Theme: How WPI students are impacting their local and global communities.

Join us as we turn the spotlight back on students to share their experiences, and how the work they're conducting in and outside of the classroom is impacting their local and global communities. At WPI we focus on project-based learning and hands-on experience. Today we get to focus on students whose contributions to their communities go above and beyond the scope of typical classwork. We're excited to bring together 8 students across different disciplines to share their journeys with you.

Alden Hall
100 Institute Rd
Worcester, MA, Massachusetts, 01609
United States

Brynne MacWilliams

Bio-Medical Engineer & Mechanical Engineer

Brynne MacWilliams is originally from Utah and is currently attending WPI as a biomedical and mechanical engineering double major. As a sophomore, she works to improve campus by getting involved in many mental health groups, the Crimson Key tour-guide program, Green Team, the Outing Club, and much more. Additionally, her research with Professor Diana Alatalo has is leading the charge in women's health.

Cesar Guillen

Management Engineer

Cesar Guillen is a Management Engineering student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Originally from Merida, Venezuela, Cesar is passionate about providing quality education to Latin American countries through his work as CEO of an NGO. In addition to his leadership role, Cesar is involved in several student organizations at WPI, including the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers where he serves as Vice President. He is also a student worker in the Career Development Center, Building Manager of the Campus Center, Tour Guide in Admissions, and a current member of the Business Development Laboratories in WPI. Cesar has also worked as an undergraduate Peer Learning Assistant in the GPS class, Seeking Sustainability. Through his many roles on campus, Cesar is dedicated to making a positive impact on his community and beyond.

Dilce Oliveira

Robotics Engineer

Dilce Oliveira is a Robotics engineer from Stoughton, MA. Currently attending WPI she hopes to continue changing the world using her degrees in robotics and mechanical engineering. Currently she is focusing her research around autonomous robots and how they can help in the fight towards climate resilience. She specializes in compliant underwater robots, and hopes that in the future she can deploy robots to help communities that depend on the ocean's natural resources. In her free time she enjoys playing music and volunteering with organizations such as the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference (HOBY), or St. Jude's Hospital.

Giampaolo Maneri

Computer Scientist

Giampaolo is an international first-year student, born in Italy and raised in Venezuela and Panama, pursuing a degree in Computer Science in Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). As a young child, he became passionate about electronics, programming, and robotics. The analytical, critical thinking, and programming skills he developed led him to becoming the winner of the Panamanian National Robotics Olympiad in 2019. Additionally, Giampaolo worked with Fundesteam, to create educational robot programming, and more. Giampaolo is currently part of the project "Universal Education Initiative" as the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder. He is working on making education more accessible to developing countries alongside the WPI Business Lab advisors as well as other WPI students. Constantly searching for new challenges and opportunities, he has become a passionate and determined individual who has learned to adapt quickly in different environments.

Ishani Bedre

Biochemist

Ishani Bedre is a Biochemistry and Psychology student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). She has served as a Community Advisor for three years as part of the WPI Insight Team, in which she advises first year students and aids in the social, emotional, and academic integration into college life through their first semester. She is also an undergraduate mentor for the Women's Research and Mentorship Program, a high school outreach collaborative effort to provide STEM education and opportunities to Worcester public high school women. She also gains fulfillment through her involvements as a dancer for the Rangeela Bollywood and Bhangra Fusion Competitive Dance Team, a guitarist for her Indian fusion band, Musical Mirchis, and as an avid rock climber. Ishani is most passionate about bringing people together under the common goal of breaking down societal constructs to work towards a more introspective and empathetic world.

Neil Kale

Mathematician & Computer Scientist

Neil Kale is a local student from Westborough, MA currently attending WPI as a computer science and mathematics major, with minors in robotics engineering and physics. He enjoys traveling and meeting new people. Last fall, he spent three months abroad in Japan, and his latest obsession is roadtripping through small towns around New England. In his free time, he rows for the men's varsity crew team and coaches for Western Mass ARML, a regional math team for talented high schoolers.

Nick Gronda

Civil Engineer

Nick Gronda is the CEO / Co-Founder of CROI Inc. a company that's mission is to end the student loan debt crisis and help students make more informed decisions about their financial and professional futures by giving access to important data. Currently he is attending WPI as a Civil Engineering major and is finishing up his junior year.

Owen Rouse

Electrical & Computer Engineer

Owen Rouse is an Electrical and Computer engineer from Londonderry, NH. He is attending WPI to focus on developing his skills in robotics, micro-electronics, and embedded system programming. He is currently researching how to implement autonomous robots to remove pollution from coral reefs and fight climate change. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in nature, hiking and rock climbing, or working to gain knowledge in fields outside his major.