We’re excited to introduce you to our 2026-2027 College of Engineering Student Ambassadors! Our ambassadors lead tours, help with college events, assist with student mentoring, and answer questions from prospective students about their WCU experience. You will see them at WCU Open House, weekday college tours and WCU Engineering Discovery events and outreach programs. Learn more about our amazing student Engineering Ambassadors below!
Annmarie M.
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Career Aspirations: I hope to build a career while traveling and experiencing as much of the world’s natural beauty as possible.
Favorite Part of WCU: I appreciate how much the professors care about their students’ academic and personal success. I have also enjoyed being part of a community where everyone, from student to staff, is welcoming and encouraging. The positive and supportive environment has made WCU feel like home for me.
Fun Fact: I have a dog (Bun) and two cats (Bean and Stitch).
Christian R.
Hometown: Spartanburg, SC
Major: Construction Management
Beyond the Classroom: I run track for the Western Carolina track team!
Why WCU: I choose WCU to further my track and academic career. I also wanted to show my family I can finish college!
Fun Fact: I have family from Trinidad and love to sing and listen to music.
Connor T.
Hometown: Franklinton, NC
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why WCU: I chose WCU because the moment I attended an open house, I knew this was the best choice for me. The beautiful scenery and everything about the environment here drew me in, and I realized this was the place for me.
Beyond The Classroom: I really enjoy the church groups I’ve found and the sense of community I’ve made through them. I also enjoy going to campus events such as athletics and other activities hosted by the university.
Fun Fact: I love being outdoors and playing any kind of sport.
Ella B.
Hometown: Kernersville, NC
Major: Civil Engineering
Career Aspirations: To become a preservation engineer who can help restore historic buildings and natural sites
Why WCU: I chose Western Carolina for the surrounding environment and the natural kindness that comes from every student and member of staff on campus.
WCU Highlight: I have truly appreciated how much every professor and member of staff cares about the well-being of us as students and our campus as a whole. The time and effort they put in is truly inspiring.
Fun Fact: In the summer of 2026 I got the opportunity to visit three beautiful national parks out west (The Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier).
Ella M.
Hometown: Athens, GA
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
Career Aspirations: Work with drones (for an organization such as U.S. Air Force)
Why WCU: I love the mountains and did not want to be in a big city.
WCU Highlight: Everyone is so kind to other people and are willing to help.
Advice to Students: Ask for help either from classmates or your professors.
Fun Fact: I love to travel and I am missing two continents, which are Antarctica and Australia.
Everett S.
Hometown: Tuckasegee, NC
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why Mechanical Engineering: I chose mechanical engineering because I wanted to be able to build anything.
Career Aspirations: After I graduate, I hope to help with design and construction of nuclear reactors.
Why WCU: I chose WCU because both of my parents went here and I live close by. WCU also has a good math and engineering department.
Fun Fact: When I was 5, I was already operating heavy machinery.
Gavin L.
Hometown: Denver, NC
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why WCU: I grew up loving the mountains and I was looking for an engineering program where I wouldn’t be just a number.
Beyond The Classroom: Kappa Sigma Fraternity, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers Baja, Football Games, Basketball Games, Engineering Department pickleball tournament.
Favorite Spot on Campus: The library is a really awesome place not just for studying but even just walking around because there is almost always something new or interesting you can stumble into.
Fun Fact: I have wheelied my mountain bike for 1.25 miles without putting the bike back on two wheels.
Grant B.
Hometown: Weaverville, NC
Major: Construction Management
Why Construction Management: I love the process of construction and interacting with people on a daily basis.
Favorite Part of WCU: The willingness of WCU professors to be involved with students and their success in the College of Engineering.
Beyond the Classroom: I am a part of the snowboard and ski team and cycling club, and am the Vice President of CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) at WCU.
Fun Fact: I can ride a unicycle.
John B.
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Major: Civil Engineering
Career Aspirations: I have always been interested in engineering and I wanted to pick a major that allows me to use engineering to help people.
Favorite Part Of WCU: I most appreciate the convenience and benefits of going to a smaller school. I like having all of the buildings I need to go to be within a 10-minute walk of each other and being able to form real connections with my professors. I also really appreciate all of the opportunities the school provides for activities and trips.
Fun Fact: I spent a month in China over summer of 2026 with students and professors from Western.
Kevin E.J.
Hometown: Forest City, NC
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
Why Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology: I chose to major in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology because I wanted to gain hands-on experience with embedded systems and learn both the hardware and software aspects of electronics.
Advice to Students: Don’t be afraid of change because not all change is bad. Some can bring new opportunities and growth.
Fun Fact: I serve as the External Vice President for Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers at WCU.
Leon M.
Hometown: Oldenburg, Germany
Major: Electrical Engineering
Career Aspirations: Work in automation leading a U.S. division of a German company.
Advice to Students: Talk to everyone, especially the ones that are doing cool things. We are all happy to talk about what we love doing, so talk to people and get involved!
Favorite Part of WCU: I love the small class sizes, your professors can really make sure you get what you need. Everyone is so friendly here it feels like I’m with friends when I work with my professors.
Fun Fact: I like sewing! I once completely rebuilt and reupholstered my car seats.
Lillian S.
Hometown: Boomer, NC
Major: Electrical Engineering – Electrical Power and Clean Energy Concentration
Career Aspirations: I have accepted a position to work as an Engineer with Duke Energy at the Cowans Ford Hydro Plant working with the Regulated Renewables Regional Engineering Group.
Favorite Part of WCU: I appreciate how our engineering students are industry-ready. I feel confident in my ability to work as an engineer and meaningfully contribute to the projects I’m assigned to.
Fun Fact: I have the soul of an 85 year old woman. I love baking, crafting, and sipping on a tea while rocking in my chair on the porch.
Sam P.
Hometown: Clinton, NC
Major: Engineering Technology
Why Engineering Technology: I chose this major because I love the hands-on experiences and practical applications of what I learn.
Why WCU: I was drawn to Western Carolina for the amazing location of the campus and small class sizes that are offered.
Fun Fact: I have lived in Korea for two years and traveled to China, Japan and Australia from there.
Shreya P.
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Major: Electrical Engineering
Career Aspirations: I want to do something towards making tech more approachable, so people don‘t feel shut out of understanding the tools that are heavily shaping their lives.
Why WCU: I chose WCU because it is a small close knit community. At WCU, one on one support is a norm and not an exception. Everything from professor to resources feel accessible which matters a lot to me.
Fun Fact: I once spent 5 months living in Taiwan without knowing a word of Mandarin. I came back with few Mandarin words, lots of hand gestures, a love for night markets, and massive respect for anyone learning a new language from scratch.
Tanner D.
Hometown: Jacksonville, NC
Major: Construction Management
Why WCU: I chose WCU over many other options, as it created the most family-like atmosphere. They also have an amazing value I found nowhere else, in both affordability, but also personality. Everyone checks in on you, and they have small class sizes, so the difficult coursework becomes manageable.
Beyond the Classroom: Some of the clubs I am a part of are the Construction Management and Engineering Outreach, as well as the Catamount Agricultural Association. I love these clubs as they provide an avenue to build lifelong relationships and expand my skills while also helping the community in some big ways.
Favorite Spot on Campus: Apodaca Building Terrace. I love to go to the fifth floor of Apodaca, enjoying the fresh breeze and great views while studying.
Fun Fact: Although I go to school in the mountains, I am an avid deep-water fisherman at the coast!
Matheson P.
Hometown: Otto, NC
Major: Civil Engineering
I am interested in learning about how the world works and how it is built.
Why WCU: I chose WCU because of its affordability and proximity to my home. I also liked that it is a smaller school and has smaller class sizes.
WCU Highlight: The professors are really good, and you can really get to know them.
Fun Fact: I can ride a unicycle.