Before turning their tassels at NC State University’s commencement ceremony on May 3, several graduating students shared their favorite experiences at NC State, plans for their futures and the wisdom they’ve earned over the last few years.
“One of the things that stood out to me most during my time at NC State is how supportive the engineering community is,” said Zander Selleseth, who will graduate with a B.S. in electrical engineering. “It’s the kind of environment where people genuinely want to help each other succeed.”
Through opportunities at NC State, these extraordinary soon-to-be alumni led Department of Energy research programs on advanced nuclear reactors, organized tutoring for fellow students and learned how to manage the business side of engineering.
They are leaving the university prepared — and excited — to make an impact in industry or at top graduate programs.
What is one of the best practical experiences you had during your time at NC State?
Jenna Kolbe, bachelor’s in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Garner, North Carolina: My internship at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has been the best out-of-the-classroom experience I’ve had at NC State. I gained so much knowledge about the biopharmaceutical industry and it wouldn’t have been possible without the connections and resources I have at NC State.
Yasir Arafat, master’s in nuclear engineering from Austin, Texas: While doing my master’s at NC State, I started and led the DOE MARVEL program at the Idaho National Laboratory. This was the first advanced reactor approved for construction by the Department of Energy since they were formed in 1977. While attending school, I also started my own nuclear company, Aalo Atomics. I lead reactor development, fuel, manufacturing and licensing as the chief technology officer. We are developing factory-manufactured nuclear reactors, purpose-built for powering data centers.
Romulus Meares, bachelor’s in mechatronics engineering in the Joint NC State/UNC Asheville Program from Oak Ridge, Tennessee: For our senior design project, we were tasked with creating an autonomous robot that would compete in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Mining Mayhem competition. We were required to design, test and implement a software and hardware solution that required us to use the knowledge we had gained during our time as joint engineering students working from the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus. The competition tested us to our limits as engineering students and bolstered my confidence in my abilities as an engineer.
Annalise Kircik, bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from Charlotte, North Carolina: As a four-year member and treasurer of The Helping Hand Project, I’ve overseen finances and budgeting for a nonprofit chapter that provides 3D-printed prosthetic devices to children. It has taught me better financial literacy, critical thinking and communication skills.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Caitlyn Obrero, bachelor’s in materials science and engineering from Durham, North Carolina: I plan to continue my academic journey at Stanford University, pursuing a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. I will be using transmission electron microscopy as a tool to investigate atomic-scale interactions and dynamics. I’m grateful to NC State for giving me so many opportunities and providing me with a solid foundation in research. I’m very excited to gain new experiences as I embark on another adventure.
Natalie Spero, bachelor’s in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Erie, Pennsylvania: I am going to travel a little bit this summer and then start working full-time as a process engineer at Novo Nordisk.
Kara Krogh, bachelor’s of science in materials science and engineering from Manassas, Virginia: After graduation, I will be moving to Tennessee to begin a full time position as a technical expert at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Gurleen Kaur, master’s in electric power systems engineering from Punjab, India: My future plans are pretty electric — literally. I’ll be joining Quanta Technology in Raleigh as an engineer in the protection business, where I’ll be diving into power system protection and helping to keep the grid safe, smart and stable. It’s a role that perfectly combines my passion for power systems with the kind of real-world impact I’ve always aimed for.
Did anything about your time at NC State surprise you?
Caitlyn Obrero: When I first entered NC State, one of the big characteristics I was wary about was the fact that it was a big school. I came from a small high school, and the thought of having to push myself to make connections scared me. But as I eventually niched down into the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, I eventually found my community through shared classes with my cohort, and even office hours with my professors. I was surprised how natural it felt, and I didn’t even realize it.
Harsh Shukla, master’s in civil, construction and environmental engineering from Gujarat, India: The Wolfpack community is amazingly lively and vibrant and there’s always something happening in and around the campus that align with your interest and hobbies. If not, you can always start something for your interest and people will join the pack.
Carolina Bolnykh, bachelor’s degree in computer science from Milan, Italy: Although the university is large, the Department of Computer Science feels like a close and supportive family. I’ve met so many driven, kind and exceptional people who have made my experience here incredibly meaningful. Having the chance to serve as the president of the Women in Computer Science organization has allowed me to foster the same sense of community for others.
Annalise Kircik: How much I learned outside of class. I expected to be challenged academically, but I didn’t realize how much personal and professional growth would come from everything else — like clubs, internships and just talking to people with different backgrounds. Also, the four years really do fly by.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Mirabel Nkanor, master’s in civil, construction and environmental engineering from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria: Weirdly, the field on the Oval. I spent a lot of time teaching students and surveying there for four semesters. It gives you a pretty nice view of Centennial Campus.
Carolina Bolnykh: The fifth floor of Hunt Library. It has a beautiful view of Lake Raleigh and is such a peaceful place to study.
Natalie Spero: The artist’s garden outside of Turlington Hall. Many, many hours were spent there when I lived in the Arts Village, and it is a bit off the beaten path of students.
Zander Selleseth, bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Cary, North Carolina: My favorite spot on campus is Lake Raleigh, a hidden gem on Centennial Campus that quickly became a personal favorite. It’s usually quiet and uncrowded, making it the perfect place to eat lunch, take a walk or just clear your head after a long day in the lab. I’ve spent plenty of evenings watching the sunset or stargazing by the water. It’s a peaceful, scenic escape that helped me stay grounded throughout my time in the College of Engineering.
Do you have any parting words for our readers?
Romulus Meares: The NC State/UNC Asheville Mechatronics experience has been one I will never forget. I gained not only knowledge and wisdom from my time in class, but also deep friendships. I am truthfully thankful for the experience, as it has inspired exponential emotional and mental growth that I will utilize for the rest of life.
Zander Selleseth: As part of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical and computer engineering honor society, I’ve helped organize free tutoring for students in the ECE department’s entry-level courses. Year after year, it’s been incredible to see how many upperclassmen are eager to volunteer their time to help others through the same challenges they once faced. That culture of collaboration and shared learning really defines our department, and it’s made a big impact on how I see engineering — not just as a technical field, but as something built on community.
Harsh Shukla: Everyone here at NC State is very warm and has high regards for students’ well-being. It has been like a family away from home and we totally belong with the “Wolfpack.” Shoutout to my colleagues, Aaron Zilber Mann, Zarin Tasnim, Sarah Teagle and Hannah Hiscott; I have loved taking classes with them and will miss being around them. None of this would have been possible without the support of my parents and my sister, but my rock has been Hesha Pathak, my wife, a master of landscape architecture and NC State grad. We graduate on the same day, May 2.
Gurleen Kaur: Just this: beneath every PSCAD file and MATLAB file is a story. Mine is one of leaps — across countries, disciplines and comfort zones. Also, I firmly believe that a good playlist, a strong cup of Masala chai and a reliable Wi-Fi connection can solve 90% of life’s problems. The rest? That’s what friends, professors, and a bit of food from Lime and Lemon are for.
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