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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.

Would you like to recommend someone to be spotlighted?

Please email us at vegastultz@gmail.com.

Zhiqi Wang
(pronounced Zee-ki)

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:
Currently running an AI company, called Numenta, that is taking inspiration from neuroscience and applying it to AI. I mainly came to the Bay Area to complete my PhD, and loved it here!

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?
Attended and have spoken at various alumni events, such as CSV. Local co-chair of CAAAN, which used to interview prospective Cornell students. Sent two kids to Cornell, which enabled me to visit multiple times over the last 12 years.

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?
Get more involved with a variety of student groups!

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?
Cognitive Psychology class, inspired me to get interested in how the brain works.


Timothy Duffy

Email: twd37@cornell.edu

Major and Class Year: Mechanical Engineering, 2027

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?
When I visited Cornell it was such a beautiful campus full of hardworking and friendly people (and an amazing engineering program), which I'm happy to say I still get to experience everyday at school. It was also incredibly cold, but it has actually been very fun to experience real seasons having come from California.

What is your favorite spot on Campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?
My favorite spot in Ithaca is Sunset Park. It's this small crescent shaped park to the north of campus with a beautiful view overlooking the lake. It's typically pretty quiet and per the name is a beautiful place to view the sunset. A great place for a book or listening to music.

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?
I want to get my Masters in engineering, which might actually keep me at Cornell for an extra year if that is the path I follow. I don't know exactly the work I want to do out of college (I suppose that is part of what the rest of college is for), but I am interested in machining and aerospace.

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