After a successful (virtual) rush week planned by Abby Larson and Jason Goetting, Theta Tau Xi Chapter is elated to welcome the 19 members of the Spring 2021 pledge class into our brotherhood.
Mira Baichoo
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Middleton, WI and Singapore
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major? “I chose my major because I love to help and care for others, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life helping as many people as I can. I also have a love for chemistry, biology, and math and wanted to my life to center around that. So in order to combine those things into a major I found myself looking into biomedical engineering and falling in love with the innovation they do.”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose Madison, because I loved the campus and being close to the lake. It also had a really good engineering program, and I knew they did design projects early in your undergraduate program. I was super excited to see what being an engineer actually looked like. Madison’s core values also aligned with mine; such as giving back to the community and being a part of a close knit college and alum family.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: Caring, goofy, talkative
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to find a cure for diabetes.”
Hobbies and interests: “I love listening to new music, hanging out with my friends, hiking, and learning how to cook new food!”
Fun fact: “I hiked Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Barack Obama”
Eviana Berthel
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Zwingle, Iowa
Major: Chemical Engineering
Why your major? “I chose Chemical Engineering because I love math and science, and it offers a wide range of pathways and job opportunities.”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose UW-Madison because of the challenging academics, active social life, and the grand city.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Bold, adaptable, passionate”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to have my own sustainable makeup brand.”
Hobbies and interests: “I love exploring nature, taking photos, dancing, trying new foods, anything fashion/beauty related, and listening to music.”
Fun fact: “I have an obsession with ice cream.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Ian Somerhalder”
Bella Boeckenstedt
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Edina, MN
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major? “I’ve always wanted to be an engineer, but when I took AP Biology in my junior year of high school I realized I wanted to study biotechnology as well. As a biomedical engineering student, I get to learn about both biology and engineering, and I will have the opportunity to directly help people with my work. I’m also planning on double majoring in data science, because I’ve always liked statistics and applied programming.”
Why UW-Madison? “I decided to go to UW-Madison because I believe it’s a school that allows for a healthy work-life balance along with an exceptional education. The engineering program is ranked highly and it has several other competitive majors that I was considering a double major in. Also, I really liked the campus and State Street.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Friendly, passionate, creative”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to visit New Zealand and Australia and see all the weird animals. Also, I want to build something that changes the world for the better.”
Hobbies and interests: “Some of my hobbies are painting, collage, polymer clay sculptures, making earrings/jewelry, reading, and playing with my pets.”
Fun fact: “I’ve seen more than fourteen wild moose.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Bob Ross”
Karina Buttram
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Tempe, AZ
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major? “I’ve always wanted to go to medical school and biomedical engineering lets me get a feel for working in the medical field as an undergrad.”
Why UW-Madison? “I wanted to go to a big university with a lot of school spirit. I also wanted something completely different than Arizona, so I wanted four season and snow :)”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Easy-going, caring, passionate”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “Go skydiving”
Hobbies and interests: “Gymnastics, reading poetry, yoga, binge watching Netflix”
Fun fact: “I have broken my knees three times”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Shawn Mendes”
Aidan Butula
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Major: Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics
Why your major? “I like to build things and know how things work, and I’m very creative.”
Why UW-Madison? “Best and cheapest in-state engineering school”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Ambitious, compassionate, humble”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “Work for SpaceX in LA”
Hobbies and interests: “Intramural basketball, and other sports. WI Space Race”
Fun fact: “I’ve been to Irish Fest every year it happened since I was born”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Barack Obama”
Sam Conway
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Onalaska, WI
Major: Engineering undecided
Why your major? “I enjoy trying to build things and understand how stuff works. I’m also a bit of a math and physics nerd so I figured engineering would be a good fit”
Why UW-Madison? “Madison has a really good work hard play hard environment which was something I was looking forward to the most. I also love the campus and the Madison area in general.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Understanding, relaxed, bruh”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to go paramotoring”
Hobbies and interests: “I’m always down to play some pick-up ball and any other sport. I love fishing, hiking and anything to do with the outdoors. I also play trumpet and piano in my spare time.”
Fun fact: “I once ate a fermented fish because I lost a poker game.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Shaq”
Georgia Hancock
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major? “I worked on a project during high school 3D-printing parts for prosthetics, which peaked my interest in medical technology and led me to pursue bioinstrumentation.”
Why UW-Madison? “UW has a great engineering program, a beautiful campus, and a fun social atmosphere. What more could I ask for? (besides warmer weather maybe…)”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Adventurous, enthusiastic, open-minded”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “Volunteer in the Peace Corps!”
Hobbies and interests: “I love music, I play the clarinet and a little guitar and piano. I also love to snowboard in the winter!”
Fun fact: “I have been snowboarding since I was 3 years old (basically before I could walk)”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
Abishek Kannan
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL
Major: Computer Engineering
Why your major? “For as long as I remember, I’ve always been interested in computers and other small electronic gadgets.”
Why UW-Madison? “I loved the vibe of the campus when I visited and because UW has a great engineering program.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Hardworking, Fun, Chill”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “Graduate from college”
Hobbies and interests: “Playing/Watching sports, Video Games”
Fun fact: “Half of one of my front teeth is fake because I chipped it in elementary school.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Yoda”
Rachel Kayman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL “A southwest suburb of Chicago”
Major: Industrial Engineering
Why your major? “I’ve always loved ergonomics and math, and after talking extensively with my Calculus teacher in High school, he recommended I check out ISYE. I did, and found that it was the major that combined all of my passions!!”
Why UW-Madison? “Because of the Industrial Engineering program!”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Silly, focused and”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I really want to go see all 4 Grand Slam tennis tournaments!! I’ve already been to 1.”
Hobbies and interests: “I love playing flute, hammocking and reading!!”
Fun fact: “I rate public bathrooms for fun, on instagram. I also read 52 books in 2020, during quarantine.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “I would probably meet Tyler, the Creator because he seems so funny and I just want him to roast me because why not.”
Andrew Kazan
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Major: Computer science
Why your major? “I think technology is cool”
Why UW-Madison? “In state tuition and my siblings went here”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Good vibes only”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “Become a software developer”
Hobbies and interests: “Video games, skateboarding, music, and outdoor adventures”
Fun fact: “I play guitar”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Uncle Iroh from Avatar”
Rajat Mittal
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
Major: Industrial Engineering
Why your major? “I really liked the mix of business + technical knowledge base that I could gain from this major. Additionally, I liked how the concepts taught in this major could be applied to most industries making it a super dynamic major.”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose UW Madison due to the fact that it was close to home and had a rigorous academic standard while also offering relatively cheap in state tuition.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Driven, laid-back, tired”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I’d like to start a business in my lifetime.”
Hobbies and interests: “I enjoy playing tennis, cooking, reading, yoga, and hanging out with my friends and family”
Fun fact: “I was born in Washington DC”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Rick from Rick and Morty”
Alfredo Navarrete
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Oaxaca, Mexico
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Why your major? “I think I have always had the spirit of an engineer: always looking to create new things, to figure out how something works, and always trying to solve problems. I chose Materials Science because I consider that materials are the base of all human innovation. I think that through the development of new materials and processes we can have the opportunity to solve many of the problems we have nowadays and, at the same time, create new devices that can help to improve our lives.”
Why UW-Madison? “It’s a long story… but I can say that, from all the universities I got in, UW-Madison was the best overall. I wanted to study in a nice place where I could feel safe and receive the best education possible. UW-Madison fulfilled those requirements, and I need to say that I love this city; not too big, but not too small.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Driven, curious, friendly”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to become an Inventor.”
Hobbies and interests: “I really love ay type of outdoor activities, specially exploring new places. Traveling, hanging out with friends, shopping, reading, meditation, Science and technology, Star Wars.”
Fun fact: “I have a meme page with 10K followers on facebook”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Leonardo Da Vinci or Nikola Tesla”
Alex Page
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Why your major? “I enjoy creating new things and leaning about different materials”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose UW Madison because of the amazing city, engineering program, and wonderful people!”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Competitive, Fun, Interesting”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to make a new Material that changes the way something is done”
Hobbies and interests: “I like to play sports such as soccer, tennis, snowboarding, triathlon, and XC skiing. I also enjoy photography and videography.”
Fun fact: “I have a drone that I like to fly around when I travel”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Probably someone really old from the Aztecs or an ancient civilization”
Dilan Patel
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Bartlett, IL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major? “I decided to major in mechanical engineering to get a broad background in engineering and have the opportunity to explore many different kinds of engineering.”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose UW-Madison because of the amazing academics, campus, social atmosphere and sports”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Goofy, ambitious, and caring”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to play golf on 6 out of the 7 continents. Antarctica might not be possible :(“
Hobbies and interests: “I love to play golf, adventure, and travel.”
Fun fact: “I know so many random useless sports facts, which makes super helpful at trivia.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
Nidhi Ramesh
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA
Major: Chemical Engineering
Why your major? “I chose chemical engineering because it is a broad discipline with many real world applications.”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose UW-Madison for its outstanding engineering program and amazing culture. When I visited the campus for my college tour, it instantly felt like home!”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Trustworthy, tenacious, and kind”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to make a meaningful and positive impact on other people’s lives.”
Hobbies and interests: “I like to sing and in high school I was part of an Acapella choir”
Fun fact: “I have zip lined across the Montmorency Waterfall in Quebec”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Emma Watson”
Emily Ratsavong
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI
Major: Computer Science
Why your major? “I really like problem solving in coding and working with computers.”
Why UW-Madison? “I chose UW-Madison because it’s close to home and has a strong computer science program.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Loyal, Hardworking, Easygoing”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to travel the world.”
Hobbies and interests: “I like playing the violin and doing digital art”
Fun fact: “I can play 3 instruments: violin, ukulele, and clarinet”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Percy Jackson”
Isaac Reesor
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Chaska, MN
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major? “I picked Mechanical Engineering because I’ve always loved math and physics. Those were by far my favorite and best subjects in middle and high school. I also really like the problem solving aspect of engineering in general. More specifically, I picked Mechanical Engineering because of how broad it is. You can do a lot of different things with a Mechanical Engineering degree, and I liked the idea of having that choice and variety in my future.”
Why UW-Madison? “I picked UW Madison for a few reasons: the location relative to my hometown, the engineering school, and the social aspects. The location was close enough to feel like I can still go home, but also far enough away so that going home wasn’t an every weekend sort of thing. The engineering school is also very good, and with the reciprocity that I got as a Minnesota resident, it was a great choice. And finally, the social aspects that come along with being a Badger are second to none.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Creative, Hardworking, Humorous”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to go to every continent. It’s definitely not impossible, but I love traveling and having those types of adventures and I think that that’s a great way to see the world without visiting every country individually, which is almost impossible.”
Hobbies and interests: “I’m really into music and play the guitar, and just picked up the piano. I also like hanging out with friends and traveling. I like being outside whether that’s fishing, hiking, or just sightseeing. I also like to draw.”
Fun fact: “One fun fact about myself is that I have been to almost 40 of the US states.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “I would meet Jimi Hendrix. I love his music and I think he’d be a really interesting person to speak to.”
Sydney Therien
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major? “It seemed like the coolest way to do pre-med. Engineers get to do fun client-based project classes that are way more involved than just taking notes in a lecture.”
Why UW-Madison? “I needed a place where I could both get a really good education and have a lot of fun along the way. Madison excels in both those regards.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Campy, adventurous, positive”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I wanna jump out of a plane (in any context).”
Hobbies and interests: “I play ultimate, I scrapbook, I go outside (hiking, biking, camping, swimming, etc.), I’m kind of a movie snob, and I love cribbage.”
Fun fact: “Me and my buddy tried novice-level debate senior year of high school. It was awful. The only fun we had was dressing up as grapes (with balloons pinned to our clothes) and winning the halloween tournament’s costume contest (as well as fourth in our division, but that part was boring).”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Friedrich Nietzsche”
Jay Yoo
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Onalaska, WI
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major? “I’ve always liked building/ designing things so I wanted to continue with it in college and see where it would take me.”
Why UW-Madison? “I liked the lakeshore and city vibes but also looked forward to the fact that Madison had one of the best engineering programs in the US.”
Describe yourself in 3 words: “Witty, calm, sometimes unable to follow directions”
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime? “I want to innovate something. Whether its a gadget or whatnot, I just want to make something that hasn’t been thought of before.”
Hobbies and interests: “I like playing tennis, and I also play the trumpet.”
Fun fact: “I can solve a rubik’s cube.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose? “Miles Davis”