Next Chapter Ahead for SLU Combined Engineering Students
This fall, four students in SLU’s Combined Engineering Program are heading to Columbia University, Clarkson University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where they’ll specialize in everything from chemical to biomedical engineering. What drew them to engineering? What will they carry forward from SLU? We asked, and they had plenty to share.
Zel Carey: Chemical Engineering at Columbia
“I was drawn to chemical engineering because I’m interested in solving problems in sustainability and healthcare,” said Zel. “The program allows me to apply what I learned in chemistry to develop solutions on a larger, more practical scale.”
Zel studied abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand. “I not only met incredible people from NZ and all over the world, but I also got to learn more about myself and further my academic pursuits, all while getting to explore a beautiful country.”
His time at SLU shaped him in other ways, too. “Conducting undergraduate research with Dr. Glazier and having an inspiring Organic Chemistry professor like Dr. Tartakoff greatly prepared me for engineering school,” he said.
What will he miss? “The feeling of arriving in the summer and watching the campus surroundings transition to fall.”
And his advice to his first-year self? “Don’t let the little things add to unnecessary stress in life.”
Donatella DeFazio: Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia
“Environmental Science was my favorite class in high school,” said Donatella. “I’ve always loved math and science and working with others. Earth and Environmental Engineering is the perfect intersection between all of my interests.”
SLU physics courses were a big part of her journey. “They constantly challenged me to think differently and be comfortable not knowing exactly where a problem was going,” she said. “Modern Physics II with Aileen O'Donoghue and Differential Equations with Dan Look were my favorite classes. Aileen and Dan are phenomenal teachers, and it’s clear they love what they do.”
Donatella was also a member of the field hockey team. “I’ll never forget our team dinners after practice. And I’ll always remember time spent with my roommates—Mayson, Carol, and Syd—and my first year in Gaines.”
Her parting advice? “Cherish every moment at SLU. And don’t bring so much stuff to your dorm room; you won’t use half of it!”
Andrew Van Slyke: Mechanical Engineering at Clarkson
“I always enjoyed working with my hands and trying to understand how things worked,” said Andrew. “What started as building Legos turned into restoring wooden boats. I knew engineering would give me the tools to take my passions to the next level.”
Andrew is moving to Clarkson University to study mechanical engineering. He credits SLU’s “diverse course load” for helping him see how interconnected subjects really are. “It broadened my idea of what engineering is and helped me grow my communication skills,” he said.
He also found time to ski competitively. “Because of the 3-2 program, I had three years at SLU to compete at the highest level of collegiate ski racing,” he said. “Learning to balance training and academics prepared me well for the demands of engineering school.”
Andrew’s favorite SLU memories include “skiing at Titus on weekends and late-night homework sessions in the Physics Major’s room.”
His advice to his past self: “Don’t shy away from difficult classes. Struggle is part of learning. If you keep putting in the effort, you’ll get there.” Andrew points to Classical Mechanics with Aileen O’Donoghue and Energy and the Electronics Lab with Munir Pirbhai as pivotal courses.
Solange Corinthian: Biomedical Engineering at RPI
“SLU’s rural setting and diversity taught me how to connect with people from different backgrounds and adapt to new environments,” said Solange. “I learned to see the unfamiliar as an opportunity.”
Solange found flipped classrooms especially transformative. “They helped me discover my ideal learning style. I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses, which helped me thrive in my courses.”
She also emphasized the impact of communication-intensive classes. “Physical Biology & Medicine pushed me out of my comfort zone. Oral presentations and debates helped me find my voice.”
As she prepares for what’s next, Solange shared this: “SLU will be deeply missed. I’m more than grateful for the bonds I’ve created and the lessons I’ve learned.”
