a sophomore at Cornell University who loves the winter in Ithaca!

among the broad field, I am currently most passionate in pursuing a career involved in tackling health issues through a water systems perspective. Since the records of human civilization, infrastructure and water and sewer systems have played a major role in combating many diseases. Especially during these current times in which maintaining health is more important than ever, my inquisitiveness towards this topic has only increased.

I have been able to learn so much about how San Francisco's sewage system and how every employee contributes to the function of the city as a whole. During my internship, I've been able to help out with projects in the planning and design phase, and even go out to observe construction sites, which has all been eye opening for me.

me coming into the office at 8am as a student design trainee. If I'm not in front of my monitor logging spot sewer as-built logs, I'll be sitting with my fellow intern friend and observing her modeling work. But, on a more serious note, I'll typically be out assisting engineers with field work, which could look like surveying, measuring curb ramps, and hopefully manhole opening sometime soon! During the day, I'll also have a meeting with my direct supervisor, where he'll give me a lesson on topics I'll be covering soon in my scope of work.

I'm from the Bay Area and being in such close proximity to many parks and trails has been a main contributing factor to my passions for running and going on hikes with my family. I can't wait to explore Ithaca through its ample gardens and natural areas! Aside from leading an active lifestyle, I’ve always had an interest in my Chinese roots and the Chinese culture. In fact, I’ve been learning Mandarin every Sunday for 12 years and I’ve gotten the chance to explore the Chinese arts of calligraphy and brush painting.

has helped me realize the importance of the idea that everyone brings something unique and different to the table through their individual experiences in life. Being a Breakthrough student, collaboration has always been one of our core values. Whether it be in a class project or surprisingly even a cross country team, I believe that teamwork is an essential aspect that drives us to work even harder than we would on our own. From my experience, every runner's time mattered at the championships and knowing that motivated me to push past my limits during practices and races, which is why I feel so at home with my long distance running team! Especially in my internship, I've seen firsthand how interconnected everyone's role from various departments is in each process to ensuring the completion of a project that has been in each phase for months.

As a first generation college student, I value the opportunity to use my higher-level education and the skills I have learned at Cornell to practical use by contributing to pressing matters our society currently faces and playing a role in breaking down obstacles for other women and women of color pursuing engineering. I am eager to be a part of this STEM community and witness bright minds collaborating to find better solutions, while bringing about my own perspective to the discussion.

RunningHikingSolving Puzzles and SudokusWatching Chinese Dramas and Escape Room ShowsVideography