Executive Board

Biographical information for our directors

Directory

Priya Dandawate

Priya Dandawate

I am a junior in Computer Science with a minor in German. I'm excited for the innovative projects EI has come up with for this year and looking forward to working with the College of Engineering's new administration. I spent this past summer in Seattle, Washington interning at Expedia as a Software Design Engineer. Aside from engineering, I play guitar, volleyball and love to travel; I've been to about 23 different countries. I am really looking forward to this year, as it promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

Gavin Rehkemper

Advisor

Gavin Rehkemper

I am a junior in Computer Science. This year I hope to bring many new innovative ideas to the College of Engineering through my work in Engineering Initiatives. When I am not innovating, I am involved in many campus groups including Engineering Open House, ESAA, FOCUS, ELA, and The Technograph engineering magazine. In my free time I enjoy soccer, Frisbee, golf, and working with computers. I have a deep respect for Engineering at Illinois, and I am honored to work with this talented group of students.

Beth Richter

Beth Richter

I am a senior in civil engineering, with an emphasis in environmental engineering. I have been on the EI Board since my freshmen year and am glad to finally be one of the senior members! This past summer, I was an intern in the Environmental Department of Burns & McDonnell. On campus, I also serve as Director of Communications for Engineering Student Alumni Ambassadors and I am an Engineering Learning Assistant. These organizations have allowed me to work with a number of people within the College of Engineering, students and administrators alike. I recently spent a semester in Bilbao, Spain, and completed an international minor. This year I'm looking forward to being back on campus and working with the new members of the College of Engineering administration!

John Unger

Webmaster

Priya Dandawate

I am currently a junior in Computer Science, and I am extremely proud of my world class education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I joined this group to give back to the College of Engineering through my innovations and ideas. I am a part of the Technology and Management program, and I plan to travel to China with the program this summer. This past summer I interned with GE Healthcare, which reaffirmed my love of technology and helping society. On campus I am involved with ACM and I am on the Executive board for the Technology and Management RSO. My friends and I enjoy watching movies, playing soccer, and skiing. I am excited for the upcoming year and the opportunities it will bring.

Rahul Prabhakaran

Rahul Prabhakaran

I am a Sophomore majoring in Industrial Engineering and this is my second year as a part of the Engineering Initiatives board. I have had the opportunity to work on some amazing and innovative projects in the past year. The exposure to the diversity within the College of Engineering here at Illinois opens channels for ideas and great projects within the group. I am also a part of Engineering Open House and Institute of Industrial Engineers and hope to study abroad next year. I am looking forward to a great year ahead with the group.

Michael Skulski

Michael Skulski

I am a freshman in Engineering Physics, and I look forward to advancing the College of Engineering by employing initiatives that benefit all engineering students, and all students at the University of Illinois as a whole. I hope to make an impact on the College of Engineering by incorporating tools necessary for the success of Engineering students. Other activities that I am involved in include: Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, Habitat for Humanity, and Engineering Freshman Committee. I also enjoy playing video games, attending football and baseball games, and watching movies with my friends. I am excited for the upcoming year, and hope that Engineering Initiatives will allow me to give back to the College of Engineering.

Shreyans Ranka

I am a junior in Industrial Engineering. This is my first year on Engineering Initiatives, so I am extremely excited to work with this group to enhance student experience at the University of Illinois. I enjoy sports like soccer, basketball, cricket and football. In my free time, I like to watch sports, movies and TV shows. I also love to travel, especially to places with historical significance. I am really looking forward to contributing to the College of Engineering.

Erik Jensen

Erik Jensen

I am a freshman in Mechanical Engineering and I think innovation rocks! I am looking forward to improving the overall experience of engineering students here at U of I. Besides Engineering Initiatives, I am involved with an Engineers Without Borders project and am an active member in Illini Pride, Orange Krush, and Illini Red Cross. I am also studying Italian and Spanish and hope to spend at least one semester abroad. With any time left over, I really enjoy playing basketball and being with my friends

Christie Schroeder

Secretary/Treasurer

Christie Schroeder

I am a freshman in Mechanical Engineering, and I hope to pursue a minor in Business or Technology and Management. This will be my first year on the board. I am excited to gain knowledge from all of the intelligent, experienced members while developing my abilities to innovate and lead. I am looking forward to being part of an organization that combines my passion for Engineering and goal to always look for ways to improve. In addition to Engineering Initiatives, I teach ice skating lessons at the campus ice arena, am a Junior Board member of the National Organization of Business and Engineering, am a Team Tech member in the Society of Women Engineers, and a member of Focus. I hope to study abroad and embrace the many opportunities the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois has to offer.

Mei Kuen Hsu

Mei Kuen Hsu

I am a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and this is my first year in EI. During the past summer, I went on a study abroad program in Hiroshima, Japan, which was an inspirational experience and taught me a new perspective as to how to look at different cultures. Apart from Engineering Initiative, I am also involved with the National Organization of Business and Engineering. I am looking forward to working with this group of passionate students who share the same goal toward the advancement of the college.

Matt Mitter

I am a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. Though this is my first year being involved with Engineering Initiatives, I am extremely excited to work with the College of Engineering and to get a chance to have a positive impact at the University of Illinois. In addition to Engineering Initiates, I am also very involved with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, am the Social Chair for the Society for Experimental Mechanics, and the Engineering Council Representative for Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM). This years projects are certainly exciting and I can't wait to get started!

Luke Zaczek

Luke Zaczek

Chairman

I am a freshman in mechanical engineering and am excited to be a member of EI, working with my peers to improve the school of engineering here at UIUC. I am also involved in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Freshman Committee. My favorite activities are running and playing guitar, and I hope to earn a minor in music performance for classical guitar while studying at UIUC. I also plan to study abroad for one or more semesters, most likely in Spain. I am excited about this year and the opportunities I will have to help innovate engineering programs at the U of I.

Past Members

Announcements

Have an idea? Send your initiative suggestions to ei@engr.illinois.edu

Featured Project

CoE Promotional Video
Looking for Engineers to represent their deparments in a College of Engineering Promotional Video. Contact prabhak1@illinois.edu if interested.