Undergraduate Spotlights

Major: Civil Engineering

Future Plans: In the fall I will be attending the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a master's degree in the Energy, Civil Infrastructure and Climate program. I am following a career pathway that'll allow me to be a leader in sustainable infrastructure, and make meaningful contributions towards a greener future. I am extremely passionate about decarbonizing our built environment and implementing green infrastructure solutions to our changing climate.

What made you choose the School of Engineering/Manhattan University?

Growing up in Yonkers, I had always heard of the high-quality engineering programs at Manhattan University. The academic experience I had was definitely worth the time and effort, and I am extremely satisfied with my choice to come here. I truly felt myself grow not only as a student, but also as a person, and I think it was due to the energy that the staff at the School of Engineering puts back into the students, as many of the staff here make a personal effort to develop the students and help them realize their potential.

Is there one person, place or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan University?

The support from professors and classmates inspired me not only as a student but also as a leader. Having professors directly support me outside of class greatly contributed to my own self-assurance. I attribute my belief in my abilities to the unwavering belief my professors had in me. Working in collaborative settings also gave me a different understanding of what it meant to be relied on. Engineering is a field that requires a lot of communication and trust from your peers, and it was the many group settings I was in that inspired me to be a better version of myself. Once I began taking more leadership roles in an academic setting, I found myself also being more of a leader in my own life, and it was all due to the inspiration of all the people around me.

Your advice to an incoming Jasper:

Take the time to find out who you are and what you care about. Once you have developed a sense who you are and who you want to be, it is much easier to establish goals for yourself and take meaningful steps towards realizing those goals.

Major: Chemical Engineering

Future Plans: I will be attending graduate school to achieve my master's in engineering management.

Is there one person, place or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan University: I wanted to be a big fish in a small pond. I wanted to make an impact in my
school community and to be sure that faculty knew my name. I wanted to ensure that I
had a support system and that not only am I investing in my education but my
professors are investing in me to be the best version of myself.

Your advice to an incoming Jasper: Follow your heart. Remember to always prioritize
your mental health along with focusing on your studies. Always find time do the things
that make you happy.

Major(s): History, Economics, and Peace Studies 

Future Plans: Furthering my education at American University's School for International Service in the fall in their Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights graduate program. 

What made you choose Kakos School of Arts & Science?  

I chose the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences because the small class sizes were conducive to forming lasting professional relationships with your professors leading to endless connections and opportunities in your desired field as an undergraduate student.

Is there one person that inspired you here at Manhattan University? 

Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, professor of religious studies and the director of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center (HGI), certainly has been an inspiration and an amazing mentor here at Manhattan University. Her persistent involvement in local and international interfaith peacebuilding has inspired me to pursue a Human Rights masters degree. Being her assistant at HGI for the last three years has been an amazing experience and opened up many doors for me to obtain experience in my desired field.  

Your advice to an incoming Jasper: 

My advice to an incoming Jasper is to know that you are capable of more than you think. Get involved from the second you step on campus. University is what you make of it. Given Manhattan University's location, pursue the professional opportunities in the city. It will give you a competitive edge later on with your post-graduation plans. 

Major: Radiation Therapy 

Future Plans: To become a Chief Radiation Therapist

What made you choose the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences of Science/Manhattan University? 

The reason why I chose the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is because I saw that they had a great approach that focused on both the theoretical aspects of learning and also the practical perspectives of professional preparation. I also noticed the school's commitment to focus on personal development, ethical conduct, and social justice.

Is there one person, place, or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan University? 

Yes, my classmate inspired me during my time at Manhattan University as she was a single mother going to university while interning and raising a child. I found that very inspirational, almost even obliged to help her as much as I could. Not that she needed my help because she was very smart.

Your advice to an incoming Jasper: 

It might sound cliché, but I urge you to make the days count, instead of just counting the days till graduation. The true essence of university isn't just found in the classrooms but in the rich learning experiences and the realizations that come with them. Sometimes, you'll find yourself in uncomfortable learning situations, but remember, change is inherently challenging. By fully engaging in every moment of your university life, you'll derive the greatest benefits from your time here. Counting the days means you're living in the future. But making each day count? That means you're truly living in the present embracing everything tangible and immediate. Welcome to this journey, and let's make every day significant!

Major: Biochemistry 

Future Plans: In the fall I'll be pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from the University of California, San Diego. 

What made you choose the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences of Science/Manhattan University?

I liked having the opportunity to learn in small classes and have close relationships with the professors. At Manhattan University, I also was able to create close relationships with my peers and the faculty, which helped me a lot during my academic journey. 

Is there one person, place or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan University?

Dr. Bryan Wilkins has been an incredible mentor who helped me succeed during my time at Manhattan University. He was also a great influence in helping to choose my future goals. Thanks to him I found a love for research in science. I am incredibly grateful to have been one of his students. 

Your advice to an incoming Jasper: Don't be scared to ask questions. Also know that the professors are here to help you and see you succeed.

Major: Exercise Science 

Future Plans: In the fall I'll begin a master's program in occupational therapy at the New York-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences.

What made you choose the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences/Manhattan University?

I chose Manhattan University because of its strong academic programs, its location being close to home, the small class sizes, and the focus on the Lasallian values. After finding my true passion of becoming an occupational therapist, I was blessed to start fresh in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, studying exercise science.

Is there one person, place or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan
University?

May Camp 2022 inspired me in more ways than one. I was introduced to my Jasper
family who I will forever be grateful for, for all the years to come. The constant support
and appreciation from the entire Kinesiology department helped me thrive throughout
my years here. 

Your advice to an incoming Jasper:

University is a space for growth, and growth is not linear. Take it one step at a time, but
most importantly, enjoy every step.

Major(s): Accounting

Future Plans: This summer, I will be interning at Deloitte in New York City in their Audit and Assurance practice. Next, I'll pursue my CPA while continuing my education.

What made you choose the O'Malley School of Business/Manhattan University?
The close proximity to New York City opened doors for networking and internship opportunities, making it the perfect choice for me. 

Is there one person, place, or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan University? 

There are so many people who have inspired me during my time at Manhattan University. I am grateful for the support of faculty like Assistant Dean Aileen Farrelly and Dr. Hany Guiguis, as well as the guidance from Rachel Cirelli and Dr. Adriane Bilous. And of course, my peers have been endlessly inspiring! 

Your advice to an incoming Jasper:

My advice to an incoming Jasper would be to embrace the wealth of opportunities Manhattan University offers!  

Major(s): Economics and Mathematics

Future Plans: My goal is to pursue a master's in applied mathematics or data science, followed by a Ph.D. in similar fields.

What made you choose the O'Malley School of Business/Manhattan University?
The small class size, excellent economics and mathematics programs taught by very knowledgeable faculty, an amazing alumni network, and abundant research opportunities.

Is there one person, place, or thing that inspired you during your time at Manhattan University? 

Dr. Hany Guirguis. He has been my biggest inspiration at Manhattan University. His classes, while extremely difficult, challenged me to push my boundaries and learn more. Outside of classes, he has spent countless hours ensuring my well-being and success. With him, I was involved in multiple research projects, had one paper published in the prestigious Applied Economics Journal. In 2023, my team in the Fed Challenge, a national competition, was named a regional finalist. 

Your advice to an incoming Jasper:

Please do not hesitate to talk to your professors and advisors. They are there to help you succeed. They can put you in touch with amazing alumni, mentor you with your academic and career goals, and help you discover many new opportunities.