Hi, I’m Olivia. I’m a freshman electrical engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh. Some activities and clubs I’m involved in are the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Varsity Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Ballet Club, and the Robotics and Automation Society (RAS). You might ask why I am involved so much or how do I manage my time. That’s honestly a great question. A big reason why I am so involved is because I am passionate about all those things as I did them in high school. I danced for 15 years and was drum major in high school marching band. I was also the student ambassador on my high school robotics team. After working on some projects with Pitt RAS for a semester, they let me start up my own project called Battle Bots, where I got to design and fabricate my own bot with a team of engineering student that I lead. My team got to compete in Norwalk, Connecticut in March 2023 and we hope to compete again in the fall.

Getting to know me personally, I am quiet or shy as people would say until you get to know me. I like going on adventures outside whether that be going on a walk or riding my bicycle on the trail. I’m very much used to the country lifestyle as I am from a small town an hour south of Pittsburgh. Likewise, I have a lot of Pittsburgh pride since I was born in Oakland and have grown up near the Pittsburgh area. H2P! My hobbies include playing my musical instruments, painting, baking, and reading.

My chosen international program is Plus3 Netherlands. I am very thankful for this opportunity as I have been wanting to travel internationally. I hope to understand more about the Netherlands and learn more about their customs. I’m interested in learning more about their flood control and the engineering aspect behind it. I heard Amsterdam has a 3D printed bridge, which I am so excited to see and learn more about. I love 3D printing. Professionally, I hope to understand the business side of things in Amsterdam and develop my communication skills. Going on this trip will not only help me get more credits towards my degree but will give me more of an understanding on global engineering.