Women's
Technology Program
in
Electrical Engineering & Computer
Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
WTP-EECS
Application
Calendar
FAQ
Residential
Resources
Sponsors
WTP-Home
WTP-ME
Contact
Us
WTP-EECS
Staff
Summer 2017
Instructors| Residential Tutors|Residential Assistants
Instructors
Three female graduate students in the MIT Department
of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science design and teach the
Women's Technology Program classes in Computer Science, Electrical
Engineering, and Discrete Mathematics.
Brittney Johnson
Computer Science Instructor
Hometown: Newtown Square, PA
Hi! I'm currently a Masters student in the Interactive Robotics Group, although I plan to finish my thesis and graduate before WTP starts this year. My research is all about human/robot interaction, and how we can help people and machines effectively work together on teams. Outside of my research, I spend a lot of time working out: as a rower for for years in undergrad, and now as a runner. I'm looking forward to getting more girls excited about STEM!
Melany Sponseller
Electrical Engineering Instructor
Hometown: Camp Hill, PA
Hello! I’m a PhD student in the Organic and Nanostructured Electronics Lab here at MIT. My research focuses on developing solar cells based on colloidal quantum dots, an exciting thin-film semiconductor material that could enable solar cells to be flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive. In my free time, I’m a fan of running, ultimate frisbee, ice skating, Star Wars, and learning new languages. I’m looking forward to meeting you all this summer and building cool stuff in the lab together!
Jennifer Tang
Mathematics for EECS Instructor
Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA
Greetings! I’m Jennifer and I’m an EECS PhD student in the Lab for Information and Decision System (LIDS) at MIT. My research is in the area of information theory, a topic which uses tools like probability to make conclusions about fundamental limits in storing information and transmitting information. During the winter months, I enjoy playing ice hockey. During the summer months, I spend my time wishing I were playing ice hockey and perhaps maybe I’ll go biking around the area. I also really like playing boardgames and card games. Feel free to invite me to any games nights while you are at WTP (but only after you finish your math homework :P)!
Residential Tutors are current
female MIT or Wellesley undergraduates or recent graduates.
They assist the WTP-EECS Instructors in the classroom, and also live
in the dormitory with the high school students, chaperoning residential
life, creating fun activities and field trips, and helping with homework.
Gabby Ballard
Computer Science Tutor
MIT Class of 2019
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Newark, NJ
Hey everybody! I'm Gabby, and I'm super excited to be a residential tutor for computer science this summer. I hope in the coming years to research technology in the humanities. Besides academics, I'm heavily involved in cultural groups, MIT Admissions, and my Afro-Caribbean dance team, Sakata Afrique. For leisure, I love to read (sci-fi and adventure fantasy), sing, and binge watch Netflix. I also enjoy baking and eating. I can't wait to meet and share my love of computer science and food with you all.
Sarah Barden
Electrical Engineering Tutor
Wellesley Class of 2018
Major: Mathematics
Olin Class of 2019
Major: Engineering Design
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Hi everyone! I'm a rising senior at Wellesley College majoring in Mathematics and after graduation, I'll spend a year at Olin College of Engineering to finish a second bachelor's degree in Engineering: Design, as part of the 4+1 Dual Degree Program. Outside of class, being a member of the Wellesley Chamber Music Society lets me explore my interests in classical music and playing the flute. I also love to run, watch movies, and explore the city in my free time. I'm so excited to meet you all this summer!
Shavina Chau
Mathematics for EECS Tutor
MIT Class of 2019
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Hi everyone! I'm a rising junior at MIT studying computer science, but I'm also interested in comparative media studies and game design! I enjoy reading, drawing, watching TV and anime, and playing games of all kinds. I'm also involved in my dorm government, organizing cool events for my dormmates. My cooking and baking skills are quite mediocre, though I can make a great cheesecake. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you this summer!
Tara Liu
Mathematics for EECS Tutor
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ
Hi! I'm a rising sophomore with a wide range of interests, from EECS and math, to visual art, writing, and music. Outside of classes, I like drawing and practicing calligraphy, reading webcomics, and having long discussions with friends. Other things I enjoy include glassworking, poetry, tea, and writing utensils. I really like fountain pens and have a extensive collection of pens and ink. I'm looking forward to WTP and am very excited to get to know all of you!
Magnolia Pak
Electrical Engineering Tutor
Wellesley Class of 2019
Major: Physics
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Hi everyone! I'm a rising Junior at Wellesley College studying Physics. Within the Physics department, I am pursing the Applied Physics interdisciplinary option. In my free time, I enjoy making blini (Russian pancakes), playing frisbee and volleyball, watching anime, and crafting. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and to thoroughly exploring Boston with y'all!
Rose Robb
Mathematics for EECS Tutor
MIT Class of 2017
Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Redford, MI
Hello! I'm a recent undergraduate who studied Mathematics at MIT. While at MIT, I sat on the executive board of the Undergraduate Society of Women in Math, and took part in a variety of theatre productions as an actor, stage manager, director, producer, scenic painter, and more! When I'm not in class or working, I enjoy all forms of theatre, baking, vegetarian cooking, and reading. I'm excited for WTP and am looking forward to meeting you all this summer!
Else Schlerman
Electrical Engineering Tutor
Wellesley Class of 2017
Major: Physics |
Minor: German
Hometown:Williamsburg, MA
Greetings! My name is Else (pronounced Elzuh) and I am a graduating senior from Wellesley College, where I studied Physics and German. When I’m not tinkering on circuit boards for my thesis research or doing physics problem sets, I enjoy singing with the Wellesley College Choir, playing soccer, hiking, cooking, and reading late into the night. I look forward to meeting you shortly and exploring Cambridge together this summer!
Ellen Shea
Computer Science Tutor
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: San Diego, CA
I'm excited to be a part of WTP this summer! I'm a rising sophomore majoring in computer science with interests in management and Japanese. Outside of class, I do research and am involved with Women in EECS. I also enjoy figure skating, crocheting, and playing the flute in my free time. I can't wait to meet you all!
Nicole Thumma
Computer Science Tutor
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Hi everyone! I’m a rising sophomore here at MIT, and I did WTP-EECS when I was in high school. I love musical theatre, especially doing light and sound work. I’m also involved in MIT’s Science Fiction Society, the Society of Women Engineers, and marching band. In my free time, I like reading, cooking/baking, and walking around Boston. I’m so excited to meet you all this summer!
Tiffany Yang
Computer Science Tutor
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: New York, NY
Hey guys! I am a rising sophomore at MIT. I plan to major in CS but I am still looking for a minor I would be interested in. During my free time, I enjoy calligraphy, painting, anime, Netflix, video games, and, most of all, naps. I strongly believe pineapples go on pizza. Hope we can all make great memories together this summer!
Residential Assistants live in the dorm and help with evening and weekend activities, and assist with the final motor building project, but do not have other classroom or tutoring responsibilities. They are rising college sophomores, and some attended WTP when they were in high school. They help make a warm community in the dorm, organize residential activities, and lead weekend field trips into Boston and Cambridge.
Remi Godinez
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Hi guys! I’m really excited to be one of your RAs this summer! I’m currently a rising sophomore majoring in EECS. Outside of school, I love to play games, knit, do gymnastics, and rock out to Disney music. I did WTP two years ago, so I’m super happy to come back and pass on the wonder of the program to you all.
Abbie Lee
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Hometown: Costa Mesa, CA
Hi! I’m a 2020 here at MIT, and I just declared Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (though it was a hard decision because everything is so fascinating)! I love robots and space and robots in space. I attended WTP-ME in 2015, and I’m super stoked to be back at WTP this summer! When I’m not psetting, you can find me in the kitchen, on the rugby field, trying to update my blog, or poking around Cambridge/Boston searching for new eateries. Though I grew up in Southern California, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with Boston and can’t wait to spend my summer here with all of you! Can’t wait!
Kire Nguyen
MIT Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Lafayette, LA
Hey everyone! I'm a rising sophomore majoring in CS, and I am pumped to be one of your RA's this summer. In the short year I have been here, I have spent most of my free time exploring Cambridge/Boston and cannot wait to show you guys around. In the rest of my free time, I love to bake, cosplay, watch baking/anime shows, and of course, eat. I sincerely look forward to getting to know each one of you!
WTP Director and WTP-EECS Track Coordinator
Cynthia Skier
MIT alumna: SB 1974 Humanities and Science
SM 1981 Sloan Management
Hometown: Lexington, MA
I have been the WTP Director since
fall 2002, after the first pilot summer.. Before that I managed computer
software companies and worked in management consulting. My two children
are "out of the nest." In my free time I like to sing,
read mysteries, and watch old movies, especially film noire, musicals
and science fiction. In addition to my WTP responsibilities, I also direct
the Industrial
Connection Program here in MIT EECS.
Page top |
To view WTP-EECS staff from other years, click on the links below: