Graduates from first cohort of Watson College Scholars reflect on their journeys at 亚洲情色
Program supports undergraduates in engineering and computer science
When the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science holds its 2025 Commencement on Friday, among the hundreds of graduates will be eight students from the first cohort of the Watson College Scholars Program.
The program, which started in fall 2021, offers opportunities and financial support to aid undergraduates who are strong candidates for graduate study and a professional career in engineering or computer science. It has been recognized with an Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight into Academia magazine.
Three other students in the first cohort transferred to 亚洲情色 from other schools and already have graduated: Mason Gilbert 鈥23, Kaesi Manakkal 鈥23 and Clara Rodriguez 鈥24.
We asked this year鈥檚 graduates about their experiences as Watson Scholars, how they passed on their knowledge to younger cohorts and what鈥檚 next for them.
Ray Inoa
Hometown: Weehawken, N.J.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
What was it like being part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars? Did you form strong bonds with each other?
Being a part of the first cohort has been an experience I鈥檒l cherish for the rest of my life. As can be seen by everything this cohort has accomplished, the program has shaped its members into formidable engineers who are fully prepared for what is to come beyond college.
We all established industry connections that we still maintain to this day, have had opportunities to represent Watson College on multiple occasions and have upheld the pillars that make Watson and 亚洲情色 one of the best public STEM schools in the U.S. I personally formed many strong bonds in this program with both the administration and the scholars. I truly could not imagine going through these past four years any other way.
What kind of knowledge have you passed down to the younger scholars as they have joined the program?
Many pieces of knowledge have been passed down to younger scholars, and over time those scholars have passed this knowledge and more down to newer scholars. These include how to properly introduce oneself in a formal setting, how to properly study, how to carry oneself when networking, how to be a good member of your community and much more.
What was your hardest challenge as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
My hardest challenge was having to leave 亚洲情色 for two semesters due to personal reasons. I ended up figuring out how to come back, taking several transfer courses to make up for what I had missed. Coming back, however, was an amazing feeling, and the warm welcome I got from the program made me feel like I never left.
How did Watson College help you along your academic journey as a Watson Scholar?
Watson College has been so helpful. I was able to get help on things from monetary to academic issues and even some personal life advice. Additionally, being a part of the program has helped me to become a more mature and prepared engineer, leading me to make connections with many in Watson College that I plan to hold for the rest of my life.
Was there a particular class or professor that made a big impression on you? Why?
ME 273 (Statics) was a standout course for me in my time here. The instructor, Dr. Jaeho Lee, was new and brought a different teaching style than the classes I had taken thus far. The lectures were more tied to what was on homework and quizzes, and the grade distribution was spread out evenly enough to where losing out on any one given thing would not completely tank your grade. Additionally, Statics as a theoretical practice is essential for mechanical engineers, so learning and understanding it the way I did through this class paid dividends later for harder level courses.
What are your favorite memories from your time at 亚洲情色?
My favorite memories from my time here are impossible to quantify, but some things stand out. Cramming for finals week, going to concerts with friends, working out on and off campus and meeting new people through that, and slipping in the snow every spring are some of my favorites.
The Watson Scholars Program is also a standout. From finding some of my closest friends to networking with industry titans, the experiences and opportunities that the program has given me will always be in my memories, and I plan to pay it forward post-graduation.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to take a month off, maybe travel to Europe, and then enter the workforce. With the help of one of the industry mentors that was assigned to us by the Scholars program, I am being referred to jobs at Lockheed Martin and other companies, so the future looks bright heading into this new chapter in my life.
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檇 give to future Watson students?
The best piece of advice I could give to future Watson scholars is to not wait to start your industry network. I鈥檝e seen where students are solely focused on academics or not focused on the right things, and this can seriously hurt leading up to graduation.
Get your LinkedIn profile started, submit your resum茅 and cover letter for review at the Watson Career and Alumni Connections office, and get a professional headshot taken. These small steps early on along with great academics and extracurriculars will make it extremely easy for you to stand out when applying for internships and in your job search.
Danielle Johns
Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
What was it like being part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars? Did you form strong bonds with each other?
It was an honor to be part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars. I am particularly close with Christian Martinez and Ray Inoa since we are all in the mechanical engineering program. As a whole, our cohort is a pretty tight-knit group!
What kind of knowledge have you passed down to the younger scholars as they have joined the program?
I鈥檝e tried to be a reliable resource for my mentee to come to with any questions about her classes or on-campus resources, as well as offer advice I wish I had received.
What was your hardest challenge as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
As a first-generation college student, dealing with impostor syndrome has been one of my biggest challenges. To be honest, I still struggle with it. What helps is taking a step back to remind myself that I earned my spot here, just like everyone else. The support from the Watson Scholars Program and my peers has been a great help along the way.
How did Watson College help you along your academic journey as a Watson Scholar?
The most valuable resource for me, outside of the Watson College Scholars Program, has been the Watson Career and Alumni Connections Office and University Tutorial Services by far. I spent a lot of time going to calculus tutoring during my first year, and it was extremely helpful. WCAC has also supported my professional development over these past four years. I am constantly referring to their Google Drive for resources.
Was there a particular class or professor that made a big impression on you? Why?
Statics made the biggest impression on me. It was one of the first ME courses I took at 亚洲情色, and I absolutely loved the class. I had a fantastic instructor, Dr. Jaeho Lee, and I felt like that class solidified the fact that I chose the right major.
What are your favorite memories from your time at 亚洲情色?
I have so many great memories from my time at 亚洲情色! My favorites would have to be the Explorchestra concerts at the end of each semester. My roommates and I have gone each semester since our first year to support our other roommate who performs. It鈥檚 become a tradition for us.
What are your plans after graduation? If you鈥檙e going into the workforce, do you have any job prospects lined up?
I am currently interviewing for full-time positions.
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檇 give to future Watson students?
Take advantage of every opportunity, put yourself out there and work hard!
Christian Martinez
Hometown: Centereach, N.Y.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
What was it like being part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars? Did you form strong bonds with each other?
Being part of the first cohort was arguably the most helpful thing for me during my undergrad. Especially in the first year or two, gaining connections and friendships from the Watson Scholars program was invaluable. Some of the scholars I consider to be my closest friends. I wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect with this program being very new, but I鈥檓 appreciative to have been part of it and to have helped shape it into what it is now.
What kind of knowledge have you passed down to the younger scholars as they have joined the program?
I鈥檝e been a peer mentor for a lot of students in the program. Most of the advice I give has focused on academics and networking. I think placing an emphasis on these two things, especially in the first couple of semesters of college, is super-important because it鈥檒l set students up for success early. Academics obviously come first, but I鈥檝e always pushed to get engaged in the campus community, specifically Watson College. Watson organizations will provide you not only with great technical skills but will also net you connections with alumni, professors, faculty and peers.
What was your hardest challenge as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
Finals weeks! Finals weeks were always the toughest for me, especially sophomore and junior year. I conquered these finals weeks with lots of planning and studying smart. Also a lot of coffee.
How did Watson College help you along your academic journey as a Watson Scholar?
Watson College has been great to me. The professors and faculty have always been super-helpful, and I鈥檝e never had any of my questions go unanswered. Connecting with other scholars has made studying much easier as those of us in the same classes have formed study groups, complete assignments together, etc.
Was there a particular class or professor that made a big impression on you? Why?
This is a hot take, but my favorite mechanical engineering class I鈥檝e taken was computational methods. It was very heavy on linear algebra and partial differential equations, but my favorite part was the coding. The homework was always challenging, but I came to enjoy them as they were sort of like a math puzzle.
My final project was super-fun to do 鈥 I modeled heat transfer in three-dimensional space 鈥 and the final was cool too. I still have pictures of the graphs my code spat out from the final. Super-satisfying stuff.
What are your favorite memories from your time at 亚洲情色?
Speaking at the Watson College Scholar Program Welcome Event in 2023! Speaking in front of peers, Watson faculty and industry sponsors was such a cool experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I鈥檒l be working full time as a systems engineer with Lockheed Martin in Owego. I鈥檒l likely try to apply for their Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP) to get a master鈥檚 degree and pursue a job in project management.
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檇 give to future Watson students?
Get involved. I remember my first year getting into hall government just for fun, and it was probably the best choice I could have made. Sure, the skills I gained and the lessons I learned were important, but it also introduced me to some of my best friends.
After that first leap, it was much easier to take on more responsibilities around campus and became an residential assistant (now a student support assistant) and got on the executive board for the mechanical engineering honor society. These experiences have molded me into who I am and always keep me busy.
Bryan Perez
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
Major: Computer Science
What was it like being part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars? Did you form strong bonds with each other?
Being part of the first cohort was a special experience. I still remember meeting the other scholars for the first time in a conference room and hearing about the program鈥檚 initiatives. The expectations were high for us, encouraging growth and development. We were constantly engaged in community service, industry conversations and professional events, which prepared us tremendously for our careers. We became mentors for the younger cohorts, personally passing on advice about campus and decisions that worked for us.
With this collective experience, we formed strong bonds around our pillars: academic achievement, professionalism, networking and community service. Even though the program involved different STEM majors, we still learned from each other and grew together throughout our time at 亚洲情色.
What kind of knowledge have you passed down to the younger scholars as they have joined the program?
The first thing I tell younger scholars is to get involved! Join organizations, go to office hours, attend community events and much more. I believe a college experience is made by the number of genuine connections you make throughout your time on campus. As you get to meet new people, you get to understand those around you, and you get a better understanding of who you are as a person.
Another thing I tell the younger scholars in computer science is to focus on LeetCode practice. Technical interviews revolve around these types of questions, and a good understanding of these techniques will go a long way.
What was your hardest challenge as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest challenge was leaving home directly after COVID and adjusting to college. Being a first-generation college student made it even harder to understand college, but becoming friends with other students and learning about their interests opened up my world to new perspectives. I also started to think more about myself and started to create a home away from home by decorating my dorm and cooking for myself.
The most important thing I did was set up a schedule that worked for me and my studies. Blocking out time for schoolwork, studying and taking care of myself allowed me to succeed.
How did Watson College help you along your academic journey as a Watson Scholar?
The Watson College Scholars Program was there for me for my entire college career in many forms, whether it was one-on-one chats or professionalism building, program organizers were always there to listen and offer invaluable advice. Their care allowed me to refocus during my tough semesters, and I appreciate them so much for that.
Early in my junior year, my good friend and fellow scholar Jonel Poueriet-Santana and I approached Caprice [Chavez, Watson Scholars coordinator] with the idea of co-founding CS Pathways, a program dedicated to preparing computer science students for job opportunities. Caprice enthusiastically supported us and allowed us to lead these sessions. Through this initiative, our dream of giving back to our community became a reality. I believe the connections we built through CS Pathways will continue to thrive even after graduation because we fostered a supportive group of friends who share the common goal of achieving success through hard work.
Was there a particular class or professor that made a big impression on you? Why?
CS 110 (taught by lecturer Steven A. Moore) and CS 310 (taught by Associate Professor Michael A. Lewis) were the highlights of my college learning experience. Their knowledge and teaching methods allowed me to learn hard topics easily. They鈥檙e also very friendly people outside of academia and care about students.
What are your favorite memories from your time at 亚洲情色?
My favorite memories are about the friendships I made, the random lunches we鈥檇 grab, late-night studying and movie nights. It鈥檚 bittersweet, the thought of the many shared experiences, but I know we will see each other again.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue refining my technical skills and applying to software engineering jobs. Many computer science students may not enjoy coding very much, but I do. I genuinely love to learn, and I chose a major that feeds my curiosity. Hopefully, future employers see that in me as well!
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檇 give to future Watson students?
Don鈥檛 be too hard on yourself. Focus on what your goals are and make the appropriate changes in your day-to-day to reach those goals. It doesn鈥檛 need to be big changes, but enough to progress a little bit more each day!
Katherine Peters
Hometown: Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
What was it like being part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars? Did you form strong bonds with each other?
It has been such an interesting experience being able to see the program grow and evolve with me. I have loved being able to help shape the Watson Scholars program from the small group of us as first-year students to now having four cohorts.
From the very first day our cohort has been good friends. We may all have had different college experiences and gone down different paths, but that鈥檚 what鈥檚 so nice about the Watson Scholars program 鈥 you get to talk to a variety of people and find ways to connect. There are so many sponsors, faculty and students I have met through being in this program that I enjoy saying hi to around campus or seeing what they are up to on LinkedIn, which I wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise been able to do.
What kind of knowledge have you passed down to the younger scholars as they have joined the program?
One of the most meaningful additions to the program during my second year was the mentorship program. I participated in mentor training, learning strategies for guiding discussions and sharing knowledge effectively.
Since then, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to mentor several younger scholars during their first year, meeting with them to discuss topics they find most relevant. To foster stronger connections, students are intentionally paired with mentors in the same engineering discipline, making the experience even more impactful.
Through this experience, I鈥檝e been able to share my own journey 鈥 especially the challenges of transitioning to college 鈥 and offer insights about how I navigated those obstacles.
That鈥檚 what I love about Watson Scholars: While advisors provide support, they also recognize the importance of peer-to-peer mentorship, where students can relate to and learn from one another in a way that feels natural and reassuring. College can be overwhelming at first, but having someone who has recently been in your shoes to listen, offer advice, and share their own experiences makes a huge difference.
As a mentor, I provide guidance on specific classes, help to plan future schedules to keep students on track and offer strategies for managing their workload. Beyond academics, I鈥檝e also advised on social situations, getting involved in extracurriculars and adjusting to the independence of college life.
This mentorship program is incredibly valuable because it extends beyond coursework鈥攊t builds a supportive community where students uplift one another. Being a mentor has been an incredibly rewarding experience, not just because I can help others, but also because it has given me the chance to reflect on how much I鈥檝e grown since coming to 亚洲情色. It鈥檚 been fulfilling to realize how far I鈥檝e come and to share what I鈥檝e learned in a way that helps others navigate their own journeys.
What was your hardest challenge as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I鈥檝e faced in college has been finding the right balance between academics and extracurricular activities. With so much freedom and so many opportunities, it鈥檚 easy to feel overwhelmed. Over the years, I鈥檝e noticed that many of my mentees have struggled with this as well.
What has helped me most is creating a structured schedule and sticking to it, ensuring I can make the most of my college experience while keeping my priorities in check. Having something to look forward to each week 鈥 whether it鈥檚 attending a dance class or spending time with my roommates 鈥 keeps me motivated, even when classes get tough. I also make a point to carve out time for myself, whether it鈥檚 enjoying a quiet lunch, watching an episode of a TV show or reading a book.
While I value my academics highly, I鈥檝e learned that embracing all aspects of college life is just as important.
How did Watson College help you along your academic journey as a Watson Scholar?
From the very start, the Watson College Scholars Program has provided me with invaluable, tailored support. By the end of my first semester, I had built a strong foundation for my professional growth 鈥 I developed a working resum茅, participated in a mock interview, created a LinkedIn profile, established connections with sponsors and attended numerous networking events. I鈥檝e also had the opportunity to visit leading industry companies such as the Raymond Corporation and Lockheed Martin, gaining first hand insight into the engineering field.
Beyond professional development, the program has empowered me to take on leadership and service initiatives. I led a community service project of my choice and had the honor of delivering a speech at the end-of-year event. Additionally, I have actively participated in the past four Engineers Week Community Days, working with a team to create engaging STEM-related activities and serving on a high school panel to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM.
With the guidance of a scholars鈥 advisor, I discovered a 亚洲情色 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, which laid the foundation for my research over the past several years.
This past January, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, for a global immersion trip. There, I gained a deeper understanding of their academic and social culture while engaging with students who will be joining the Watson College PSG 2+2 program next year.
The Watson Scholars Program has not only provided me with essential academic and career resources but has also shaped me into a well-rounded individual. Through networking, community service, and hands-on experiences, I have grown both professionally and personally, gaining skills and connections that will benefit me for years to come.
Was there a particular class or professor that made a big impression on you? Why?
One professor who has had a lasting impact on me is Professor Tracy Hookway. I have had the opportunity to take two of her classes 鈥 Biomaterials and Human Physiology, both of which significantly deepened my understanding of biomedical engineering. Some of the topics we covered, particularly those related to the urinary system and corresponding materials found in the body, directly connected to my independent study on recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs), allowing me to develop a more well-rounded perspective.
In addition to coursework, Dr. Hookway has been an invaluable mentor as my group鈥檚 advisor for our BME senior design project. She has guided us through the brainstorming process, listened to our ideas and helped us refine our approach to create a more effective and functional prototype.
While I have enjoyed many professors and courses within BME, Dr. Hookway has been an exceptional resource, offering support and insight in multiple aspects of my academic journey.
What are your favorite memories from your time at 亚洲情色?
I have countless amazing memories from my time at 亚洲情色 that I will cherish forever, but one of the most meaningful experiences has been my involvement with Evolution Dance Company (EDC).
Having danced competitively from a young age, I was nervous that I wouldn鈥檛 find the same connection to dance in college. That all changed when I discovered EDC at UFest 鈥 I immediately felt welcomed into a fun, supportive and inspiring community. Over the years, I have formed incredible friendships that I will always appreciate, and my experience has gone beyond just attending dance classes. I鈥檝e had the privilege of taking on leadership roles, serving as treasurer during my junior year and president my senior year.
Helping to shape the club and witnessing its growth over the past four years has been incredibly rewarding. EDC has been more than just a dance company 鈥 it has been a creative outlet, a source of joy and a place to unwind after long days of classes.
Clubs and organizations like EDC truly make the college experience special, and I am beyond grateful to have been a part of such an amazing community.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation in May, I will be continuing my education at 亚洲情色 in their biomedical engineering 4+1 master鈥檚 program. I look forward to further expanding my knowledge to better prepare myself for the workforce.
I have an internship lined up for this upcoming summer, and I am excited to apply what I have learned and gain experience in a biopharmaceutical company. I am not sure what my future holds after completing my master鈥檚, but I know that I am committed to seizing every opportunity, growing both professionally and personally, and pursuing a career that allows me to make a meaningful impact.
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檇 give to future Watson students?
Step outside your comfort zone! College is the perfect time to explore new opportunities, meet new people and challenge yourself. Looking back, some of the things I was most hesitant to try ended up shaping me in ways I never expected, and I鈥檓 so grateful I took the leap. Don鈥檛 limit yourself 鈥 every decision, no matter how small, has the potential to lead to something incredible. It all comes down to having the right mindset and embracing the possibilities that come your way.
Jonel Poueriet-Santana
Major: Computer science
Hometown: Patchogue, N.Y.
What was it like being part of the first cohort of Watson Scholars? Did you form strong bonds with each other?
Being part of the first cohort has felt like an honor. I鈥檓 super-grateful for the chance to represent the program and the engineering college in this way and to see how the program has grown with the newer cohorts. Within our cohort, we definitely all have our 鈥減eople鈥 that we鈥檝e done almost all of college with. The bonds are real.
What kind of knowledge have you passed down to the younger scholars as they have joined the program?
I always like to tell younger scholars two things:
- Trust yourself. You鈥檝e made it here because you are talented and very qualified. You weren鈥檛 born knowing how to speak English or do calculus 鈥 you learned. College is the same 鈥 you can accomplish anything if you take the time to learn.
- College and the Watson Scholars Program are all about the effort you put in. The more you show up and represent yourself, the more opportunities/success you will find.
What was your hardest challenge as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
My hardest challenge was learning to be OK with asking for help. I鈥檝e always been a self-starter and problem-solver, and the type of struggle I鈥檝e faced in college is different than most challenges I鈥檝e faced before. There are people here who want to help and see me be great - I just need to take the first step and ask for that help. I think going to the Watson Career and Alumni Connections office during my first year for help with professional readiness was huge in showing me that I鈥檓 not supposed to have all the answers all the time and that there are dedicated people here who can guide me when I鈥檓 unsure.
How did Watson College help you along your academic journey as a Watson Scholar?
The scholars program really encouraged academic wellness by making sure to hold me accountable. We鈥檇 submit reflections and have one-on-one check-ins, and every semester we鈥檇 receive a 鈥渞eport card鈥 for how we were doing in the program based on our core pillars, with academic excellence being a huge focus during that first year.
Was there a particular class or professor that made a big impression on you? Why?
CS 375 with Distinguished Professor Lijun Yin was the first time where a lot of the prerequisite courses all clicked for me, and I had that moment of realization where I thought, 鈥淎h ha - this is the bread and butter of computer science.鈥 Definitely a challenging course, but I feel like it鈥檚 one of the most important courses in CS here at 亚洲情色.
What are your favorite memories from your time at 亚洲情色?
Too many good memories to pick from, but Spring Fling 2022 when Gunna performed 鈥 that was a time. Another great memory was seeing a student in a program I helped co-found earn his first interview experiences as a first-year student.
What are your plans after graduation?
I accepted a full-time offer to work as a software engineer in the aerospace industry.
What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檇 give to future Watson students?
You have all of the tools within you to be successful 鈥 trust and apply yourself, and you will do amazing things!