Student Spotlights

Amanda McFarlane, 
President of WIECS

Amanda is a junior and transfer student with an AA in Information Technology, currently pursuing a BS in Computer Science with a minor in AI and a certificate in Cybersecurity at FAU. A military veteran, she currently serves as the President of the Women In Engineering and Computer Science Club. Amanda's academic achievement in Programming 1 class fueled her passion for programming. She secured a summer internship with the Air Force engineering group based on her FAU-acquired skills. Amanda emphasizes the importance of resilience, patience, and adaptability for success in engineering. She actively participates in activities that challenge her and prioritizes self-care. As the President of WIECS, Amanda is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for female students in engineering and computer science. She believes representation is crucial in inspiring women to pursue STEM careers and strives to be a relatable role model. Amanda advocates for diversity, inclusion, and supportive environments in STEM communities. Her goal is to empower future generations of women to confidently pursue STEM passions. Amanda's favorite spot on FAU's campus is the Library, and she enjoys hip-hop, rap, and country music. She also has a fondness for traveling, with Texas and Prague being her favorite destinations!.

Camila Alvarez
VP of Finance for WIECS

Camila is a transfer student with an AA in Finance, currently pursuing a BS in Data Science & Analytics with a concentration in Engineering & Computer Science at FAU, set to graduate in Summer 2024. In addition, she has embarked on her MS in AI and is concurrently working towards a second bachelor's in Mathematics. Her passion for data science and analytics is driven by a fascination with pattern-seeking and systematic thinking. She highlights the beauty of applying these concepts to real-world problems, making creative connections across seemingly disparate topics. Overcoming challenges, she added a math degree, demonstrating resilience and determination in her academic journey. Among her achievements, she secured a data analyst position with the Division of Student Affairs at FAU and a graduate research consultant role for an experimental design and data analysis course. She also launched a math/machine learning-focused blog on her personal website, showcasing her dedication to sharing knowledge and expanding her interests. One significant academic influence for her was the class in experimental design and data analysis with Professor Valentine Aalo. The course's emphasis on the mathematical aspects of statistical concepts sparked her love for math, leading her to pursue a second bachelor's in the field. As the VP of Finance for WIECS, she aspires to inspire women to enter STEM fields by sharing her passion and excitement for the endless possibilities within the industry. Her advice to incoming freshmen centers on embracing challenges and focusing on understanding difficult concepts. Beyond academics, her favorite hobbies include bookbinding, machine embroidery, anime, and reading philosophy books, with pickleball being her preferred sport.