How does collaborating with faculty enhance your learning?

  

Faculty/student collaboration is an integral part of the learning experience, and more or less the secret to success. In each of my courses, I have found that knowing my teachers and collaborating with them motivates me to excel in and outside of class. In addition, it allows me, as a student, to fully understand a professor’s expectations. If you understand their expectations, you can then attempt to exceed them. A noteworthy example of this is how I worked with my inspirational advisor and professor, Mike Otis, to create the Society of Women Engineers, which has sparked many new ideas and will have a large impact on the dynamics of the School of Science and Engineering.

Mentor at New Paltz: Engineering Professor Mike Otis has served as an invaluable and reliable source of inspiration, support and encouragement since the first day of my freshman year at New Paltz. I must also give credit to each of my professors and deans for their part in my achievements and motivation.

Hobbies: Watercolor painting, horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, golfing, biking, softball, fitness training and animal rescue efforts.

Clubs or organizations: Founding president of the Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Accounting and Finance Association, Academic Affairs Committee, Solar Car Team, Student Association senator, and currently working to establish a Dean’s Student Advisory Board in the School of Science and Engineering.

Favorite place to study: The best place to study is the “War Room” (Resnick Engineering Hall 109), because it is always packed with students who provide useful advice and wisdom which I can carry with me throughout my academic career.