Here at Georgia Tech, our students are more than their major. Many of our students participate in one or more of the 400 student organizations found on campus, the co-op program, the internship program, study abroad, and much more. Below are a collection of Student Profiles from undergraduate WIE Champions and scholarship winners.

Amanda Lang

Materials Science and Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT? 

From Duluth, GA and I chose GT because of its amazing MSE department - heard about the endless opportunities for research, internships, etc.

How did you choose your specific major?

I love to design things, but am interested in materials on a more fundamental (than, say, mechanical engineering) but still functional level. Materials is such a broad field; you become versatile with your knowledge, which can be useful in various engineering applications.

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)?

I am working at a law firm right now, but last summer I had the opportunity to intern at one of Procter & Gamble's paper plants (Charmin & Bounty). My projects were industrial-engineering focused and I was able to learn a lot about process improvement and their company culture.  I serve on the state board of a community service organization called Circle K, which has clubs all over the world - we get to do service locally like at the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Bellwood Boys & Girls Club, but what makes us special is that we get to collaborate with other clubs across the state, like Georgia State University and UGA.

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

GT throws you in a very academically challenging environment, but, it's nice to be surrounded by so many motivated and intelligent individuals who are happy to help you grow and succeed. I like that GT students are defined by what they do outside of coursework. The work-hard play-hard mentality is very present on campus. I also am a sucker for cities, so I love being close to Buckhead, Ponce, Atlantic Station, etc. 

What do you hope to do in the future?  

I am still exploring my options!  

Ananya Jain

Ananya Jain
Materials Science and Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT?

I’m from the mountains of Kashmir, and I always knew that I needed a school like Georgia Tech to expand my horizons. The main reasons I wanted to come all the way to GT include: the focus on building sound technical skills, the up and coming startup culture, and the Yellow Jackets’ flying club for budding pilots! I knew that GT would be the place that would equip me with what was needed to spread my wings and fly (quite literally!), and I’ve not been disappointed- my education here has opened numerous doors for my future.  

How did you choose your specific major?

During my time in India, I interned with the Government’s nanoscience division and worked on graphene characterization and production, among other things- so materials science and engineering(MSE) seemed to be the obvious next step in that fascinating journey. However, I started off as pre-med Biochemistry at Tech to try out something different from my experience in India. Quickly though, my love for working with materials drew me back to MSE!  

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)?

In my free time at Tech, I run a startup called FullCircle that focuses on giving emotional support bringing together people from different countries, and different disciplines of study to solve the most pressing problems we face as a generation. We’re currently looking building an augmented reality and sensory enhancement device that aims to solve the obesity epidemic, mainly in the US. I work closely with the High Strain Gas-Gun Lab at the MSE department under Professor Thadhani on using quantum dots as mesoscale pressure sensors, also. Over the weekends, I divide my time between being with friends and jamming with them on my guitar, and on working toward my Private Pilots’ License!

https://www.teamfullcircle.org/ 

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

I love the drive and optimism that GT students have--everyone on campus is involved with amazing things in the scientific, social, and academic arena. There is certainly a sense of responsibility among the student body to perform well above the expected standard- I think it comes with the knowledge that we have great exposure and access to world-class research and facilities that we can be using to shape the future.  

What do you hope to do in the future?

Right now, I’m still a student, and I hope to devote my skills with dedication to a central mission. With my startup, I’ve definitely been able to explore a niche that I can call my own, and say that we’re working on cutting-edge, tech-based solutions to some of the most wicked challenges of our time. I hope to continue on with this sense of mission and passion, and really devote myself to building something bigger than just my personal ambitions in life.

Katelynn Phang

Biomedical Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT?

I am from Katy, Texas, and chose GT because it felt like home. The summer after my sophomore year of high school, I took a two week “vacation” and took a road trip to visit a bunch of different universities on my list. I was impressed and amazed by all of them, but only one gave me a feeling that I absolutely belonged. One of the first people I met on this campus was President Bud Peterson, who was gracious enough to give me directions and encourage me to pick the school that I felt could help me succeed the most. The people (faculty and students), the atmosphere, and, of course, the incredible Biomedical Engineering program gave me all the reasons I needed to make GT my dream school.

How did you choose your specific major?

I chose Biomedical Engineering because of the promise that it holds in terms of research and innovation. I have aspired to make an impact on the medical community since I was a child, but also wanted the logistical and mathematical components that engineering has to offer. Also, since BME is a relatively new major, I believe that it can evolve to fit the needs of the medical field as it changes. In this way, its impact can be widespread, unpredictable, and directed by the next leaders of the engineering field. Biomedical engineers also learn and draw from many different kinds of engineering. This makes BME, to me, one of the most interesting forms of engineering. 

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)?

This past summer, I worked in a company in Hsinchu, Taiwan as a medical device evaluation intern. Getting to live in a different country on my own and having the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and language in a business/company setting was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had the privilege to encounter. Now at Tech, I am currently involved in immunotherapy research with the Krish Roy lab. We are working on a universal flu vaccine and studying various nano/microparticles as well as particular steps in transfection and translation. I really appreciate the people in this lab and how willing they are to teach me about anything and everything regarding our experiments. I have had the chance to learn numerous assays (lab procedures) and create my own procedures and experiments to run. 

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

GT is full of opportunities. The Invention Studio, Aero Makerspace, the free tutoring, and the career fair and resume workshops are just a few examples of the many things that Georgia Tech has to offer. The maker spaces allow us aspiring engineers to bring our ideas to life with accessible 3D printers, drills, water jets, etc. The free tutoring gives me peace of mind knowing that there is always someone I can ask or turn to if I have issues in any of my classes. The career fair and resume workshops provide places to improve my interviewing skills and give me the chance to effectively put what I’ve learned into practice by having a setting to explore possible internships, co-ops, or even full-time jobs. 

What do you hope to do in the future?

In the far future, I hope to be able to run my own lab. I aspire to someday be on the frontlines of research as one of those next generation leaders that can help guide the direction that medical science takes. Before that, I am hoping to gain industry experience to better understand the current field, and eventually obtain a PhD. 

Melanie Weaver

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT?

I am from Shamong, New Jersey. Georgia Tech had been a dream of mine since the beginning of high school. I found Georgia Tech because of its high academic ranking, especially in engineering. That’s not why I chose to go here, though. What ultimately finalized my decision to come to Tech was how I felt here. It felt like home. When I toured other campuses it was beautiful, great place to be. But touring Tech, I really could see myself living here. It felt safe, exciting, and as I said before, it felt like home.

How did you choose your specific major?

I chose Electrical Engineering because of my involvements with electronics in my FIRST Robotics Competition team in high school. I didn’t plan on joining the electrical subteam when I first joined, but immediately my freshmen year a senior took me under his wing on the Electrical side of robotics. And I loved it. The next year I became the lead of that part of the team and furthered my passion for Electrical Engineering.

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)? 

I am currently involved in a lot around campus. I am one of the directors for the iGniTe Advisory Board, founded the Spark Mentorship Program, represent Summer Sessions on the Office of Undergraduate Education Student Advisory Board, and am on Wreck Camp staff. I put my heart and soul into my activities, just as I do my classes. Being involved around campus has helped me to find my family at Tech and relieve the stress of courses and other parts of academic life.

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

What I like best about Georgia Tech is the people. Everywhere you go on campus you see friendly faces open to conversation. You can bond over having difficult classes, similar interests, anything. The people are here to help you in your most difficult times and laugh with you in the happiest. The faculty often treats you as a friend rather than an inferior. You can build relationships with your professors, advisors, or any member of staff on campus. Yes, it’s nice being in the 5th best public university in the country, according to US News, but the rankings aren’t what makes Tech great. The students and faculty of Georgia Tech have changed who I am as a person, and I can’t thank them enough.

What do you hope to do in the future?

My top goal for the future is to work on robots for deep sea exploration. It’s a far ways away, but Georgia Tech is shaping me perfectly into the engineer and person that I need to be in order to achieve that dream.

Amanda Wijntjes

Biomedical Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT?

I’m from Annapolis, MD. I received a flyer in the mail from GT and researched the undergraduate BME program. I was familiar with John Hopkins’ BME program living so close to Baltimore, MD; however, after seeing that GT’s BME program was #1 in the country at the time, I added it to my top choices. I flew down with my dad to tour and fell in love with the campus, the opportunities for research, and the city of Atlanta.

How did you choose your specific major?

Until junior year of high school, I thought I wanted to become an environmental engineer.  This is when I thought I had it all figured out with academics and sports, and then tore my ACL playing varsity soccer. My surgeon was one of the first female orthopedic surgeons to work for a national football team, the Baltimore Ravens. I took advantage of the visits I had with her to talk about the current technologies she uses in her surgical procedures. She also designed a physical therapy center to ensure successful recoveries for professional and college athletes. Meeting with her and observing the devices used at the physical therapy center inspired me to pursue biomedical engineering. I became passionate about wanting to make a difference in patients’ lives, and design medical devices that are geared towards preventing injuries, shortening recovery time from serious injuries, and minimizing the risk of re-injury. I added a Computer Science minor to my major after taking CS 1371 (MATLAB) and really enjoying the course.

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)?

On campus, I’m actively involved in BME FUTURES (BME ambassadors), Society of Women Engineers (VP of Finance), Health Reach, Women in Engineering M&M and Greek Life (Zeta Tau Alpha). I’m also an undergraduate grader for one of my favorite classes at GT, BMED 3520 (Biomedical Systems and Modeling). Applying the knowledge gained from my undergraduate studies, I have been driven to achieve success and personal growth through my internships and on campus research. I’ve had prestigious internships at PwC, a global Fortune 500 consulting firm, and Medtronic, the largest medical device company in the world. As part of a Georgia Tech research team led by Dr. Lindsey, I developed a novel set-up to assess and conduct blood flow dynamics in 3D using ultrasound for patient-derived complex flow scenarios. This research was recently published and introduces the first generation of anatomically accurate 3D functional models of the developing human heart. Currently, one of my favorite classes is BMED 4602 (BME Capstone), where students work in teams of 4 or 5 towards the end of their GT career to solve complex medical device problems. My team is working to develop a reliable, low-cost, and easy-to-use screening tool for clinicians that will provide objective and quantitative evidence regarding infant suction strength. We plan for physicians to use this information when deciding on treatment and breastfeeding plans for newborns.

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

I really enjoy GT because everyone is so supportive. GT fosters a collaborative environment unlike the competitive atmosphere that characterizes other top engineering institutes. Students are willing to offer advice about which classes to take, how to balance workloads, and discuss complex topics. The professors at GT are incredibly approachable and are extremely willing to help students. I also like GT because of the campus diversity and the acceptance of students with varied backgrounds, interests, and goals.

What do you hope to do in the future?

After graduation, I will be able to fulfill my career goal of making a difference in patient lives by working at Merck, a leading pharmaceutical company, as an Associate Engineer in their Technical Operations Rotational program. This program will also allow me to combine my passions for CS and Engineering. Once I begin my career, I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s in CS or Systems Engineering, or an MBA. I’m eager to begin making a difference in the healthcare industry and will continue pursuing my passion for mentoring younger girls in STEM related fields. 

Taylor Dingler

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT?

I’m from Newnan, Georgia, which is a smaller town outside of metro-Atlanta. It’s not known for producing engineers, but it was certainly an amazing place filled with family and friends that led me to pursue engineering. I chose Georgia Tech because it is both close to home and a phenomenal school for Computer Engineering, where I can pursue my passion and interest in software and how technology works today.  

How did you choose your specific major?

I chose Computer Engineering because I enjoyed my high school coding class, and I have always been fascinated in computers and how they work. By 14, I had successfully taken apart and then reassembled a laptop. The following years I spent free time fixing my friends’ computers and looking into how malware worked. I wanted to do more hands-on work, and at Georgia Tech, I’ve spent time working directly on robots and coding projects in teams.

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)?

Currently, I’m serving as the Director of Internal Affairs of the GT Residence Hall Association with ~8800 members. I handle a lot of IT and internal processes of the organization. I am also working on learning the malware analysis tools for the Cyber Forensics Innovation Laboratory to help out with projects. 

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

I love Georgia Tech’s spirit. The campus lights up every football game, and we have a great time whenever we win or lose. There are also a lot of fun spots on campus to find, and a variety of places to study outside of housing areas. Tech gives many opportunities to be a part of something bigger, which is something I had looked for in a school, and encourages people to collaborate/get involved with groups that share your passions and interests. Finally, I love this school's location in the heart of Atlanta. There’s always something going on throughout the week.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I hope to go to graduate school and earn a PhD in Computer Science, and I would love to work either in Software Engineering or Cybersecurity. I’ve loved the research field, so my ultimate goal is to develop programs and methods that impact the computer industry. 

Charitty Tuttle

Industrial & Systems Engineering

Where are you from and why did you choose GT?

I am from the small, lovely town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. All through high school, I was focused on liberal arts, and Georgia Tech was one school I had immediately written off. However, my junior year of high school, I realized my how much I enjoyed math. I ended up choosing Georgia Tech because I knew it would challenge me, push me outside of my comfort zone, and force me to grow in new ways.

How did you choose your specific major?

As I mentioned before, I was never really drawn to STEM until I fell in love with math late in my high school career. I chose to study industrial engineering because it gave me the opportunity to combine math and engineering skills with the business world. It doesn’t hurt that Georgia Tech has the #1 Industrial Engineering program in the country.

What are you working on (projects, internships, etc.)?

I am a Technical Analyst co-op for Coca-Cola, and I am involved in multiple organizations on campus. I am the president of Georgia Tech’s chapter of Stempower, an organization that mentors girls to promote confidence and interest in STEM. I give presentations about sexual violence on campus as a VOICE Peer Educator, and I am a Team Leader for the Women in Leadership GT1000 section.

What do you like best about GT? What’s great about studying here?

Every year that I’ve been here, I’ve fallen more in love with Tech. It is full of ambitious, encouraging people who constantly push you to do better. Being a woman in engineering makes me feel so empowered. There are tons of opportunities to explore your passions and try new things. Something fun is always happening, and the campus squirrels always cheer me up if I’m having a bad day.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I am open to a lot of different paths, but I would like to work in a large company and end up in a managerial role. I also plan to create a scholarship fund for young women in my hometown who are pursuing STEM and use the skills I’ve learned here to improve the community, whether in my career or through personal endeavors.