Commencement 2017: A Passion for Research

Troy, N.Y. — Eva Mungai has a long-term goal. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Mungai moved to the United States in 2005 with her family, who settled in Palo Alto, California. A desire to focus on undergraduate research led Mungai to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mungai will receive a degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer during the 211th Commencement Ceremony May 20. Following graduation, she will head to the University of Michigan, where she plans to pursue her master’s and Ph.D.

Commencement 2017: Studious and Eager To Learn

Troy, N.Y. — In many cultures, name has meaning. Born in Xi’an, China, on a snowy day in February, Haoxue (Lily) Yan says that the literal translation of her first name means “white snow,” but it also means “studious and eager to learn.” Yan says that she always thought her parents were clever for coming up with that name.

Commencement 2017: Commitment to Country and to Class

The typical path for earning an architecture degree is five years of classes, studio work, and field experiences. Richard Abendroth, Class of 2017, took a somewhat different path—choosing to serve his country along the way.

Commencement 2017: Katelyn Fallows

Katelyn Fallows came to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study chemistry, believing it to be the most important science for achieving her goal. Four years later, she is graduating as a devotee of interdisciplinary collaboration, convinced through her experiences that it takes multiple vantage points to advance pharmaceutical innovation. 

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