forward to meeting you all and staying connected as you begin your journey at Illinois!

 
Sophia Witola Reyes, Bioengineering, Class of 2026.

Kathure Kiunga

Hello! My name is Kathure Kiunga and I am a current Junior in Electrical Engineering with minors in Semiconductor Engineering and Technology and Management. In my free time, I like to watch movies and hang out with my friends on the quad!

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Santiago Leyva

My name is Santi and I am a senior studying Mechanical Engineering. On campus, I serve as the Undergraduate Outreach Lead in the Graduate Committee for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Kinetic Materials research lab that is testing the feasibility of in-orbit space manufacturing. In my free time, I like to watch movies, dine out, and play sports. I look forward to connecting with you!

 

Scott Kozien

Hi, my name is Scott Leal Kozien, and I am studying Aerospace Engineering. I enjoy learning about space, listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. I also love to learn and help others, which is why I chose engineering as my major, it enables me to help people whenever possible. 

 

Skylar Hunter

Hi! My name is Skylar Hunter and I'm a freshman in Mechanical Engineering. On campus, I am apart of the Campus Honors Program (CHP) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Outside of studying, I love painting, drawing, thrifting, and eating good food.

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Sophia Witola Reyes

Hi! My name is Sophia, and I'm a senior studying Bioengineering with a minor in Computer Science! On campus, I am a part of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) & I'm a Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE) tutor. When I'm not studying, you will find me on a long run, reading, making playlists on Spotify, or at a cafe. MEP has been an integral part of my college journey, and I'm so excited to welcome you into our special community :)

 

Sylvia Velazquez

Hello! My name is Sylvia Velazquez, and I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering! I love to listen to music, watch movies, and baking and on campus I am very involved in MEP. I hope you enjoy MEP as much as I do!

 

Ulysses Zavala

Hello! My name is Ulysses Zavala, I am a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. I was born and raised in the far southeast side of Chicago. I chose to study engineering because of my lifelong passion for cars, and my dream is to design internal combustion engines. 

 
Montse Sanchez, Computer Science, Class of 2027.

Yasmin Navarro

Hello!! My name is Yasmin Navarro and I am a freshman in Civil Engineering. On campus I am involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and a Professional Engineering Fraternity, Theta Tau! I am from Chicago IL where I love to explore and find delicious food places around the City. I also love playing soccer, crafting, and talking with others! :) 

 

Yasmine Rios

My name is Yasmine Rios, and I am a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering. I am actively involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, where I serve as the High School Outreach Director, and I previously supported incoming students as an MEP Peer Mentor. I also conduct undergraduate research through the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department. Currently, I am applying to graduate school to continue pursuing my interests in sustainable engineering.