Senior Spotlight: Audra Milbitz


Hometown: Denton, Texas

Thesis Title: An Environmental and Feasibility Analysis of a Dual-Fuel System for a High-Speed Diesel Engine on a Fishing Vessel

Post Graduate Plans: BLOM Maritime

What was your favorite Winter Work internship?
My favorite winter work experience was my senior year working at BLOM Maritime in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I enjoyed the office environment and the responsibilities I was given at the company as an intern. Another thing that made this winter work my favorite is that I was able to hang out with other Webbies, go to the beach, and get my scuba certification.

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is anywhere I can watch the sunset because the sunsets over the Long Island Sound never get old.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Take full advantage of your four years at Webb. Get involved with leadership, participate in the sports teams, and volunteer in the community. The workload may seem overwhelming sometimes, but don’t let it stop you from participating in the Webb community.

Favorite Quote.
“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway” – John Wayne

Senior Spotlight: Nicholas Yarka ’20


Hometown: Hillsborough, New Jersey

Thesis Title: An Investigation of Marine Gurney Flaps

Post Graduate Plans: Working at Gibbs and Cox

What was your favorite Winter Work internship?
Sophomore year I served aboard the MV Maersk Peary. We went down to McMurdo Station Antarctica, delivering jet fuel and diesel oil. It was a great experience, I learned a ton, hiked around two continents I had never visited before, and saw a ton of penguins.

What will you miss the most about Webb?
I think I’m going to miss the sense of community the most. This place is a family, and it’s going to take a lot of time to find new people who can take their place.

What activities were you involved with at Webb?
I tried to stay involved during my time at Webb. I headed Webb’s Tabletop Gaming Club, served on the Student Court, and was an active member of the Running club all four years. Webb provided me the opportunity to go to SNAME meetings and Broadway plays in the city. I also tried to give back to Webb in my own small way, taking part in the bathroom renovation committee and was a student member for Webb’s reaccreditation.

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
I really like the overlook next to Third Terrace by the President’s House. No one really goes there, so it’s quiet and peaceful, but it’s a fantastic little nook to watch an unobstructed sunset.

Senior Spotlight: Zane Tinnell ’20


Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

Thesis Title: Effect of Non-Linear Geometric Twist on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Hydrofoils with Bell-Shaped Spanloads

Post Graduate Plans: ABS rotational program

Favorite Quote.
Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.’
– Lao Tzu

What are you passionate about?
The friends I’ve made along the way. They mean a lot to me.

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
The yacht club because who doesn’t have a good time at the yacht club?

What was your favorite Winter Work internship?
Senior year at ABS. It was warm and there was never a dull moment.

Senior Spotlight: Isa Hill ’20


Hometown: Frederick, MD

Thesis Title: An Environmental and Feasibility Analysis of a Dual-Fuel System for a High-Speed Diesel Engine on a Fishing Vessel

Post Graduate Plans: Naval Architect at NASSCO in San Diego, CA

What activities were you involved with at Webb?
I have been involved in Women’s Tennis and Women’s Basketball since the teams were started, and I had the opportunity to be Co-Captain of both during my last season. I have also been involved in student leadership as SO President, part of the Education Committee, and planning various events.

What was your favorite Winter Work internship?
My favorite internship was going out to sea with Maran Gas during my Sophomore year. Seeing a ship in operation, working with the operators, and witnessing the creativity needed to solve problems while underway has given me a much broader perspective on the industry and engineering as a whole than I could have otherwise gotten.

What will you miss the most about Webb?
I can easily say that the thing I will miss most is the people, especially my classmates. I have made so many great friends and I have four years of great memories of them. It will be tough to adjust to life when I don’t see them every day, but I know we will remain friends for years to come.

Who was your favorite mentor at Webb and why?
My favorite mentor was Peggy Michel. I spent a lot of time working on the garden and baking with her during my freshman and sophomore year, and she passed on a lot of wisdom. She taught me practical skills like gardening while showing me the importance of making those around you feel welcome, supported, and at home. Peggy remains one of the kindest, most sincere people that I have ever met and I am grateful that I knew her for the time that I did.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?
From your first day at Webb, be grateful for the opportunities you have here and look for ways to contribute and “make your mark”. Find your way to contribute and leave Webb a better place than you found it, but never forget how special this experience is. It is okay to recognize that something is great, and still push to make it greater!

Senior Spotlight: Galen Ng ’20


Hometown: New York, NY

Thesis Title: Hydrodynamic Performance of a Lifting Body Using Near-Field Flow Kinematics from PIV Analysis

Post Graduate Plans: PhD in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering – Hydrostructural optimization.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I was on Sesame Street a few times as a child actor. I got to meet the puppeteers for Elmo, Grover, Big Bird, and Kermit.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Do as much as you can (academic or extracurricular) early on to find your niche and then stick with your passion to develop it.

Favorite Quote.
I talked to Professor Gallagher about it because it happened to him too.”
– Professor Onas talking about his incoming baby

What have you learned from other students?
If you want to impart change in your community, take initiative. Don’t wait for others to take up your idea.

What will you miss the most about Webb?
I will miss the late nights and camaraderie associated with all the work.