Daniel Macaya came to Cornell as an electrical engineering major, but after taking Introduction to Nanotechnology, switched into materials science. “I realized I enjoyed that more than the electronics aspect, looking at how the materials behind the device make it work," he says. "In materials science we can bring our knowledge of chemistry, physics, engineering into any field. I want to go into biomaterials, bringing materials science into the realm of living things—sensors, for example, that deal with actual or artificial skin or bone.” Daniel’s research on how polymers react with human enzymes, such as glucose, was recently published in the scholarly journal Sensors and Actuators.
“I fell in love with Cornell as soon as I visited. I first came up through the Multicultural Visitation Program and loved how the campus was alive at all hours, seemed safe and comfortable," he says. "Next, I found the professors and staff to be very accessible and enthusiastic. Last, unlike other undergrad programs, Cornell gave me the opportunity to do serious research.”
Daniel was appointed as a Cornell Presidential Research Scholar, having been involved in research since freshman year in high school. “That’s been the most surprising thing about my experience at Cornell—the amount I’ve been able to get involved in research," he says. "I’ve been able to have my own projects and be treated like, well, like a grad student.”
Daniel also finds time for non-engineering activities. He is a member of the Absolute Zero Breakdance Crew, which was formed in 1998 “with the intent of spreading hip hop culture and a love for urban dance throughout the Cornell community,” according to its mission statement. “I tried to get into break-dancing in high school,” says Daniel, “but I was the only one….Then I came here and there was a whole club!” Since joining AZ, Daniel’s been part of about a dozen performances. “Recently we performed for 800 trustees,” he says. “We were the only student performance.”
Daniel’s advice for incoming freshmen is this: “Don’t be afraid to open your mind to all the choices open to you for a major, and for what to do with your life.”
View more profiles
