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Contact Us
We're happy to connect with you to answer any questions you may have. We can also meet you in-person if you happen to be in town for another event.
Email Us
The preferred method of communication.
We will typically respond within a day.
Our Staff
Aldo Montagner
Senior Program Coordinator, ARISE & Student Success
Illinois Alumnus (B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering)
Aldo has served ARISE students since Fall 2019 as their Engineering Learning Assistant, Graduate Mentor, and now as the Program Coordinator. Aldo has led multiple short-term, faculty-led programs for students to Bolivia, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, and Costa Rica as part of Global Service Learning, Leadership, and Identity based courses.
Brenna Sposito
Program Coordinator of ARISE
Penn State Alumnus (B.S. in Biomedical Engineering)
Brenna joined the ARISE team in 2025 as the new Coordinator and Academic Advisor. She has previously worked in student affairs as a Resident Assistant and supported the success of engineers as a facilitated study group leader. Her undergraduate engineering experience included research focused on using optical tweezers to measure the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels.
Nandi Osaghae
Graduate Mentor
Illinois Alumnus (B.S. in Aerospace Engineering)
Nandi is a current master's student in Aerospace Engineering. She has supported the advancement, representation, and success of underrepresented students through her involvement with MEP and NSBE while being an active member of the Illinois Space Society. She loves stargazing, playing tennis, and listening to music. One of her favorite things to do is travel, and has participated in the Aerospace Engineering's short-term, faculty led program to Brazil.
Albert Torres
Graduate Mentor
Illinois Alumnus (B.S. in Civil Engineering)
Albert is a current master's student in Structural Engineering and a Season 4 ARISE Scholar. He has supported the advancement, representation, and success of underrepresented students through his involvement with SHPE and the ARISE Welcoming Committee. In his undergrad, he was also involved with the Illinois Solar Decathlon (ISD). He’s very passionate about photography, volleyball, and enjoys playing video games on his downtime.
Ivan Favila
Senior Assistant Dean and Director
Illinois Alumnus (B.S. General Engineering; M.S. Mechanical Engineering)
Dean Favila, in addition to the ARISE program, oversees various student-centered retention and recruitment activities in the College's Undergraduate Programs Office including the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE) and the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP).