NSBE VP reflects on her Illinois experience and goals for the future

Get to know Vongai Tizora (BioE, 2022)

QIs there a community at Illinois that means a lot to you?

Growing up I did everything in my power not to stand out or draw any more attention to myself than I already did. I wanted so badly to fall into the background, but I quickly learned that this was nearly impossible. Joining an organization such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) went against everything I was conditioned to believe, but it was through that community that I began to outwardly embrace all aspects of myself. Without NSBE, I can almost guarantee I would not be attending UIUC today because they were one of the few organizations to reach out to me and invite me for a college tour through an initiative known as High School Visitation (HSV). It was there I saw people who looked like me tackling their rigorous disciplines while still maintaining their humanity and thirst for both life and knowledge.

“We exist so that one day, we don't have to.” This is by far one of the most powerful statements made by Eliza Wright during her time as the former President of NSBE. Organizations such as NSBE exist to address the historical, systematic barriers put in place that discourage people of color from succeeding in predominantly white spaces. We see this in the consistently low recruitment and retention rates of POC in STEM education in general, but also in the mindset of these individuals as well. Imposter syndrome, microaggressions, and societal pressures are a few of the additional challenges to overcome on top of succeeding in our demanding studies. Although this reality at times feels daunting and overwhelming, it is through these communities we are able to remember that we are not alone and there are people both internally and externally who genuinely want to see us all succeed. For that I am grateful, and I will do everything in my power to be a part of the solution and not the problem.

QTell us about an entrepreneurial or professional development experience you have found meaningful. How has it shaped your college experience?

Two young students came up to my presentation, well more like I saw them staring from afar and invited them closer, and I told them about my topic: the Effect of Thickness Variation on Data Quality and Classification. They were freshmen interested in the Technical Research Exhibition (TRE) that I was participating in at the 2019 NSBE Region IV Fall Regional Conference. Since the spring semester of my freshman year I have been conducting research at the Chemical Imaging and Structures Lab run by Dr. Rohit Bhargava, and my project, in brief, looked at how the sample preparation process of formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples impacts IR data and downstream processing. I remember as a sophomore spending countless hours and energy getting ready for my first research presentation, and I was very nervous. Presenting technical information always gives me anxiety regardless of how comfortable I am with the material, but my NSBE family was there for me. They let me practice my presentation in front of them and gave me honest constructive feedback so that I was ready for the competition. Later on in the night I had learned I had placed third in the TRE within the preliminary research category. My mentors within the CISL lab also played a crucial role in my success and for that I am very grateful.

QIs there anyone who has had a big influence on your time as a college student?

My dear older brother, Makombo Tizora, has made my Grainger Engineering experience special. I never thought in a million years that I would be attending the same University as my brother let alone living and studying with him on campus when our lives got turned upside down during the start of the pandemic. My brother was there to cheer me up whenever I doubted my abilities as an engineering student, felt sick, or uncertain about my future. As an electrical engineering student, he understood the challenges of my major and supported me every step of the way, even when I lost faith in myself. I remember one day we went to eat at Jip Bap. We tried to see one regularly to check-in and catch up. In that moment I saw the weight of his future weighing heavily on his mind, but I also saw my brother. The same brother who had worked so hard over the years to get to where he was at that moment: the moment he accepted his job offer. Words can not even come close to describing how much my brother means to me, but all I will say is I am grateful that I got to be an Illini at the same time as my best friend.

QWe have a pretty big campus. Are there any places you really love or hold special meaning for you?

Out of all the spaces on campus, I would have to say I love the Illini Union the most. If I wanted to switch up my study location, I could easily find a variety of places within the Union that fit my needs in terms of background noise. The same room where I have volunteered to coordinate engineering research fairs was transformed to host a drag show and that alone speaks volumes about the versatility of the Union. The drag show was probably my favorite highlight because I had never been to one before coming to UIUC, and the performers were so captivating! This was also the space during freshman year where my roommate and I would catch a film on the occasional Friday night when we needed to take a mental break from all of the fun that comes with majoring in engineering. I would be remiss if I did not shout out my own home department. The renovation of Everitt Lab was also another reason why I chose UIUC because I could see how much the University valued Bioengineering. The labs are state of the art, and it is also inspiring to know that my home department houses the Jump Simulation Center, which is also where Carle-Illinois College of Medicine students receive some of their instruction. As an aspiring physician, it is always motivating to know that I am learning in the same building as medical students.

QYou’re a junior this year. What goals do you have for the rest of your time as a student here?

Before I graduate, I hope to continue serving on NSBE’s executive board in some capacity. Currently I am the Internal Vice-President and previously I served as the Vice President of the Junior Executive Board as a freshman and the Programs Chair as a sophomore. Service is also important to me. Currently I hope to become an Engineering Outreach co-chair with my friend Grace Bailey for my sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon, so that I can introduce the sorority to Girls2Life. Girls2Life is a local Champaign-Urbana organization focused on empowering girls to change the world. An additional goal of mine is to give the RISE UP at Illinois initiative a strong foundation. This initiative stands for Retention, Inclusion, and Support Efforts for Underrepresented Minorities and was formed through a collaboration between NSBE and Graduate Engineers Diversifying Illinois (GEDI). Both organizations received a grant from the Institute for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEA) to address the need for underrepresented minorities within STEM, and I cannot wait to see how the initiative grows in the future.

QAny words of advice for current or future students?

Try to make friends with upperclassmen, especially those who are in your major. They can give you amazing advice on classes and career opportunities as people who have been exactly where you are. Also make an effort to get to know your professors. Of course letters of recommendation are great, but you can also learn from their experiences as well. In a similar vein, do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Office hours are crucial. The TAs and professors present are typically the ones creating the exam questions, but you can also communicate with your peers for help as well. Chances are you are not the only person who is stumped on a concept or question. In addition, make the most out of your time. There are so many different opportunities at UIUC, including design competitions, research, and study abroad programs. One last key piece of advice: do not overextend yourself. Make sure to prioritize your mental health and enjoy your time at the university.