Subha Somaskandan

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Major:
Electrical Engineering

Year:
Junior

Hometown:
Hawthorn Woods, IL

Executive Positions:
  • On Campus Executive
    (Fall 2022, Spring 2023))

Other extracurricular activities:

  • Women in ECE (WECE)
  • Department Grader

Research/Internship/Co-op experience:

  • Burns & McDonnell
    Substation Intern
    (Summer 2022)

Why Illinois?

I loved the huge depth of engineering activities, both in classes, and in organizations and opportunities Illinois offered!

What has been your best experience at Illinois?

My best experience has been having a semester non covid!! It has been great to see a return to normalcy.

Favorite part about being an engineering student?

I love seeing the impact on your community and giving back! I have been able to see a lot of inspiration and curiosity in the next generation of engineers, and it makes me really happy!

Why did you join EA?

As a woman, I have always felt underrepresented in STEM and I know there is so much potential out there, but there are obstacles as well. I wanted to be an example to girls growing up that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and wanted to be a role model for them, as somebody who is pursuing engineering.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a STEM degree?

Stick with it!!! You picked STEM for a reason, and you got this! If it isn't making sense, take a deep breath and look at it tomorrow.

What do you plan on doing post-graduation?

I want to work for a power company, around the Midwest area!