Avi Flores
Major
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Awards
Distinguished Peer Mentor Award
Outstanding Course Assistant Award (CBEN)
Post-graduation plans
Pursuing a PhD in Biological Engineering at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ
Why did you receive this award?
I have been a course assistant in the ChBE department for the past two years, helping with Intro to Computing, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics. I have also been a mentor in the ChBE peer mentor program for the past year. In these positions, I have made it my goal to build community in the department and make difficult engineering classes more fun. I find teaching and mentorship roles incredibly rewarding and take pride in helping students succeed and in becoming a friendly face around the building.
What are some interesting things about you that others might not know?
I was a course assistant, and my favorite class to CA for was Thermodynamics. I have played cello in the CU campus orchestra since my freshman year, and I have also played with rock bands around town.
Tell us about a moment when you felt like you were "officially" an engineer.
The weekend I got back my first exam scores for Thermodynamics and Heat & Mass Transfer and scored 95s on both of them. These classes were really intimidating and are regarded by most to be the most difficult in the ChBE program, so it was extremely rewarding to do so well on them!
What is your favorite memory from your time at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ?
My time at CU has been amazing, and I don't think I can pick just one. Some of my favorite memories here have been all of the jam sessions and house shows, finally mastering tricky lab techniques and countless derailed study sessions with friends. I have been incredibly lucky to meet the most amazing people who have pushed me to become a better engineer, a better musician and a better person overall in my time here. Every memory with them has been my favorite.
What is your best piece of advice for other students?
Learn to ask questions, and don't be afraid of doing so. There are so many people here at CU to help you succeed, but they can't be nearly as effective if they don't know what you are struggling with. Take advantage of your resources!