DAVID FOTSO, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Activities: National Society of Black Engineers student chapter (I’ll be on the executive board in 2021-22) and American Institute of Chemical Engineers student chapter

Why engineering: I wanted to find a profession that would help me change the world, but I don’t like being a person on stage, in the front. I prefer to stay in the background, but as an engineer I can still make a difference by creating something.

What you’d be surprised to know about me: I was born in Belgium and am fluent in French. Also, a few of my high school friends and I started a charity to provide access to education for orphans in the capital city in Cameroon. We raise funds to pay for their tuition and books in the public school.  

First-year lessons learned: I discovered the counseling center is really nice!

Favorite first-year course: Moderns

Most challenging first-year course: Material Balances

Social life: Friday nights are our movie nights. Sometimes during the week I get dinner together with friends.

Why Villanova: I didn’t want to apply to an Ivy League school because I heard of all the stress and pressure there. I attended a soccer camp at Villanova last summer and liked the atmosphere and sense of community.

Post-grad plans: I would love to work for a non-profit or NGO. Money is important but it’s not the number one thing I’m after.