Engineering - Diversity

What is your full name?  Mariana Caballero

Where is your hometown?  Muscle Shoals, Alabama

What year of college are you in?   Junior

What is your major/field?  Biological Engineering

Do you have any siblings and if so how many?  Yes, 2 brothers

Do you have any pets and if so, what kinds and what are their names?  I have a miniature dachshund whose name is Oscar, a hamster named Anabelle, and about 12 fish.

What are some of your hobbies?  I love to run! I also love to read, some of my favorite authors are Dan Brown and Nicholas Sparks. I also really enjoy fine dining, and experiencing new foods.

What is something you dream about doing in the future? I really would love to take 4 months to travel around the world and be able to experience different cultures.

What is your favorite color?  Pink.

Who is your favorite cartoon character and why?  Tommy from the Rugrats. He always knows how to get out of a situation and is always prepared!

What is your favorite genre of music?  I love almost all genres, but I have to say my favorite artist right now is Adele. I really look up to her for her strong morals.

What is your favorite film?  Love Actually! It's a great uplifting film to watch when in need of a good laugh.

Who is one of your role models and why?  Adele! She is amazing. She was once quoted saying, "I don't make music for eyes, I make music for ears." I think she is a great role model for younger women. She really shows them what respect is, and that respect for yourself is vital in our generation.

What is the best thing about being a Cornell Engineer?  All the opportunities! Our campus is full of so many different opportunities that it's very difficult not to take one!

If you could change any one thing, what would it be?  The cold winters at Cornell :-(. I wish we had no rain and 70 degree weather all day every day!

Share some words of wisdom:  Get involved! Being a leader within different communities at Cornell have been the most rewarding experiences so far. I love my role as SHPE Internal Vice President and the resources it has provided me with, as well as the opportunities to travel to conference in Florida, California, and Washington, D.C.

Graduate Student of the Month

What is your full name?  Elijah Mekalin Karr Li

Where is your hometown?  Laurelton, NY

What year of college are you in?   2nd Semester M.Eng

What is your major/field?   Biomedical Engineering

Do you have any siblings and if so how many? 1 adopted sister

Do you have any pets and if so, what kinds and what are their names?  No pets anymore :-(

What are some of your hobbies? Writing poetry

What is something you dream about doing in the future?Running my own medical device company equalizing healthcare by providing solutions for the developing world.

What is your favorite color?   Blue

What is your favorite meal?   Pizza for breakfast

Who is your favorite cartoon character and why?Invader Zim: The stupid robot "gir" just a funny character overall. Should have had his own show.

What is your favorite genre of music?   Techno/Dance/Trance/Remix's

What is your favorite film?   Minority Report

Who is one of your role models and why?   Dr. martin Luther King. I loved what he stood for. I love this quote by him, "If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain."

What is the best thing about being a Cornell Engineer? So many cool opportunities to work with companies collaborations. The institutional name opens doors. I went to a career fair outside of school only having been at Cornell for about 2 months, No GPA whatsoever and companies are like "you go to Cornell, come back as soon as you have a GPA because we know the professional and dedication that is taught at that school".

If you could change any one thing, what would it be? Coming to Cornell sooner to have such great opportunities and resources.

 Share some words of wisdom:  Always do something you love and try something you would love to do!