Bunke, Samantha

Why you chose Pitt:

I decided on Pitt for so many reasons, but if I had to choose one it would be Pitt’s campus. I’m the type of person who likes to be surrounded by activity, and what is a better place for that than a city atmosphere. I get to take advantage of everything the city of Pittsburgh has to offer (museums, theater, sports, restaurants, etc.) while still enjoying the “campus” feel at the University of Pittsburgh.

Advice to a First Year Engineering Student:

Make a community for yourself; join clubs, go to different events, meet professors. The people are what will make Pittsburgh a home to you so don’t be afraid to branch out. This is a large university but the community I have formed here with my classmates and teachers makes it much more close-knit and therefore, much more enjoyable.

Extracurricular involvement and Future Goals:

I am a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh program, the vice president of Omega Chi Epsilon (the honors society for Chemical Engineering), the business manager of the nanotechnology club, the president of oSTEM (Out in STEM), a regional liaison for AIChE (American Institute for Chemical Engineers), and of course, an Engineering Ambassador. I will also be starting research in the Nanoionics and Electronics lab in the spring of 2019 where I will hopefully begin my track toward graduate school. I hope to one day earn my PhD and possibly become a chemical engineering professor. It is truly amazing how much the professors here at Pitt can influence you.