Jennifer Lai
Extra-Curricular Activities
Outside of class, I am very involved with the community in San Luis Obispo. My main organizations are the Cal Poly American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) chapter, Cal Poly Mustang Band, Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE, an engineering and technical sciences sorority), and Cal Poly's Engineering Student Council (ESC). I learn so much about connection, understanding, and leadership from my peers!
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is a professional organization for those in the aerospace field. As the Chair for the Cal Poly chapter, I am a liaison between the university's aerospace students and the professionals at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. We are currently in the process of planning joint events to further the professional connections between students and professionals in the aerospace world. I look forward to continuously fostering a relationship between the two groups!
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Alpha Omega Epsilon
Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE) is a professional and social sorority that focuses on women interested in engineering and the technical sciences. As an active sister in the Beta Iota chapter, I work with my sisters to create a welcoming and supportive environment for female-identifying people in STEM. I specifically work as the President and a diversity education leader at my chapter. My team and I are planning multiple diversity and inclusion events to educate the community and develop an understanding people of different backgrounds. I have also introduced a pen-pal system for active sisters to connect alumni in their field.
I have learned from my sisters how to listen with an open mind and understanding of everyone's background. I have learned to be communitive, patient, and optimistic when there are problems with projects. The best skill I have learned from the sorority is how to work together towards a single goal as a team player.
I would like to thank Alpha Omega Epsilon for creating a positive environment where I can be heard and appreciated, which can be a problem in my field of study. They have taught me patience and kindness, things that can be hard during tough times. Thank you for all the personal and professional opportunities that you have brought me, and I look forward to the many memories in the future.
Mustang Band
The Fall 2021 season of Mustang Band will be my fourth season with the organization and my first season as Associate Chief Officer, where I am in-charge of fostering an inclusive and safe environment for students, as well as handle some of the event planning and monetary needs. In the band, I am a part of the color guard! For those who do not know, color guard is a sport where members perform complex choreography to music using the flag, rifle, or saber.
As a past captain in this section, I was responsible for choreographing routines, developing every member's technique, recruiting for the next season, and communicating between the directors and general band members. Since I was the person who made the final decision for the team, I learned to be understanding forward-thinker with much flexibility and adaptability, as any situation can change in a moment's notice. I also was a positive, open-minded leader who explores all possibilities to get what is best for the team. Although I was the team leader, I also found myself learning from my teammates frequently, making me a better member both on and off the field. There have been some tough decisions, but I am always proud of my team.
Watch the pre-game performance Mustang Band shows before every home football game below!
Engineering Student Council
The Engineering Student Council is the bridge between Cal Poly's College of Engineering, CENG students, and engineering-related organizations on campus. As Recruitment and Retentions Director, I played a key role in planning freshmen and transfer student welcome events and outreach to the community. I was also a team member in planning E-Week, a showcase and celebration of engineering students, clubs, and faculty at Cal Poly. I loved serving the community during the 2020-2021 year!