We asked the campus community to nominate seniors who are deserving of recognition, so we can showcase how much the Class of 2020 means to UConn. We’ll be posting interviews with selected seniors as our Senior Spotlight series. Enjoy.
Meet Fernanda Sulantay!
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When are you graduating?
2020
What are you studying?
Chemical Engineering
Hometown?
San Salvador, El Salvador
What on-campus activities/organizations are you involved in?
LSAMP, PRLACC activities, METAS, Undergraduate research, Honors Program, Engineering clubs
What is your favorite “hidden” spot on campus?
The commuter’s lounge. It’s not really hidden, but it took me a while to find out that it existed and not many people know about it. I love going there to study and chill.
What has your day-to-day been like since virtual classes and social distancing were introduced?
I try to plan my week beforehand and that helps me get organized. I usually have breakfast, and I hangout with my 1 year old for the rest of the morning. Then I have lunch, and in the afternoon, my husband stays with my son so I can do whatever work I need to do. We then have dinner, and we put my son to sleep. After that, I do things like workout, clean, finish school work, and chill.
Are there any campus traditions you missed, and any that you might want to take part in as an alum?
I really wanted to go to a game and I never did, so hopefully I can come back and watch one soon!
If everything could go back to normal for one hour today, what would you use that time for?
I would go to the park and invite my friends and family to hangout because I miss them!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’m doing a coding bootcamp over the summer, and I’m starting my PhD at Yale University next semester.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully finishing my PhD!
If you could thank one person for their help throughout your time at UConn, who would it be and what would you say?
Just one? I want to thank all of the Chemical Engineering Department, especially the professors who helped and guided me throughout my time at UConn. I want to thank Dr. Shor for accepting me in her lab and for mentoring me all these years. And thank you Dr. Pascal for always helping me and encouraging me to do better! They are both my role models.
What’s a piece of advice you’d like to share with the Class of 2024?
1. Dream BIG! It sounds cliché, but when you have high aspirations and high expectations for yourself, you will most likely achieve them. 2. Don’t make excuses, just do it! 3. Nowadays, you can learn everything online. 4. Remember that connections are everything – networking is key! 5. Finally remember that your mental health is more important than anything <3
Anything else we should know about you? Fun facts, hidden talents, favorite memories, advice, etc.?
I named my son Nicola after Nikola Tesla. I’m a pro at hulahooping. I have an accent. I have a YouTube channel where I talk about STEM, engineering, and more. Don’t forget to subscribe: Fernanda Sulantay