Officer Highlights — Part 3
Here is part three of our Officer Highlights series!
Katie Whalen
First, we will learn about our 2018–2019 President, Katie Whalen! You have certainly seen her during Monthly Meetings and other events, so get to know her a bit more below.
Hometown: Franklin, TN
Major: Agricultural Engineering
Year: 5th
Her reason for becoming President: “I have been a part of SWE since my freshman year at Ohio State! It has truly impacted my college experience and has made me overall a better person. Due to SWE helping me get through the early tough years, I wanted to be able to do that for new members who are going through the same thing. I am passionate about women in STEM and furthering our potential moving forward. Being a woman in a field surrounded by men, it is important that we stick together and empower each other! I have be so grateful to have the opportunity to empower members and share my experiences. SWE has allowed me to grow as a leader and a person and I am so thankful for that. Being President has been wonderful and I can’t wait to see where this organization continues to go!!”
Ideas for post-graduation life: “I am going to work for Eaton!! I did an internship with them last summer and loved it! I don’t know my location yet but I will be sure to keep everyone updated.”
Favorite SWE memory: “Going to conferences!! Each and every conference I have been to has been special for different reasons. Being able to bond and grow with so many different people has been amazing! My favorite conference has definitely been WE17 in Austin, Texas. The friendships that I have made in this organization will last a lifetime!”
Other Hobbies / Involvements: “I love to read, cook, and eat good food! I also love to travel!!”
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Oval — “There is nothing like laying out in the sunshine looking at Thompson!”
Favorite Snack: Chips, almonds, cashews, and beef sticks (especially before volleyball games)
A few final notes about Katie: She was born in California and is now a proud Nashville Predators fan. Katie also loves Celine Dion and a classy glass of wine. Below, look at the lovely photo of her dog, Luna!!
A quote Katie would like to share: “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” — A Cinderella Story (Also the legend Babe Ruth)
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Sam Thobe
Next, we have Sponsorship Director, Sam Thobe!
Hometown: St. Henry, OH
Major: Chemical Engineering
Year: 5th
Her reason for becoming Sponsorship Director: “I had small experiences gaining company sponsorship during my time as the Special Events Coordinator in 2017/2018. I realized it was fun to talk up SWE and showcase how many events and resources we provide to our members, and, at the same time, realized that companies were impressed with this and WANTED to be a part of it. It is rewarding to build relationships with company representatives and be a resource and liaison between them and SWE, as well as, find and lock down money so we can do awesome things!! Additionally, I have gained practice in composing professional emails and insight on how company-university relationships work!”
Ideas for post-graduation life: “I do not have plans as of now, but I would love to start my career in Columbus. Overall, I cannot wait to finally be an engineer (vs. engineering student)!!”
Favorite SWE memory: “Attending my first national/annual conference in Austin, TX was SO eye opening to how large SWE’s presence is across the world. The entire weekend was so empowering!!”
Other Hobbies / Involvements: “I am involved in undergraduate research within the Biomedical Engineering Department. I volunteer in Dr. Swindle-Reilly’s lab experimenting with natural polymers for optic nerve injury repair. As far as hobbies go, who has time for them as an engineering student, am I right?! I (try to) take part in intramural volleyball/play when I get the chance! My favorite thing to do when I’m not doing SWE or school is spend time with my family and make weekend visits to friends that do not live in Columbus. ❤”
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Ohio Stadium Student Section (Go Bucks!)
Favorite Snack: (Jeni’s) Ice Cream, (Fudgey) Brownies, (Insomnia) Cookies…you get the idea.
A final few facts about Sam: She has been skydiving and has studied abroad in Greece! Also, she has three nephews and a niece all under the age of 4, and she is “OBSESSED” with them.
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Bridgette Wadge
Next, here are some facts about our Publicity Director, Bridgette Wadge!
Hometown: Amherst, OH
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Year: 2nd
Her reason for becoming Publicity Director: “I really wanted to be involved in SWE on a leadership level because I like to know and understand everything that’s going on around me. Publicity is a very fun outlet that allows for creativity while also giving me the chance to promote and learn about everyone else’s events and plans!”
Ideas for post-graduation life: I think I would like to work in manufacturing or at some sort of interactive exhibit design company, somewhere not too far from family. I would also like to become involved as a leader in community youth programs in my free time. (If all else fails, I have also recently considered becoming a Disney Princess, so stay tuned.)
Favorite SWE memory: “Attending WE17 in Austin, TX as a freshman and having the opportunity to work at the College of Engineering Alumni Tailgate this past Homecoming Weekend.”
Other Hobbies / Involvements: Work as an FEH UTA, sudoku puzzles, crocheting, and convincing my parents to go on fun vacations (with and without her)
Favorite Spot on Campus: Scott Lab Courtyard, especially in sunny weather (and Hitchcock 208 any time of the year).
Favorite Snack: Tortilla chips and peanut m&ms
A few final notes from Bridgette: “I worked at Cedar Point last summer at eight different ride locations, including all three kids’ areas! I am the youngest by far in a long line of cousins, so I have eight baby cousins (cousins’ kids) all under the age of nine that I absolutely adore. Two of them are pictured below from this past Thanksgiving!!”
Last advice from Bridgette: “I think that being knowledgeable about what you are involved in enriches that experience exponentially. So I encourage everyone who is even remotely interested to run for a position and then to stay involved even if you aren’t elected. You will learn so much.”
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Catherine Wang
Lastly, we have our Special Events Coordinator, Catherine Wang!
Hometown: Pickerington, OH
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Year: 4th
Her reason for becoming Special Events Coordinator: “I have always had a passion for planning events. I love being able to create an atmosphere that brings people together, an atmosphere that strengthens existing relationships and fosters new relationships. An event is something to look forward to. To me, an event is enriching and celebratory, a reflection of life’s beauty, and a fond memory that can always be cherished. SWE has given me the opportunity to explore event planning, and for that, I am grateful.”
Ideas for Post-Graduation Life: “I am moving to Charlotte, North Carolina to work for Frito-Lay, making the best snack-foods in the WORLD!”
Favorite SWE Memory: “Cliche, but I really enjoyed my first time at conference Fall 2018. It was great to be able to spend time with everyone outside of a school setting, explore a new city, and make new friends!”
Other Hobbies / Involvements: “I love baking (both experimental & celebratory), doing yoga & social dancing, spending time with friends, and participating in team activities! Outside of SWE, I am a member of Cru at Ohio State, an Academic Path Peer for Freshmen Undecided Engineers, and an Engineering Hometown Ambassador.”
Favorite Spot on Campus: “For dining, I love the RPAC and Sloopy’s. For studying, definitely Thompson Library or Heirloom Cafe.”
Favorite Snack: “Hard! If I’m feeling “healthy:” apple & peanut butter, or Greek yogurt & granola (4 holy grail items). If unhealthy: chex mix, goldfish, or Lightly Salted Lay’s Chips :)”
Here are a few final notes from Catherine: Her dream is to open up her own coffee shop/bakery/cafe (“stay tuned! Because it is happening…” ). Catherine also said this when asked about something she loves dearly: “I love my brother and his heart of gold! Cheesy, but I really couldn’t have asked for a better best friend. He is always down for my shenanigans, whether that be a deep-talk, a chick-flick, or eating all of my baked goods for me because (sadly) my metabolism isn’t able to handle it anymore.” Catherine and her brother are pictured below!
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Remember to check in with any of these ladies or the other officers as elections approach!
