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Why I Chose Smith
Smith was my dream college in high school. With approximately 3000 students, it's bigger than my high school and has a remarkably low student-professor ratio. When I visited Smith it was obvious that the professors were passionate about teaching and cared about their students. It seemed like the students could build strong relationships with faculty and a multitude of opportunities were available to them.
I wanted to study at an institution where I would be supported and encouraged, and where the professors would not doubt my abilities because of my gender. Smith is the only place women can study engineering in a predominantly female environment. Smith's small classes, attentive professors and close community appealed to me. Also I was interested in working with a professor on a research project and there are many opportunities to get involved with research at Smith. Altogether, Smith seemed to offer everything I wanted from great academics and athletics to an active student body and social life.
What I Did At Smith
At Smith, I studied engineering science with a concentration in chemical engineering. I found the classes to be challenging and extremely rewarding. I began research on carbon nanostructures with Professor Linda Jones in the fall of 2006 and wrote a senior honors thesis with her. The research was exciting, prepared me for graduate school, and has already contributed to a published paper. Besides academics, I rowed on the varsity crew team and participated in student-run organizations including the Society of Women Engineers, Bike Kitchen, and Engineers for a Sustainable World. There was never a dull moment at Smith with all the cultural and social events, lectures, organizations, and sporting activities. I also studied abroad at the University of Sydney, Australia, for a semester my junior year which was a wonderful supplement to my education at Smith.
The Great Things About Studying At Smith
I would argue that the best unique thing about studying at Smith is the relationships you can create with your professors. The small class sizes allow you to get to know your professors and feel comfortable using them as a primary resource for class work. My professors have also become friends outside of class which is something I value highly. Every class is taught by the professor and they are available outside of class during the week for extra help. I never feel alone with my work because I know there is a huge support network if I need it. In addition to the professors, the academic resources are virtually inexhaustible and include Master Tutors, the Jacobson Center, the deans and programs directors, the Career Development Center, the libraries, and the five college exchange.
Students at Smith may also build relationships with faculty by joining a research team. There are many opportunities to conduct research with professors whose work interests you, as there are no graduate students who would take priority. Many times, all you have to do is ask and you’ll be welcomed on the team. Research is great preparation for graduate school and allows you to delve deeper into a study than you could do in class. Whether you participate in research or not, you will still get to know and love your professors here which is truly a pleasure!
Briana is currently pursuing graduate study at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
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BRIANA TOMBOULIAN '08 
