Meet Your SOAR Leaders

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Major: M.A.S. Cyber Forensic and Security

Fun fact: I completed 7 IT and cybersecurity certification exams in 6 months, and I’m a big fan of Counter-Strike 2.

Ask me about: Anything about life at IIT! You can ask me regarding CyberHawks (Cybersecurity club at IIT) I can also help with navigating campus, esports team, housing, safety, classes, Canvas, international student resources, financial aid, health services, student organizations, events, dining options, and choosing the right cybersecurity path. Most importantly, I can show you where to find the information and resources you need to succeed at IIT.

Hometown: Yangon, Myanmar

Major: B.S. Data Science

Fun fact: I was stuck in Vietnam for a month alone without enough money and my passport.

Ask me about: Places to go around in Chicago, fun activities to do, orgs to join (Student Government Association, Codify) and the resources on campus.

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Major: M.S. Architecture

Fun fact: I can spend hours exploring bookstores and coffee shops without getting bored.

Ask me about: Academic resources, the College of Architecture’s Student Life Committee, places to visit in Chicago, Chicago architecture, museums, exhibitions, etc.

Hometown: Plainfield, Illinois

Major: B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Fun fact: I've done blacksmithing at home.

Ask me about: Fencing club, Materials Advantage club, Greek Life, Campus resources, how to get involved with clubs, activities on and around campus.

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Major: B.Architecture

Fun fact: I love hotpot. I’m such a regular at my favorite hotpot spot in Chinatown that they already know my name, my table, and probably my order.

Ask me about: ARCHITECTURE!!!!!! but apart from that honestly anything especially like roaming around Chicago because on weekends I do not stay at home. I make use of the time I have here and just keep on exploring hidden gems, different neighborhoods, and I’m a foodie so I can share recommendations.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Major: B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Fun fact: I love FC Barcelona.

Ask me about: Commuting, courses, extracurricular experiences, how to get involved in school, how to get in touch with professors and TAs for assistance and recommendation letters.

Hometown: Park Forest, Illinois

Major: B.S./ M.S. Computer Engineering

Fun fact: I am ordained, and I sell art prints.

Ask me about: Anything student orgs. Housing, classes (especially Computer engineering), student life and resources, etc.

Hometown: Telangana, Hyderabad, India

Major: M.S. Information Technology & Management

Fun fact: I overthink small things but somehow manage big things just fine.

Ask me about: My experience as an international graduate student and how it has helped me personally to evolve as a person.

Hometown: Nepal

Major: B.S. Computer Information Systems/ M.S. Business Analytics

Fun fact: I like to go on hikes.

Ask me about: Greek life, women in tech, college of computing classes, admissions, and on campus jobs.

Hometown: Maharashtra, India

Major: B.S. Computer Science

Fun fact: I can speak three languages natively.

Ask me about: The experience of being an international student and how to navigate life at an early age in a different country. They can ask me about Chicago: where and what to explore and check-out. They can also ask me almost anything about campus and its resources. I am quite involved on campus and am aware of most resources, events, procedures, etc.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Major: B.Architecture

Fun fact: I can say the alphabet backwards.

Ask me about: They can ask me where I'm from, hobbies I do, Organizations I'm apart of.

Hometown: Afghanistan

Major: B.S. Biology

Fun fact: I come from a big family with five sisters.

Ask me about: Adjusting to college life, biology classes, campus involvement, volunteering opportunities, and finding a good balance between school, work, and social life.

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Major: M.B.A. Business Analytics

Fun fact: I've published a mini poetry book and I'm a big lover of poetry and quotes.

Ask me about: Navigating academics & student life, student organizations and resources, day-to-day doubts like commute, food or other general queries and navigating life as an international student. Also, the best Chicago spots and fun things to do in the city. Anything that helps the transition!

Hometown: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Major: B.S. Computer Science

Fun fact: I have lived in 5 countries since my childhood.

Ask me about: Any International Student situations/help, living on campus, dining services, and any organization/club related questions.

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Major: B.S. Artificial Intelligence

Fun fact: I am colorblind.

Ask me about: Living on Campus, Junior Hawk Program, On Campus Employment, etc.

Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Major: Master's in Business Administration

Fun fact: I can give a tour of the campus in all seasons.

Ask me about: Anything related to campus life at Illinois Tech, from navigating academic resources like tutoring centers, advising, and the library, to finding the right student organizations and extracurriculars that match your interests. I'm happy to share tips on managing coursework, balancing your schedule, and making the most of your time at IIT. If you're curious about living on campus, exploring the surrounding Bronzeville neighborhood, or getting around Chicago, I've got you covered! You can also ask me about dining options, campus events, and how to get involved with the IIT community. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed during your first few weeks or just need someone to point you in the right direction, I'm here to help make your transition as smooth and exciting as possible!

Hometown: Turkmenabat

Major: B.S. Computer Science

Fun fact: I have never watched Harry Potter.

Ask me about: They can ask me about tech related clubs on campus, housing, Computer science classes and professors, some opportunities for Computer science students off-campus, transfer credits, etc.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Major: B.S. Business Administration/ M.Architecture

Fun fact: I can sing.

Ask me about: Engineers Without Borders, National Society of Black Engineers, Volleyball Club, library resources, housing, meal plans, and the Keating Athletic Center.