Ramya Sundaresan

Email: rsb1794@gmail.com

Position: Software Engineer, Infinitus Systems

College and Class Year: MS in Computer Science, 2018

Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area.

My time at Cornell definitely helped me make a career pivot and pursue opportunities in software engineering. Up until graduation, my experiences were all purely in academia tech research related to the health sciences. After Cornell, I pursued professional opportunities as a software engineer. I worked at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange with their regulatory data services division working on algorithms to identify fraudulent trading activity. After that, I worked remotely (because COVID) with Amazon in their Selling Partner Services organization developing a case auto-resolution and response system targeting cases against Amazon's policies for sellers. After 4+ years at Amazon and developing my skills as a software professional, I finally took the opportunity to pivot back into the health tech area where my interests lie. I now work at Infinitus Systems - an SF startup that applies AI to the healthcare field by automating phone calls between patients, big pharma, and insurance companies. I originally moved to the Bay Area for personal reasons - my husband and his parents live here so I moved after our marriage. Having Cornell friends here in the Bay was definitely an added benefit!

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?

I definitely keep in touch with some of the friends and connections that I made while I was at Cornell. Some through social media messaging and catch-up calls, and other local Cornell friends, I meet up with to celebrate life milestones!

If you could go back to your years on the Hill - what one piece of advice would you share with that younger version of you?

Don’t rush the process. Growth, whether in skills, relationships, or understanding, takes time. Enjoy the journey and be kind to yourself along the way.

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?

Every moment at Cornell was important in my career/life journey is one way or another. But if I had to pick one, I would say the lasting friendships that I made are what I treasure most.

Jonathan Ma

Email: jjm498@cornell.edu

College and Class Year: College of Engineering - Computer Science, 2026

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?

I love nature, so I was initially drawn to Cornell by its stunning campus— there's nothing quite like watching the sunset on the Slope with Cayuga Lake in the background while the chimes are playing. Besides the campus, Cornell's top-ranked CS program, renowned professors, and opportunities for hands-on experience through research and project teams stood out to me. I was also excited by the diversity of the student body and the chance to immerse myself in a completely new environment of Ithaca and the East Coast, far from my home in the Bay Area.

What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the Big Red Barn. Central Campus is always super busy, but when you are in the Big Red Barn, it almost feels like you aren't in the middle of campus since it is such a tranquil place. I love the rustic and cozy vibes inside, especially on the second floor, which is perfect for studying and hanging out with friends! During my freshman and sophomore years, my friends would always come here for lunch on Friday afternoons and have deep conversations. Finally, the Big Red Barn has one of my favorite campus meals, the Chicken Pesto Sandwich!

What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell?

One of my most exciting experiences has been conducting research in the Space Systems Design Studio, where I am the co-lead of the software team for the Alpha CubeSat mission, set to launch in the fall of this year. Inspired by the Breakthrough StarShot initiative, this project aims to test a light sail and the first holograms in space which could one day explore Alpha Centauri, and it was even featured by the Intrepid Museum in NYC! As part of this project, I’ve worked on developing and testing the CubeSat’s flight software, which has allowed me to gain crucial real world experience that I’m looking forward to applying to my internship at SpaceX this summer! Secondly, Cornell’s School of Human Ecology has allowed me to conduct unique research at the Architectural Robotics Lab by tackling the challenges at the forefront of human-computer interaction, allowing me to continue pursuing my interest in robotics from my years of FTC robotics in high school. Outside of academics, Cornell's unique location has also allowed me to join the Outing Club, where I embarked on hiking and camping trips in the Adirondacks, and participated in the Photography Club’s photo walks during the beautiful fall and winter months. This semester, I’ve been studying abroad at DIS Copenhagen in Denmark!

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?

Personally, I love photography, traveling, and exploring new places, so Scandinavia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Caribbean would definitely be on my bucket list!

Laura Bloch

Email: laurajbloch@gmail.com

Position: Attorney (retired) and Asset Manager

College and Class Year: Arts & Sciences - 1988

Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I visited relatives in San Francisco regularly. After completing a two-year analyst position on Wall Street, I felt a pull to return to California, but this time I wanted to give San Francisco a try. I’ve been in the Bay Area ever since. I became an attorney, raised two kids with my husband, and currently enjoy concocting travel adventures, both near and far.

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?

In addition to having a daughter graduate from Cornell in May ‘24, I’ve returned to campus for reunions (always a blast), served on the Cornell NorCal board for six enjoyable years, and attended the excellent annual Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC) in different cities.

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?

I think being an undergraduate research assistant and an undergraduate teaching assistant were two of the most valuable roles I undertook at Cornell. Those roles taught me the value of positive one-on-one mentorship, making me strive to provide that same support to others.

Alex Slezak

Email: afs225@cornell.edu

Major and Class Year: Brooks School of Public Policy - Public Policy, 2028

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?

One of the main reasons I was drawn to Cornell was the vast array of opportunities that come with a large university. Transition from a sports focused high school of just 80 students to an institution of nearly 20,000 was certainly daunting, but I'm grateful to be in a college (Brooks) that provided a smaller close-knit environment, making the adjustment smoother.

What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?

A new love of mine that I first experienced at Cornell is rowing, making the Cascadilla Boat House and Cayuga Lake one of my favorite spots around Campus---especially in the fall. I found that rowing in unison with 7 other guys on the glassy waters of Cayuga just before sunset makes all your problems go away.

What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell?

I have been really fortunate to be able to teach my peers about subjects I'm passionate about. Recently, I took on a four-year teaching assistant position at the Brooks School for PUBPOL 2301: I'm excited to play a direct role in shaping how students engage with policy in their future environments---whatever that might be.

Outside the classroom, I've also been able to share a lifelong passion---skiing---with the Cornell community. Fortunately, with a great snow year in Ithaca, I found a way to stay connected to skiing while also sharing my passions with others in the community. As a cross-country ski instructor with Cornell Outdoor Education (COE), I had an amazing time during these winter months.

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?

After being on campus this year, I discovered so many professional fields I've never even considered, let alone explored. While I'm still very interested in a career in law, I'm also interested in learning more about fields such as healthcare and hospital management or business and finance.

Zhiqi Wang (pronounced Zee-ki)

Email: zw433@cornell.edu

Position: Design for Excellence (DFX) Engineer at Applied Materials

Degree and Class Year: Masters of Engineering in Materials Science, 2017

Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area.

I've been working at Applied Materials since graduating seven years ago. I originally came to the Bay Area to explore the vast job opportunities in Silicon Valley, especially in the engineering field. However, I've stayed here due to many reasons including: great weather - never too hot or too cold (although I do miss the snow in Ithaca sometimes), great hiking opportunities not too far away, a diverse and inclusive environment, and many places to explore my hobbies (soccer, pickleball, table tennis, escape rooms, board games).

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?

I've stayed in contact with various alumni locally and throughout the globe. I recently went back to Cornell University to propose to my long-time girlfriend, whom I met at Cornell! Got in touch with some professors, and have helped refer recently graduated students to my company, Applied Materials.

If you could go back to your years on the Hill - what one piece of advice would you share with that younger version of you?

To really enjoy my years at Cornell and spend quality time with friends. It is much harder as a professional to make strong friendships and maintain them - usually due to everyone's busy schedules.

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?

The connections made in my Master's of Engineering cohort have been great. Many of them are now well respected in their areas, and some of them even live in the Bay Area!

Sophia Rosen

Email: ser279@cornell.edu

Major and Class Year: Arts and Sciences - Biological Sciences, 2027

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?

Cornell seemed like an ideal place to explore my varied interests. The structure of Arts and Sciences enabled me to take many different classes and work with renowned professors who could share their professional expertise beyond the textbook.

What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the Libe Slope because it is the perfect place to watch the sunset with friends or have a moment to yourself between classes.

What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell?

I have participated in clubs like Chromatic (a portrait photography club), seen Saturn from Fuertes Observatory, visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and flipped through medieval bibles in the Kroch Library.

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?

I aspire to attend medical school and become a physician. This summer, I am seeking opportunities to gain experience in different dimensions of medicine, including clinical shadowing, medical research, and the legal aspects of healthcare, to deepen my understanding of patient care and the healthcare system.