study abroad

Interconnected – How Matthew Gelinas ’21 Discovered His Passion for Cybersecurity

Senior Matthew Gelinas ’21 knew he wanted to major in Electrical Engineering in high school when he had the chance to tour Raytheon with a mentor and family friend. It took a bit longer, however, for Matthew to develop the secondary interests that are poised to connect him to his future career path.

Keep reading to find out how Matthew was able to explore his interests, career goals and hobbies as a student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) at Syracuse!

Matthew Gelinas '21 outside of Link Hall, home of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Photo courtesy of IEEE Syracuse.
Matthew Gelinas ’21 outside of Link Hall, home of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Photo courtesy of IEEE Syracuse.

Meet Matthew Gelinas ‘21
Hometown: South Hadley, MA
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Computer Science

How and why did you choose to attend Syracuse University?
I considered several colleges with engineering programs, including public and private institutions. In addition to the scholarships and financial aid I received at Syracuse, I loved that it was far enough away from my hometown in Massachusetts, but not too far. I also was looking for a large university with considerable resources and ways to get involved. Plus, I love the snow!

Tell us more about your interests in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
I came in as an Electrical Engineering major and later added on a minor in Computer Science. As an engineer, I want to be able to solve problems from multiple angles, so it was great to be able to add a secondary interest on to my undergraduate experience.

My interest in computer science, and ultimately, cybersecurity, really took off after taking a class with Professor Shiu-Kai Chin. I approached him after class about research opportunities and he got me involved in a research project the summer after my sophomore year.

How have you been able to apply what you’re learning in the classroom?

Matthew found his internship at the ECS Career Fair. Syracuse offers 11 career fairs throughout the academic year

Research has been a big part of my experience at Syracuse. Professor Chin and I worked on a soft system methodology project that examined interactions between humans and machines for an Air Force lab in Rome, NY.

This past summer, I also had the opportunity to intern with Hanscom Air Force Base. I met with an Air Force representative by chance at the ECS Career Fair during my junior year, and he called me afterward to offer me the internship opportunity. Although the experience ended up being mostly virtual due to COVID-19, I got to learn about all of the engineering and professional opportunities the Air Force has to offer, including the newly created Space Force and different weather systems they operate.

What is your dream job?
I definitely have a passion for cybersecurity, but I wouldn’t say I have a dream career path in mind just yet. I plan to keep saying yes to opportunities that come my way until I figure it out!

What are you involved outside of academics at Syracuse?

Matthew with his intramural soccer team after their championship game. Photo courtesy of Matthew Gelinas.

In addition to playing intramural soccer and pickup tennis and basketball, I’m currently serving as the Treasurer for IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. We put on various events for students interested in engineering and computer science, including resume review sessions and hackathons!

I also studied abroad in Strasbourg, France in the fall of my sophomore year, which I can’t recommend enough. I went there knowing zero French, but had a great experience taking classes and living with a wonderful host family. I was able to travel to Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands during my trip, as well as play on the basketball team.

I was able to keep up with all of my scheduled classes while abroad, including engineering lab, which was taught in English. An elective class I took in Strasbourg focused on human rights and was taught by a lawyer from the European Court of Human Rights, which is located right over the border in Germany. At the end of the course we had the opportunity to go and watch one of the court cases live!

What classes are you taking this semester?

  • Image Processing
  • Cybersecurity: Access, Control and Trust
  • Introduction to Algorithms
  • Senior Design Lab

My classes this year are a mix of in-person and online instruction. Professor Jennifer Graham’s Senior Design Lab functions almost like Shark Tank – each group, made up of Electrical and Computer Engineering majors, is challenged to come up with a new design idea, build the product, and present it to a panel at the end of the semester.

What advice do you have for future ECS students?
My best advice is to talk to your professors – they are truly your best resource. In addition to being industry experts, they will help you select your classes, find job experiences and connect you to professionals doing the work you are interested in. Everyone I’ve encountered is fantastic and willing to help – I truly wouldn’t be where I am now without their guidance and advice.

Fully Involved – Q&A with Civil Engineering major Ravyn Smith ‘21

A common misconception about college STEM majors is that they are so busy with required coursework that they don’t have time to get fully involved on campus. High school students interested in STEM sometimes worry about their ability to join a club, study abroad, or pursue internship and work experiences.

Ravyn Smith ’21, a civil engineering major and architecture minor is living proof you can do all of the above! Read on to learn about how she chose Syracuse and the many extracurricular experiences that have enriched her Syracuse STEM experience.

Ravyn Smith '21 and Otto! Photo courtesy of Ravyn Smith.
Ravyn Smith ’21 and Otto! Photo courtesy of Ravyn Smith.

Meet Ravyn Smith ‘21
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Architecture

How did you choose Syracuse?
I knew I was looking for a college with engineering and the ability to minor in architecture. I also wanted to study abroad and a school with a traditional campus feel. When I toured Syracuse, I fell in love with the campus and immediately felt like part of the community. Something about walking to campus from the College Place bus stop and seeing iconic Syracuse buildings like Hendricks Chapel and Carnegie Library on the quad made me feel like this was the definition of college and I wanted to be part of it.

Why civil engineering?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to create. I have always been fascinated with buildings and their different layouts, so when I discovered civil engineering, I knew it was the right fit for me. With more research, I realized how closely related civil engineering was to architecture and I decided I wanted to add an Architecture minor to broaden my building design knowledge.

The Civil Engineering program at Syracuse allows students to get a taste of every specialization within the field so we can learn and decide which aspects interest us the most. I knew from the beginning I wanted to focus on the structural engineering side of civil. After taking some classes in that subject, I could really tell that was the right fit for me. My dream job is to work as an architectural designer because I want to be able to bring people’s design visions to life.

What is your favorite class at Syracuse?
One of my all-time favorite classes was ECS 101 Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science – it is extremely hands-on and project based. Within the span of a semester, we got to build bridges, design a mall, and make a presentation on a chosen sector of civil engineering. My replica of the Golden Gate Bridge from freshman year is still on display in the department conference room!

Civil engineering students test the bridge they built as part of the ECS 101 end-of-semester competition.
Civil engineering students test the bridge they built as part of the ECS 101 end-of-semester competition.

Another one of my favorite classes was ITA 115 Beginning Italian 1. I took this class while studying abroad in Florence; my professor was an amazing Italian woman who shared her passion for Italian culture with us in the classroom. It made me fall in love with Italy!

This fall I am taking Transportation Engineering, Construction Engineering and Engineering Materials, a studio class for my minor – Architectural Drawing, and two fun electives, Professional Baking and Culinary Arts!

What are you involved in outside the classroom?
I’m a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Recently, I took the role of Vice President in the professional STEM sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon, and I’m also the events coordinator for the Professional Fraternity Council. During Welcome Week, I serve as an orientation leader (OL)! Our job is to make sure new students transition successfully to the University and feel at home on campus. I also work with the Shaw Center as an Engineering Ambassadors intern. We take Syracuse STEM students into Syracuse City School District classrooms and teach engineering topics via hands-on activities.

This summer I am interning at the design firm Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt in Syracuse. I applied for this position through the University’s job portal, Handshake. Additionally, for Summer 2020, I also received a Syracuse SOURCE grant to participate in research with Dr. Sinead Mac Namara for the second edition of her book Collaborations in Architecture and Engineering.

How did you balance a full engineering course load while studying abroad?
In Spring 2019 I went to Italy to study at the Syracuse Abroad Center in Florence. I was able to take all the same classes for my major that students were taking on campus and even got to take a class for my minor. Syracuse really focuses on making the abroad experience achievable for every major and that doesn’t change for engineers. The best semester for us to go is spring of our sophomore year because of the alignment of classes. If a class looks like it might not be offered, however, there are advisors within each abroad program to help you jump through those hurdles.

I had an amazing time while in Italy. I got to travel to 5 different countries, learn a new language, and eat as much great Italian food as I could. A lot of my friends also went abroad that semester, so it was even more of a blast with them there. The abroad center even has its own trips around Italy that are included with the program fee!

What advice would you give to students interested in engineering at Syracuse?

View of Hendricks Chapel and the quad.
View of Hendricks Chapel and the quad.

Look at the requirements of each engineering major to see what best aligns with your interests and goals! Also, utilize any and all open house opportunities you can – the best way to see if Syracuse is the place for you is to visit, even if it is a virtual visit.

Syracuse really provides a space for full involvement. Though it might be a big school in terms of students, it has a small school feel where you can walk through campus and recognize at least 20 people. We have 300+ student organizations, and if you don’t find something for you, you can always start your own club – one of the people in my freshman dorm started the Curling Club!

Bandier: Syracuse University’s Music Business Program

Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.
Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.

Did you know that one of Syracuse University’s smallest academic majors is also one of its most influential?

Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.
Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.

The Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries (Bandier, for short) within Syracuse’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications enrolls just 25-30 students each year, but is consistently ranked as one of the best schools for studying the music business. Graduates of the program go on to roles in a variety of careers, including A&R, media and public relations, music journalism, entertainment law, venue management and more!

Interested in learning more about the Bandier program? Take a look at these recent photos for a snapshot of what life is like for Bandier students!

  • The Bandier Program maintains close ties with industry executives and leaders across all areas where music and the media intersect and offers students the chance to learn from someone new each week through the David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series.

    Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
    Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
  • Bandier students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the music business through programs like the Syracuse University Los Angeles Semester. The Bandier Program has a strong alumni network that works with students and faculty/staff regarding mentoring and assistance in finding internships and job opportunities!

    Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.
    Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.
  • The small nature of the Bandier Program means that students are provided with individual academic and professional guidance based on their interests. Students are required to hold at least three internships during their time at Syracuse, and many do so while studying abroad! Through experiences like these, Bandier students are exposed to a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences that prepare them for the ever-changing landscape of music business.
Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.
Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.
  • Despite the small and close-knit nature of the program, Bandier students also have resources of a large university at hand. Bandier students are actively involved on campus in a range of clubs and organizations, and many hold leadership roles in the college entertainment programming board, University Union.

    University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.
    University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.

Combining Business and Technology

Meet Julia Fontana ’19 G’20
Major: Information Management & Technology
Hometown: Nazareth, PA
High School: Nazareth High School
Activities: iSchool Peer Advisor, NEXIS Research and Innovation Lab, University 100 Student Ambassador

I began my career at Syracuse as a dual student in the iSchool and the Whitman School of Management. During my campus visit, I fell in love with the iSchool and the possibility of a curriculum that combined business and technology. I have always been interested in both areas and Syracuse was the only college I was looking at that had a formalized program where I could pursue both majors simultaneously.

Throughout my time at Syracuse, I have taken full advantage of every opportunity available to me. That’s my biggest piece of advice – there are awesome things happening in the iSchool, so make sure you’re making the most of them!

Collaborative, inviting environment for learning and discovery

The iSchool is more than just a building or college where students take classes. It truly is a community, a family of people, coming together to learn, discover, grow, and help each other.

Unlike any academic environment I’ve experienced before, the iSchool is completely collaborative. Students are encouraged to work together to solve problems and develop solutions. You see this spirit of community most clearly in NEXIS, an entirely student-run research lab located in the iSchool.

NEXIS has provided me with a platform to put what I learned in the classroom into action. It has opened the door to incredible opportunities I would not have otherwise considered.

Opportunities to make lasting alumni connections

As a sophomore, I took a fully-funded trip to New York City to visit the New York headquarters of EY and Microsoft. I participated in hands-on profes

sional development exercises and made lasting connections with Syracuse alumni. My team of students even presented our project to partners at EY!

World-class internship and job prospects

My summer before junior year was spent in Washington, DC at the Federal Reserve Board as an Applications Development + User Experience Intern. Right away I got to work on bug fixes, automation, usability expansion, and participated in client meetings. The work I did made it into production across the entire Federal Reserve Board! This incredible internship was made possible thanks to connections I made at the on-campus iSchool Spring Career Fair.

This internship served as a great way to practice the interpersonal skills I learned through the iSchool. Since I was working with both clients and developers, I had to speak both the technical language of my development team, as well as the business language of our clients. The iSchool taught me the importance of “speaking both languages” and putting it into practice further emphasized my classwork.

Immersion experiences in the real-life business world

During the Spring Break of my senior year, I traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area through the iSchool Immersion Experience program. We visited Syracuse alumni and friends at companies across Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. I made 100 new contacts at huge organizations like Google, Uber, Cisco, and Twitter. We even met with startup companies like Density, which was started by iSchool alumni. It was incredible to learn about the tech-driven business culture of the Valley directly from members of the Orange family.

A background in management and technology has prepared me for a future of possibilities. My experiences have strengthened my interpersonal and communication skills and my technical knowledge. More so, I now understand the necessity of these skills in a business world that is growing more technologically-oriented. The iSchool’s flexible curriculum allowed me to take the courses that interest me most. Plus, the school’s abundance of extracurricular involvements have enriched my educational experience. I’ve even decided to spend another year at the iSchool to earn my Master of Science in Information Management through the Fast Track program!

Engineering Abroad

A group of fourteen students pose for a photo on a sand dune at sunset

Last summer, Haley Bigando set off for what would be a “life-changing” experience, studying abroad as part of the James Mandel and Samuel Clemence Civil Engineering Internship at the Dubai Contracting Company. While collaborating with students and professionals from around the globe, she learned how civil engineering concepts apply to multimillion dollar projects, and prepared for her own future as an engineer.

You said that your experiences in Dubai were “life-changing.” What was most memorable part of the trip?

I’ve never been abroad before, so studying in another country and learning about another culture was a huge change. One day they picked us up in SUVs and we drove into the desert. It felt like a large-scale skate park when we drove up the dunes and dropped back down. We stopped at sunset, and drove down to base camp for dinner. Some of us rode camels and went sand boarding, which is basically snowboarding, but in the sand!

It sounds like you formed some close relationships while you were in Dubai. What was it like to study with students from another country?

Half of the students in the program were from the Lebanese American University. We got along with them so well; we lived together, shared our experiences, and showed each other pictures of our hometowns. We had lunch together every day in the office and it would always be something different; some of it we didn’t like, some of it we loved! It was also fun when they would teach us different phrases in Arabic.

A group of sixteen students pose for a photo in front of a city skyline at night

How did you connect with executives and other engineers at the Dubai Contracting Company?

When we arrived, each department head explained what their department does. For example, we toured the planning department and then had a lecture on planning, scheduling, and how that relates to the rest of the project. We even gave presentations to the chairman of the Dubai Contracting Company, Mr. Yabroudi (’78, G’79) and he critiqued us. He pushed us to work very hard, because we jam-packed everything into four weeks.

A group of students gather around a set of blueprints, which are spread out on a table. The students are wearing reflective vests, and their hard hats are sitting on the table.

How did studying in Dubai change the way you look at engineering?

We went on site tours around Dubai almost every other day. We started with sites where construction had just begun, and by the end of the program we were touring completely finished buildings. We were taught to pay close attention to detail and quality; now I pick up on things all the time that I never would have noticed before. Even if it’s just a sidewalk, or something that could have been designed better, I’ll notice it!

Picture of Haley standing at a construction site, with the city skyline behind her. She wears a reflective vest and hard hat.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will continue at Syracuse with my master’s degree, because I love the close-knit community here and want to get more experience in structural engineering. After graduate school, I look forward to working for The Chazen Companies as a project engineer.

What advice do you have for high school students who might be intimidated by the idea of studying abroad?

When I was preparing to apply for the study abroad program, I questioned whether to go through with it, because I’d never been abroad before. But the Dubai program is short-tem, I knew everyone going, and a professor went with us. All of that made it easier. I’m so glad I handed in my application because I will never have the chance to do something like the Dubai program again. Now I’m not afraid to travel – I want to travel more!

More blogs like this: