Hi! My name is Ashley DeStefano and I am currently ending my freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am a bioengineering student and plan to pursue the cellular track leading to a career in tissue engineering. Along with my bioengineering major I am minoring in chemistry. I have always loved to build things and solve problems so it was no surprise when I decided to major in engineering. I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan where I grew up swimming, boating, and watching the sunset over Lake Michigan in the summers, and playing in the snow, having countless snowball fights with my two siblings during our harsh winters. Even though I was born in Michigan, both of my parents were born and raised in Pittsburgh so I was raised a massive Pittsburgh sports fan. In my free time at home when I am not cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers or Pirates, I love to read, cook and play with my younger brother.
I knew that I wanted to study abroad in college and when I heard about the Plus-3 program I was so excited. I have never traveled outside of the country before so this experience will be completely new for me. I chose Italy as my international destination because it grants me the opportunity to visit where my great grandparents are from. I am also interested in learning about how engineering is part of the fashion industry. The fashion industry is not something I know a lot about so I am excited to learn how modern engineering practices have changed this industry. What I am most looking forward to is learning about Italian culture, and experiencing the world in a new way. The reason I have always wanted to study abroad is because it is important to view the world from different perspectives, and broaden one’s horizons. I hope to fully immerse myself in the culture, try many new things, and truly live in the moment appreciating this once in a lifetime opportunity. Professionally this is a great way to improve my people skills and confidence while abroad. It also will provide me with the real world applications of what I am learning in class. I am excited to get to know my peers personally and continue to build my network at Pitt and abroad.
Outside of class I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers, which is an organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders. I also am a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, which is where I can connect with working professionals doing the jobs I hope to one day do. I am also going to be a Residential Assistant next year which I am very excited about. I also love to go to Pittsburgh sporting events, and exploring the city whenever I have free time.
In less than two weeks I will be in Italy walking down the streets of Milan, Venice, Como and more. I absolutely cannot wait to start this new adventure!
A presto, Italia!