Class of 2025
Hometown: Waldorf, MD
High School: Bishop McNamara High School
What is your favorite thing about FPE?
My favorite thing about FPE is our incredible need in the world and the corresponding opportunities available for Fire Protection Engineers. Our work protects the world from the effects of unwanted fires. Fires occur everywhere and safety is vital, so FPE is involved with everything! There are plentiful opportunities for internships, co-op programs, study abroad, careers, scholarships, and more available specifically for FPE students. This proves how important our efforts are and how much of a difference we make. Being in this position is extremely unique to Fire Protection Engineering.
Why did you choose FPE over other STEM majors?
I knew I wanted to study FPE since I was a sophomore in high school. I liked engineering, but couldn’t connect well with the common majors. I found Fire Protection Engineering to be very intriguing since it has many different focuses such as human behavior, environmental conservation, explosives, system design, forensics, consulting, and technology. I could tie in my passions to any of these niches and find success in FPE.
What do you value most about the Department and your time with FPE?
I truly value the high level of care and support I have experienced in this tight-knit department. Everyone, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, are all very passionate about FPE and each other. I admire how the department looks out for one another, holds an open-door policy, congratulates each other, and keeps up-to-date with current and former student whereabouts. They ensure everyone is valued and cared for during their time here and after graduation, and I can’t take that for granted. Our supportive community amplifies the overall Fire Protection Engineering experience.
How else are you involved in the campus, either in or outside the Department?
Besides being an FPE Ambassador, I am a member of SFPE (Society of Fire Protection Engineers), WIE (Women in Engineering), and UMD The Pride (Official student fan organization of Maryland Athletics).
When you’re not in class, or serving the Department, where can you be found?
I am usually traveling! I can often be found in Walt Disney World during breaks recharging and having fun. I enjoy spending time with my family during weekends. Attending Women’s Lacrosse and Basketball games are top on my list! I also really enjoy listening to Elvis Presley, keeping up with my personal and Disney-focused creative socials, and riding my e-scooter.
What is the best thing about UMD?
The best thing about UMD, in my opinion, are our amazing sports teams and events! The energy of getting your free student t-shirt at the Saturday Noon football game is unmatched! One of my favorite Maryland memories was having pizza and meeting President Pines at the Men’s Basketball Midnight Mile event in fall 2021. There is a lot of pride, history, and excitement surrounding our sports here at UMD.
Any last words for prospective students?
I encourage you to focus on your own personal growth, dream big, celebrate what makes you different, and trust your academic plan. Also, start networking as soon as your first year. I have been able to stay in touch with amazing individuals, be provided opportunities, and learn more about the industry from the experts themselves because of the connections I’ve built. For me, taking the not-so-common engineering path has turned out to make all the difference!
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