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College of Engineering

Roman Howard

Major: Computer Science

  • Where did you transfer from? University of Richmond
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? I love how robust my major is. It's the perfect amount of difficulty and doing well feels very rewarding
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Explore and join any clubs that you find interest in. Every club I've met is welcoming and always looking for new members
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? Hopefully something related in my field, haha. But ideally, probably software engineering or web development
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight? I'm part of the Roller Hockey Sports Club and Paintball Club

Shahaan Tareen

Major: Computer Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? George Mason University
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? The culture at VT is collaborative and intense. In computer engineering, I enjoy the challenge of troubleshooting and solving complex problems. Whether it's a lab or assignment, each experience pushes me to grow technically and conceptually. As I progress in computer engineering, VT will provide tools for me to succeed.
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Make the most of your opportunities. Immerse yourself on campus, engage with the community, and build new connections. VT has several resources for you to be successful, but you must take the initiative. The more you invest, the more you will get back from your experience at VT.

Shaheer Tareen

Major: Computer Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? George Mason University
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? VT has a strong engineering culture and campus built for big opportunities. As a Computer Engineer, I enjoy tackling tough and technical challenges. VT reinforces these interests through hands-on labs and projects that enhance my abilities and skills. These experiences at VT will develop me as a successful engineer.
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? In ten years, I hope to be working as an engineer in AI because it's an innovation that's changing the way we live and work. Being a part of something that is impactful and useful is important to me as I want to make a difference in technology.

Lois Mushegera

Major: Computer Science

  • Where did you transfer from? Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? What I enjoy most about VT is the diversity of activities and communities. With over 900 student organizations, there's always something to do and people to meet. When I transferred, I worried about fitting in, but VT's inclusiveness made it easy to find my place and thrive.
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? "Put yourself out there!" As someone who's battled social anxiety, that advice once scared me; but it changed everything. Getting involved helped me discover my passions, build friendships, and feel at home. VT's large, welcoming community has something for everyone willing to take that first step.
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? In ten years, I see myself leading in tech while combining creativity, innovation, and community impact. Whether through project management, data-driven solutions, or tech outreach, I want to create spaces where inclusion and representation thrive. My goal is to build a career that blends purpose, leadership, and lasting influence.
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight? I serve as Marketing Coordinator for the Transfer Peer Mentor Program and as Regional Publications and Public Relations Chairperson for the National Society of Black Engineers. Both roles allow me to lead, create, and connect with others while amplifying student voices across campus and beyond.

Brandon Brown

Major: Civil Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? Blue ridge community college
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? The community
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Get socialized
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? Building stuff for people
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight? Passing my Geomatics class was a big deal for me

Bilal Trigui

Major: Computer Science

  • Where did you transfer from? NOVA
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? I love the scenery on and off of campus. Living in the mountains is definitely a new change for me and it's very cool!
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Don't limit yourself! You don't have to wait for all of your credits for guaranteed admissions to transfer. If you go for it, there is a great chance that you'll make it and do great!
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? Software Engineering
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight? Part of the VT App Development Club

Anthony Gioffre

Major: Systems and Mechanical Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? Elizabethtown College and NVCC
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? The opportunity to learn about a diverse range of technical subjects.
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Opportunity presents itself to those with perseverance and tenacity.
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? Defense Systems Engineering
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight?
    • Accelerated M.S. in SE
    • BYX Brothers Under Christ

Tryambakam Mangalam

Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? Penn State University
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? I enjoy the continuous pursuit of improvement, which aligns perfectly with industrial engineering. The ability to analyze, optimize, and enhance systems mirrors how I approach my own life, constantly seeking growth and more efficient ways to achieve success.
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight? I'm actively involved with the MMA Club and IISE, where I build teamwork and leadership skills. Additionally, I am pursuing undergraduate research, which allows me to apply industrial engineering concepts to real-world challenges while developing strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Saamarth Attray

Major: Computer Science

  • Where did you transfer from? George Mason University
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? What I enjoy most about VT is the strong sense of community and the collaborative environment in Computer Science. The mix of hands-on projects, research opportunities, and supportive peers makes learning both challenging and rewarding. I also appreciate how professors and clubs encourage applying what we learn to real-world problems.
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Don't be afraid to put yourself out there-join clubs, go to events, and connect with people early on. It can feel overwhelming at first, but finding your community at VT makes the transition so much smoother. Also, lean on the resources available-professors, advisors, and student organizations really do want to see you succeed.
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? In ten years, I hope to be working as a software engineer specializing in cloud computing and cybersecurity, building secure and innovative solutions that make a real impact.
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight? I'm actively involved in the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), VT SIA, and the DSA Club. These organizations have given me opportunities to grow professionally, build leadership skills, and connect with a diverse community of peers and mentors across campus.

Mannix Wilhoit

Major: Industrial & Systems Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? Liberty University
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? The community I have found through organizations such as BCM. I immediately felt welcomed here and it is why Virginia Tech feels like home!
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Get Involved! Virginia Tech has so many opportunities for you to find community and enjoy campus life!
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? Going to see my kid hit a home run after a long day at work.
  • Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight?
    • Outreach Leader at BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries).
    • Member of Siting team on the Virginia Tech Wind Turbine Team.
    • 2024 7V7 Men's Flag Football Intramural Champion (Team Name which I hope you include is "Junior Varsity")
    • 2024 4V4 Coed Beach Volleyball Intramural Champion

Rahul Sudhakar

Major: Computer Engineering

  • Where did you transfer from? Loyola University Maryland
  • What do you enjoy most about VT or your major? There's a ton of brilliant encouraging engineers who are all there to support you in some way, even if it's not clear what support you'll need.
  • What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Probably contact professors and find out what you need to do ahead of time.
  • What do you hope to be doing in ten years? I hope that I can work on designing computer chips and semi conductors, and working on a hardware scale