10 Questions with Dean Burkey

Nichole is a senior Computer Science major at UConn with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence, where she has built a strong foundation in both technical and analytical problem-solving. She’s a co-founder of ColorStack at UConn, where she works to create a supportive community for underrepresented students in tech and create opportunities for growth, mentorship, and career advancement. She’s completed two internships at Bank of America during her sophomore and junior years, and has now secured a full-time role with the company after graduation. Through these experiences, She has strengthened her skills in software engineering, collaboration, and real-world problem solving skills. Outside of academics, she is also involved in campus leadership and community organizations. As a proud member of STEM Plus, VII, BAILE, SHPE, and BOSS LADI, she actively contributes to empowering students in STEM and diversity.

March's 10 Questions is now live! This month, I sit down with Brendan Barnett.Brendan is a 3+1 BSE/MS student in Computer Science and Engineering with a minor in math and a concentration in algorithms. Starting in fast food, he's built his way to internships at Microsoft, Palantir, Pratt & Whitney, Bentley Systems, and ReferWell. After graduation, he'll be joining SpaceX to work on Starship design software. He loves to snowboard, rock climb, and read.Brendan founded Husky Quantitative Group after noticing that UConn sits by Fairfield, the unofficial hedge fund capital of the world, yet lacks pathways into quant finance. Since January 2025, HQG has helped students gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to land amazing jobs in finance and tech, growing into a community of some of the most technical and ambitious students on campus.Sponsored by Carbon Arc and Databento, HQG aims to grow into the largest student-run systematic fund in the US by AUM. Members have earned roles at JPMorganChase, Capital One, IBM Quantum, Epic Systems, and more.Today, we talk about overcoming the fear of failing publicly, building team culture, rules for avoiding burnout, why he disagrees with "follow your passion," and what he'd tell his freshman self.Connect with Brendan here: linkedin.com/in/brendanabarnettHQG InfoWebsite: uconnquant.comEmail: [email protected]: github.com/husky-Quantitative-Group

Today's guest seeks to improve our medicine, both on Earth and in space. Max Landolina is a 4th year PhD Candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department and a T32 Doctoral Fellow in the Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering. His research searches for the answer to stiff, damaged, and achy joints: a reliable way to regrow them. Using a novel nanomaterial scaffold, he has stimulated stem cells to rebuild damaged cartilage tissue. However, assembling these materials on Earth prevents them from reaching their fullest therapeutic potential. As a result, through an interdisciplinary collaboration with NASA, he has led his lab's efforts to manufacture this nanomaterial three times on the ISS (International Space Station). While glamorous, this research experience has been far from smooth sailing. Through scrubbed launch dates, sample leaks, and rigorous safety testing, he's steered the team to success (and a recent publication!).Today, we'll launch ourselves into the world of space research, discover its unique challenges, and learn about Max's experience working with several big players in the space industry. Connect with Max on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey or reach out with questions about his experience!https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-landolina/

Welcome to the New Year and a New Episode of 10 Questions! This month, we welcome MDE Junior Molly Deptula.Molly is a third-year student in Multidisciplinary Engineering, concentrated in Entertainment Engineering and minoring in Electronics and Systems. Entertainment engineering, a collaboration with the College of Engineering and the School of Fine Arts, combines her love of technical tinkering with her passion for performing arts. A lifelong storyteller with a love of learning, Molly has spent her college career exploring how to create mechanical magic.In the summer of 2025, Molly interned with Cirque du Soleil at their Las Vegas resident show ‘O’, where she worked with industry professionals to expand her understanding of mechanics, hydraulics, controls/software, and electronics. In this episode, we discussed the time leading up to her internship, her move to Vegas, and her work with Cirque automation (a childhood dream come true).In addition to her coursework, Molly works at the Krenicki Institute assisting arts and engineering students with project development. She’s also excited to return to her role as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the first-year engineering course “ENGR 1166: Foundations of Engineering,” where she gets to work with engineering students of all majors (and get new students excited about entertainment engineering).

Welcome to the December episode of 10 Questions! My guest this month is Lakshita Ganesh Kumar.Lakshita is a third-year dual-degree Computer Science Engineering and Statistics student at UConn and the founder of Stylistic, a fashion and self-confidence platform she designed, engineered, and launched entirely on her own. She’s grown Stylistic through hands-on user research, machine learning development, and a vibrant online community that reaches more than 50,000 people.Outside of her startup, Lakshita has a wide range of experiences across tech and leadership. She interned at The Cigna Group, leading her intern team to 1st place, working on generative AI, full-stack development, and product strategy. She also conducts machine learning research at UConn, focusing on recommender systems and content discovery, and leads a senior design team working with Cigna on AI-powered insurance tools using model context protocol.Lakshita is also deeply involved on campus. As a former Engineering Peer Advisor, a teaching assistant for programming courses, and an active member of organizations like Hillside Ventures, The Werth Institute, and the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, she has maxed out her opportunities on campus. Through all her work, she’s shown passion in technology, entrepreneurship, and empowering young women to build confidence in both their personal styles and voice.Follow her journey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and the App Store, where you can download her app, Stylistic!Download Stylistic: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stylistic/id6740540906LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshita-ganesh-kumarStylistic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylistic_appPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakshitaganeshkumar

Today’s guest is Lucia Scotti. Lucia is a senior getting her dual degree in civil engineering and Italian and has spent her time at UConn trying it all. She’s the Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers, a researcher in the Crumbling Concrete Lab, and a longtime leader at the UConn Lodewick Visitor Center. She’s had internships in construction management and structural engineering and recently studied abroad in Italy for a semester. Today, we’ll dive into how her positive attitude has shaped her UConn experiences and how they will continue to inform her career.

Today’s guest is someone who thrives on turning the impossible into possible. Meet Krish Bhuva, a junior at UConn whose journey has been defined by reimagining limits—whether in the lab or in the workshop.On one side, Krish is pushing the boundaries of materials science, working in Dr. Dupuy’s lab to engineer ceramics that behave more like metals. Imagine ceramics—normally brittle and breakable—suddenly becoming ductile, opening doors to safer airplanes, tougher electronics, and technologies we haven’t even dreamed of yet.On the other side, he’s leading the Underwater Robotics Club, where he’s transformed a group of students into a startup-style engineering team. From building a modular, 3D-printed ROV to instilling a culture of accountability and mentorship, Krish is proving that leadership is just as critical as innovation.He’s not content to just solve equations in the corner—Krish wants to lead teams, build organizations, and take on challenges bigger than any one person. Today, we’ll dive into his journey of curiosity, persistence, and what it means to chase the impossible.

Welcome to the first full episode of 10 Questions!Today’s guest is the definition of a powerhouse student. Adeline Smith is a Senior biomedical engineering major at UConn who has turned her college years into a masterclass in passion and impact. She’s the president of the Society of Women Engineers, a researcher in two labs, a teaching assistant, and even a student ambassador for MATLAB. On top of that, she’s completed multiple internships with medical device giants like Medtronic and Boston Scientific—working on everything from robotic surgery instruments to groundbreaking urology devices. Whether she’s leading outreach for the Navy STEM Crew, volunteering through Honors Across State Borders, or competing on the Club Tennis team, Adeline has made the most of every opportunity at UConn. Today, we’ll dive into what fuels her drive, how she manages to balance it all, and the lessons she’s carrying forward into her career and life.

Hey everyone - get ready to hear what is going on in UConn Engineering from the mouths of our students!If you're curious about what our students are working on inside and outside of the classroom, then give a listen and get inspired.Our first full-length episode will drop once the semester gets rolling, so subscribe now so you won't miss a beat.