RPI SWE Presents our Wall of Fame!
Here we recognize the outstanding members of RPI SWE who have either served on the executive board or have been active members for their four years at RPI. Congratulations!
20122011201020092008200720061996
Here we recognize the outstanding members of RPI SWE who have either served on the executive board or have been active members for their four years at RPI. Congratulations!
20122011201020092008200720061996
Cary Kaczowka
2009 - 2013
Mechanical Engineering & Design, Innovation and Society
President, Vice President, Secretary, Freshman Representative
I am so thankful for all of the opportunities SWE has given me! Since my first semester here, the Society of Women Engineers has been a fabulous support network.It gives young women (and men) the opportunity to learn new things, to network, and even to teach young minds about STEM! My RPI experience would be much different without this organization, and I will be forever grateful to SWE members both here and across the globe who have taken initiative to help me and to teach me. There is something for everyone to learn through SWE, and always something for you to contribute! I hope every student experiences an opportunity like this to network and learn with others.
Networking. There are so many opportunities to connect with professionals, college students, and K-12 students. Networking is rewarding in both directions: giving advice and receiving it, and it has been so much fun to learn and to help others during my RPI SWE experience!
Co-Founder of ReDesign Scholarship Competition, Club Volleyball Team, Tau Beta Pi (engineering honor society), Women's Mentor Program
After RPI I am entering an Engineering Career Foundation Program with The Boeing Company based in Seattle, WA. I also look forward to joining SWE as a professional, and sailing wherever I can.
Jenny Chan
2009 - 2013
Alumni Relations Director, Fall 2011
SWE has provided me a nurturing and motivating environment with a friendly and passionate group of people that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
I really enjoyed participating in outreach events that exposed young children to science and engineering concepts. Not only do I get to share this interest of mine with others, seeing the children's excited faces at the simple, yet very cool, experiments recaptures my interest and passion for making a difference as an engineer.
I will be working for Pratt & Whitney in southern Maine as a Mechanical Design Engineer.
Jillian Johnson
2010 - 2013
Biology
Alumni Relations Director: Spring 2012
SWE is a great network that exposes you to important life skills and questions that you will face in the work place. Additionally, it led to important friendships with students in other fields of engineering. I loved not only the people in SWE, but I felt that the activities are extremely vital in professional and personal development. SWE has been extremely influential in my career at RPI. Thank you to everyone who worked to made this great organization!
The best part of SWE is networking with students at RPI as well as people outside that exposes you to new aspects of engineering. Additionally, I loved having the opportunity to share my love for science and engineering with kids through relate-able and fun activities.
Circle K, Winter Carnival, TriBeta, BMES, Union Speakers Forum, Swing Dance
After RPI, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison pursuing my PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug delivery for chemotherapy treatments.
Maureen Newman
2009 - 2013
None, but was on outreach committee 2009/2010 and the regional planning committee 2010.
As a freshman, SWE provided me with countless valuable informational events that allowed me to begin professionally developing myself. It gave me the opportunity to meet older students at RPI who were happy to give advice and who treated me as an equal rather than as a lesser student.
I most enjoyed spending time with all the other SWE members during and outside of events.
I was very active in the Biomedical Engineering Society and held the office of President as a senior. Additionally, I was an active member in Tau Beta Pi. During all semesters except my first, I was in the Undergraduate Research Program, and I began working for ALAC tutoring and the CCP sophomore year.
I will be attending the University of Rochester to complete a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and hope to also join their Technical Entrepreneurship and Management MS program.
Nicole Gagnon
2009 - 2013
Aeronautical Engineering
SWE was a big part of my 4 years at RPI, I met so many wonderful people and learned so much! SWE gave me a chance to gain valuable networking skills and many other skills needed to go out into the professional world.
The best part of SWE for me was outreach committee, especially Girl Scout Engineering day! I loved being able to have fun playing with liquid nitrogen and seeing how interested and excited the young girls were about engineering or building marble roller coasters and challenging them to build it bigger and the excitement when their roller coaster was a success. I really liked being able to share what I love about engineering and inspire girls to follow a similar path because it really is fun.
RPI Flying Club, Rensselaer Rocket Team, Dance Club, Resident Assistant
I will be working for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Andover, Massachusetts. I will also be working toward becoming a flight instructor.
Samantha Garrabrant
2009 - 2013
Biomedical Engineering
Corporate Relations Director, Outreach Director, Region F Conference Planning Committee Corporate Director
SWE has been the single greatest thing I became involved with at RPI, and I am so excited to remain involved at the professional level after graduation. I have made so many great friends and had the opportunity to meet and work with many professionals in SWE. The networking, public speaking and professional development experiences have helped shape the person I am today. It is amazing to be part of a large team in which everyone is willing to help you, regardless of the task. I've gained amazing mentors and been able to mentor others as well, and it is rewarding to share my SWE experiences and knowledge with others. Also, I loved being able to inspire the next generation of girls through our outreach events. I will miss everyone in RPI SWE, but I am confident that SWE has prepared me well for my professional future, and I am excited to become involved as a professional member.
The best part of SWE is being around inspirational and successful women, as well as mentoring younger members and watching them grow!
In addition to SWE, I have been involved with undergraduate research, the RPI Dance Team, and yoga/pilates classes.
I am going to be working at Integra LifeSciences in Plainsboro, NJ as part of the QA/RA Rotational Program. I'm also looking forward to getting involved in the SWE New Jersey Professional Section!
Stephanie Lennon
2009 - 2013
Environmental Engineering
Treasurer 2011 - 2013, SWE Region F Conference 2011 Webmaster & Registration Chair
SWE has truly shaped my life & career at RPI. Without SWE I wouldn't be as prepared for career fairs, interviews and everything about my professional life. SWE introduced me to new places, people and ideas. I wouldn't be where I am today without SWE.
The members! I love going to SWE events and hanging out with my SWisters!
Dance Team, Dance Club, Engineers Without Borders, Society of Environmental Professionals, American Society of Civil Engineers
Teresa Konopka
2009 - 2013
Aeronautical Engineering
I have never held a leadership position on SWE but have enjoyed being an active collegiate and national member for all 4 years.
SWE is a fantastic place where I can meet other intellectual female engineers. I can make friends, network, socialize, and just be encouraged that I'm not "doing this alone."
I always love the end of the semester parties SWE has. They are a great way to unwind after the stress of a difficult semester.
At RPI, I longboard and play piano / flute / guitar / lyre. I also like playing Ultimate Frisbee and studying the ancient Hebrew language.
Upon graduating, I'll be packing up an moving to Seattle to work at Boeing as a Systems Engineer.
Veronique Parker
2009 - 2013
Aerospace Engineering
Secretary
SWE has been my favorite part of college. It provided me with so much support and so many opportunities in every aspect.
I can honestly say that I have met some of my best friends through SWE. This organization brings together women with similar aspirations and values. Spending time with people you love while making a difference is the greatest feeling!
I will be working as a Product Review Engineer at Boeing in Charleston, SC!
