MSE Senior Spotlight: Meet Lucy Raymond

Lucy Raymond

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

When choosing my major, I didn't want to choose between physics, chemistry, coding, and biology. MSE seemed like a good avenue for this. In my Intro to Mechanical Properties class sophomore year, we discussed how materials failures accounted for both the Challenger and Columbia failures. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be an MSE to work on making better materials to prevent failure. Looking back on that decision, I could not have made a better choice. MSE is a small, close-knit major that has provided me with support in my academic and personal life since I affiliated. The academic freedom has also allowed me to explore different avenues outside of engineering that include ethics, wines, astronomy, and many other classes. 

Why did you choose Cornell?

I chose Cornell because even though I was in STEM, I knew I wanted to make friends with different types of people with different life experiences. My junior year, I lived with two of my best friends who were in Fashion Management and ILR, which was such a good experience for me to grow as a person. I am so proud of the person I have grown into over the past four years, and that is a direct product of the people I held close to me. 

What hobbies do you have in your spare time?

In my spare time, I'm a dancer. I also hold many leadership positions in my social sorority as well as Cornell Materials Society. I also enjoy watching documentaries, trying new recipes, and having picnics at Stewart Park (as in the pic!)

Do you have any advice for incoming Engineering students?

I would encourage any incoming Engineering students to join any organizations you can. Meeting new people can be hard, but I met two of my good friends in MSE 1140, an engineering intro class, even though neither of them ended up as MSE majors. Join SWE, CMS, project teams, social organizations, athletic clubs, or just something that catches your eye. You never know where you will find your support network. I can speak for myself and so many of the other MSE undergrads in saying that we love to meet potential MSEs, so feel free to reach out to us at cms.cornell@gmail.com to be connected with people to talk to!

The biggest piece of advice I would give to any incoming Cornell student is that you don't have to do everything perfectly. Take time to have fun with your friends or explore campus or watch that new Netflix show. College allows you to grow as a person in addition to growing as a student; take advantage of that. 

What is next for you?

After I graduate in May, I will be working at Pratt and Whitney for the Summer. After that, I will be returning to Cornell for my M Eng. in Aerospace Engineering. 

 

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