Women's Technology Program in ME

WTP-ME Staff:2024 |2023 | 2022 | 2021 |2019|2018 |2017 |2016 |2015 |2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

2013

Instructors

Stéphanie Krins
Hi ! I moved to the US from Belgium in November 2011 after getting my Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Liège, Belgium. My research was in the field of Atomic Physics and the project aimed at cooling atoms using lasers in order to study them in more detail. I moved to Boston with my husband Denis, also a physicist, when he got a postdoc position in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at MIT. For me it was an excellent opportunity to become more involved in science education. I am currently involved in two science outreach programs: one at the Edgerton Center at MIT, and a second at a non-profit called Science from Scientists. I work with children from grades 4 to 8 and also lead a variety of science activities. I love it! It is extremely stimulating, rewarding, and most of all, a lot of fun! Last summer, I was an instructor for WTP and I enjoyed it a lot. I am already looking forward to being a part of it again this year! Besides teaching, I am busy taking care of my 5 month old baby boy, Basile. I also enjoy cooking, hiking and “zumba-ing”. I can’t wait to meet you all! We’re going to have a great summer! really looking forward to meeting you all! stefkrins@gmail.com

Caitlin Reyda
is a second-year Master’s student in mechanical engineering. She received her Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT in 2011. Her current research is on improving microfluidic device manufacturing and process control. During high school, Caitlin attended the first summer of WTP-ME in 2006. She returned to work as a residential tutor in the summers of 2008 and 2011 and is excited to return this summer as an instructor. She’s originally from San Jose, California but has accepted that she might be stuck with New England winters for several more years. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys cooking, running, swimming, gardening, travelling, playing video games, and exploring Boston. She’s looking forward to meeting everyone this summer! reyda@mit.edu!

Alisha Schor
Hello! I'm Alisha and I am a 5th year graduate student in the mechanical engineering department. For my Ph.D., I'm trying to develop a microfluidic cell sorter to find oil-producing algae to make biodiesel. I'm also interested, in general, in technologies that enable or enhance biological studies.

Outside of the lab, I spend a lot of time running, playing ultimate, skiing/boarding, and most of all, playing with my dog! I'm excited to meet all of you guys and hopefully show you how awesome Cambridge and MIT are, in addition to how great mechanical engineering is! ducktape@mit.edu

Residential Tutors

	Michelle Deng Heyyo! I'm a graduating senior in Mechanical Engineering focusing on biomedical devices. I spent my time at MIT learning about/creating medical devices and teaching physics as well as reading comprehension. I'm from Minnesota though I've lived in California and hold a dual citizenship with Canada. Besides learning at school and work, I also enjoy building things, long walks, and fantastical reading. I look forward to meeting everyone and having a blast at WTP! msdeng@mit.edu
	Sarah Fay Hello! I am a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering, but I also really like Physics. I was a WTP-EECS student 3 years ago, and I can't wait to be back as a Tutor, this time for ME! Outside of the classroom you're likely to find me on the athletic fields or running around the Charles. I also love card games, and I have an embarrassing addiction to MTV. I'm so excited to spend the summer with all of you! scfay@mit.edu
	Angela Hojnacki Hello! I'm a graduating senior in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on energy and environmental issues. I've spent a lot of my time at MIT working on international development projects in Central America and Brazil (where I'll be in the Spring), and I am most passionate about recycling and how waste can become a resource. I'm originally from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, and I'll be moving back there after I graduate in hopes of working in urban agriculture, education, and community development. Outside of school and work, I enjoy yoga and reading. I look forward to an awesome summer with WTP! hojnacki@mit.edu
	Cheetiri Smith Hi there! I am a junior in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on energy and design. I enjoy working with people and discovering new perspectives. Outside of class, I sing with the MIT/Wellesley Toons and play rugby for MIT. I enjoy reading, baking, cleaning, lifting, and just about most things. This summer will be my first time working with WTP, and I’m looking forward to meeting you all and having a great time! cheetiri@mit.edu
	Beth Sturman Hi! I'm a junior studying linguistics with a minor in mechanical engineering (weird combination, I know). I was born and raised in Minnesota, but I've definitely developed a love for Boston during my time at MIT. When I'm not studying, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing saxophone, shooting Sport Pistol, cooking new and interesting things, and participating in a Christian fellowship group on campus. I attended WTP as a high school student in 2009, and I'm really looking forward to being back as one of your tutors this summer! bsturman@mit.edu
	Veronica Szklarzewski Hi! I am a sophomore in mechanical engineering at MIT currently interested in product design. I am from Chicago, IL where I was born and raised. I am a member of the MIT Varsity track and field team and the secretary for the MIT ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Besides athletics (which I love!) I enjoy spending time with people playing games, watching movies, baking, and just generally having a good time. This is my first time with WTP, but I look forward to meeting everyone this summer. versz@mit.edu

Residential Assistant

Susan Mullen
Hi! I am an MIT freshman from Massachusetts, studying Brain and Cognitive Science. Having attended WTP-ME as a rising senior in High School, I cannot wait to spend the summer as an R.A.! At MIT I swim and dance! I am a huge fan of the beach and love playing in the waves. I enjoy quilting, baking, and singing to show tunes in my free time! Can’t wait to meet you all! smullen@mit.edu

WTP Associate Director & WTP-ME Track Coordinator

Dr. Barbara Hughey joined the Mechanical Engineering Department in 2002 as Lab Manager for the junior-level Measurement and Instrumentation Course. She is a graduate of Princeton University (BSE 1981 in Engineering Physics) and MIT (PhD 1989 in Physics). After receiving her Ph.D she worked in the Boston area developing accelerator-based instruments, primarily for medical applications. Most recently, she was involved with the development at the BEAMS Lab at MIT of an instrument for sensitive detection of carbon-14 applicable to drug development. She is a dedicated violinist, having served as concertmaster of both the Princeton and MIT Orchestras, as well as having been an active participant in the MIT Chamber Music Society. She is a member of the Council for the Arts at MIT and currently performs with the Lexington Symphony. She has two children: one a senior at MIT, and the other a sophomore at the Berklee College of Music . When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, knitting, reading science fiction, biking, and bird watching. bhughey@mit.edu