Hometown: Denville, NJ
High School: Morris Knolls High School
What made you decide to attend USC: The first time I visited USC, it seemed like a great fit right away. I was impressed with all the people I met, especially both students and faculty in Viterbi. I was also attracted to the combined Computer Science/Business Administration program, which complements my interests perfectly. I was able to see myself as a student here, and I knew that it was the right place for me.
Best experience/interaction with a professor: I spent about one hour per week in the office of my Thematic Option CORE 102 professor, Anthony Kemp. In addition to explaining (and re-explaining) Plato’s Republic and Homer’s epics to me, Professor Kemp was willing to talk about literally anything. His willingness to discuss the course material and all sorts of other things provided me with a really comfortable segue into college.
Favorite Class: CSCI 102: Data Structures with Professor Brent Nash was surprisingly fun, and Professor Nash’s technique of using xkcd comics to reinforce the material was both functional and hilarious. He also shared stories about his work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab that illustrated precisely why we should not use certain data structures in different ways. Even though I knew most of the material going into the class, Professor Nash refined my knowledge and kept me from getting bored.
Involvements/extracurricular activities: Associated Trustee and Presidential Scholars, W.V.T. Rusch Engineering Honors Society, Association for Computing Machinery, College Republicans, Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society, Emerging Leaders Program, Thematic Option Program, Marshall LINC Program, Peer Review Board
Favorite on-campus event: Without a doubt, football tailgates and games. The atmosphere on campus prior to every game is indescribable. Seeing alumni and fans decked out in cardinal and gold is a great feeling, and the whole place really seems to come alive.
Best off-campus experience: Random late-night trips to In-’N-Out or Westwood to get food or hang out.
Favorite memory from freshman year: I went on a weeklong trip to Chile with the Marshall LINC Program. We were supposed to go over Spring Break, but because of a massive earthquake there, we went in May instead. While we were there, we visited tons of companies, explored Santiago, and volunteered to repair a two-room school for young children. It was an unforgettable first trip to South America.
What you like about being in LA: I still can’t get over the perfect weather and the sheer number of things to do. Because USC’s campus is located so centrally, it’s a quick drive to the beach or to Hollywood or anywhere else (when it’s not rush hour, that is), and I’ve been able to meet an incredible number of people and do a ton of things away from school.
Hobbies/Interests: I love running and spending time outside. If I’m in the mood, I can sit for hours and read. I’m also a huge Yankees fan, and not being able to watch all their games on TV was terrible at first. I always look forward to meeting new people, going new places or trying new things.
