ALUMNI and STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Cornell NorCal is excited to present a NEW and SPECIAL edition featuring the unique accomplishments and journeys of our local alumni and students. We will introduce you to interesting alumni who are making significant impacts in their fields and inspirational stories of current students who are experiencing Cornell to its fullest and striving towards achieving their goals. | Our February 2025 spotlights: Previous Spotlights (scroll down): |
Would you like to recommend someone to be spotlighted? Please email us at vegastultz@gmail.com. |
Zhiqi Wang Email: zw433@cornell.edu Position: Design for Excellence (DFX) Engineer at Applied Materials Degree and Class Year: Masters of Engineering in Materials Science, 2017 Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area. I've been working at Applied Materials since graduating seven years ago. I originally came to the Bay Area to explore the vast job opportunities in Silicon Valley, especially in the engineering field. However, I've stayed here due to many reasons including: great weather - never too hot or too cold (although I do miss the snow in Ithaca sometimes), great hiking opportunities not too far away, a diverse and inclusive environment, and many places to explore my hobbies (soccer, pickleball, table tennis, escape rooms, board games). In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating? I've stayed in contact with various alumni locally and throughout the globe. I recently went back to Cornell University to propose to my long-time girlfriend, whom I met at Cornell! Got in touch with some professors, and have helped refer recently graduated students to my company, Applied Materials. If you could go back to your years on the Hill - what one piece of advice would you share with that younger version of you? To really enjoy my years at Cornell and spend quality time with friends. It is much harder as a professional to make strong friendships and maintain them - usually due to everyone's busy schedules. What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey? The connections made in my Master's of Engineering cohort have been great. Many of them are now well respected in their areas, and some of them even live in the Bay Area! |
Sophia Rosen Email: ser279@cornell.edu Major and Class Year: Arts and Sciences - Biological Sciences, 2027 What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience? Cornell seemed like an ideal place to explore my varied interests. The structure of Arts and Sciences enabled me to take many different classes and work with renowned professors who could share their professional expertise beyond the textbook. What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why? My favorite spot on campus is the Libe Slope because it is the perfect place to watch the sunset with friends or have a moment to yourself between classes. What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell? I have participated in clubs like Chromatic (a portrait photography club), seen Saturn from Fuertes Observatory, visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and flipped through medieval bibles in the Kroch Library. What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell? I aspire to attend medical school and become a physician. This summer, I am seeking opportunities to gain experience in different dimensions of medicine, including clinical shadowing, medical research, and the legal aspects of healthcare, to deepen my understanding of patient care and the healthcare system. |
PREVIOUS SPOTLIGHTS
Subutai Ahmad Email: sa86@cornell.edu Position: CTO, Numenta College and Class Year: Arts and Sciences, 1986 Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area: In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating? If you could go back to your years on the Hill - what one piece of advice would you share with that younger version of you? What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey? |
Timothy Duffy Email: twd37@cornell.edu Major and Class Year: Mechanical Engineering, 2027 What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience? What is your favorite spot on Campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why? What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell? |
