October ’24 ASPIRE Student Updates
Hello & welcome to ASPIRE’s student newsletter!
In this section we highlight students and their research, discuss events and student news, and provide a place for students to have a voice for the center.
Welcome, New Student Leaders!
The Student Leadership Council (SLC) is excited to start this academic year with renewed energy and a deep commitment to serving our community. As a dedicated team, the SLC works to represent the voice of students, foster leadership skills, and promote positive change across campus.
This year, we welcome several new members who bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our council. Together, we are eager to collaborate, innovate, and create lasting impacts for our peers and the university. Each member is dedicated to their roles and responsibilities, ensuring that the SLC continues to be a strong advocate for student interests and initiatives. (For more on Year 5’s SLC, please visit the July Newsletter.)
Year 5 Leaders:
Following the Annual Meeting in September, our previous SLC Chair, Co-Chair, and Treasurer passed the baton to our new SLC leadership:
Kobra Bohlourihajar,
SLC Chair
Ph.D. in Computer Science at Utah State University
Fun Fact: She dives into every new topic blindly like a daredevil, but when challenges arise, she surprisingly swims through them with ease!
Fariba Soltani,
SLC Co-Chair
Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University
Fun Fact: She loves planting and gardening. All of her plants have an assigned birthday on the day they germinate!
Pedram Balooch Sirgani,
SLC Treasurer
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at University of Texas at El Paso
Fun Fact: He likes reading novels and movies alongside his research! Balancing scientific work with these hobbies keeps life exciting and fulfilling.
Please join us in thanking our former Chair Zainab Imran, Co-Chair Alayna Hall, and Treasurer Hector Cruz for their efforts in the SLC!
Activities
This past quarter we’ve had wonderful success with our student events, including some spanning the Annual Meeting!
Like a hike in Logan Canyon…
… And ax throwing and bowling at the Fun Park!
USU ASA: Day on the Quad
On August 28, Utah State University’s ASPIRE Student Association was one of over 100 booths on the quad raising awareness of the Center and having fun with thousands of USU students.
We look forward to a year full of meaningful projects, new ideas, and the opportunity to make a difference. Stay tuned for updates on our activities, and feel free to reach out to any of our members with your ideas or questions!