All Board Members

“I’m a first year MS/PhD in Applied Physics, interested in developing new light based technologies. I feel so lucky to be here studying some of the same questions that first sparked my curiosity in physics, for example: what is light and why can it pass through some materials but not others?

I also feel extremely grateful to be working with these awesome people to help make Columbia Engineering a space where everyone feels like they belong. Even if my research doesn’t go on to have an impact, I know that the work we do through CORE^2 will.

Outside of school you could expect to find me cooking for friends, dancing, going out into nature, and learning how to play the drums.”

"Hey, if we haven’t had a chance to converse during one of our events, here’s a little bit about me. I’m a first-generation, Hispanic-American student here. My research is centered around enhancing the efficiency of rechargeable ion batteries in the context of a renewable energy grid. Aside from research and spending time with my pals in this wonderful group, I like to embrace my vegan lifestyle by cooking creative, plant-based meals; attempting to grow my own produce; and blowing off steam by being what some may call a ‘gym rat’. I strive to be a role-model for other busy students by showing them it’s possible to engage in healthy, affordable lifestyles ? even amidst all our responsibilities."

“Hi beautiful people, I am a NSF fellow interested in electrochemical production of ammonia via nitrate/nitrate reduction. As a Congolese/South African/American, I am passionate about creating safe spaces for URM. In my free time, I love dancing, traveling, writing poetry and having deep conversations!"

“I have an interest in power systems, energy policy and everything in between. Outside of class, I'm usually playing blitz chess on lichess.org or building a formula electric car in the basement of Mudd. Glad to be a part of the board and looking forward to creating a sense of community within the engineering scene on campus, particularly within the graduate school."

“Hellooo, my name is Cam Mbayo! I want and have begun researching tech (mostly the internet) infrastructure in emerging markets. I’m currently working on a public interest tech field project; let me know if you’re interested! In my free time, I like to read, nap, go on adventures, play the saxophone, dance, draw, etc. I’ve been called (by myself, mostly) a jack of all trades. Although I do all those things, you will most likely find me napping or having existential conversations about life and its value."

“Hi everyone! My research interests include developing deep learning and image processing algorithms for optical images of the heart. When I’m not doing research or coursework, you can find me planning future CORE^2 events with my fellow board members, spending time with friends and family, playing my bass guitar, and singing. Working with underrepresented groups is important to me as I believe that there’s so much potential in these spaces. As such, outreach and mentorship invigorate and empower me, and I’m really excited to work with the youth in NYC. I’m a first-generation Haitian-American and love that I’m able to find members of the Haitian community around the City. Make sure to check out Le Soleil Brillant between 57th and 56th St and 10th Ave for some tasty Haitian food ??!”