HOWDY!
Here you will find a sneak “peak” at the minds behind these wild adventures! Feel free to read them all, it’s a good way to get to know a little about a lot of us!
Quinn Risen
Howdy!
I’m Quinn! I also get to be the mastermind behind this crazy sweet operation that gets you outside, and to see what Clarkson’s backyard has to offer!
I’ve spent the past three years here at Clarkson enjoying the outdoors and the company of the wild people that make up CUOC. With some school work scattered throughout…
A little bit about me: I’m a Wilderness First Responder, a NOLS graduate, and a lifetime lover of the outdoors. You will hear a lot more from me as your going through the Pre-O process, don’t worry!
Now if you read this far… Keep on reading! Scroll down to learn about all of the fricken awesome leaders and see what they have to say!! See you soon!
Major:
Class Year:
Shawn Alexander
Hey I’m Shawn I race mountain bike road bikes and cyclocross. I love racing but can definitely get a little sendy and am looking forward to a good time.
Major: Civil Engineering
Class Year: 2024
Zach Zientko
Oooo hey there buds, how it be goin? I’m Zach a skier hiker biker (ig I occasionally do school too) from the Adirondacks who lives 30 mins from the nearest grocery store. So naturally, I like boolin around in the woods, unnecessarily fighting gravity and going fast. Super excited to be at it again and leading another Pre-O! Pre-O gonna be a time and a half so y’all should absolutely come mess around in the woods, have a great time, n make some sick friends.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Carson Bruening
Hey y’all!
My name is Carson and I’m a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. More importantly I love skiing, hiking, sailing, sun tanning, oh and of course climbing. Rocks? Trees? You got it, I’ll climb it. I’m also a certified Wilderness First Responder and NOLS graduate, so if you’re worried about the perils of the great outdoors, don’t fret. And if that’s not enough for ya, I’m also somewhat of a local to the Lake George region, and I’m super stoked to show you some of the finest adventuring we have to offer. My goal is to make this one of the most fun trips of your first semester and maybe even your whole year! I can’t wait to meet everyone and go play around in the ‘dacks!
Peace.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Stephanie Kloda
What is up you lovely people! My name is Steph and I am sophomore chemical engineering major from Western New York! I love being outside especially hiking. When I am not sleeping in class you may find me sleeping in various different places. A rock? My car? A hammock? A canoe? An air mattress on the Raquette River? You name it i’ll sleep on it. Think lizard on a rock. Like you, this is my first time leading a pre-o but I guarantee amazing memories and amazing naps! Catch ya later.
Major: Chemical Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Robert Greenberg
Hello there! I’m Robert Greenberg, an environmental engineering major from Orange County, NY. If I’m not doing homework, you can find me outside doing stuff like fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming/boating, playing with fire, or just in the woods vibing. Look forward to meeting you all and can’t wait to get high (on a mountain) with you!
Major: Environmental Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Dante Cusolito
Howdy! I’m Dante, and I’m going to be a Senior in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. I’ll be one of the leaders of the mountain biking pre-o this year. On campus you can usually find me building some RC planes for Design Build Fly or just for fun, or fixing up the trails in the Back 40 (feel free to join in). When there’s snow on the ground I might be on Woodstock Hill with my skibike or contemplating my unfortunate decision to ride my normal bike through a half a foot of road salt slush. In club I primarily bike, but dabble in most other outdoor activities like caving, hiking, and skiing. Everyone knows Bike Pre-o is the best Pre-o, so I hope you make the correct decision to come shred with us! I’m stoked to meet all you in the fall and let’s go bend some derailleurs!
Major: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2024
Stuart Wilson
Greetings little jits, my name is Stuart. I guess I like being outside. This is my first pre-o so good luck, I hope you know what you’re doing. Pick my trip, you will most likely make it out unscathed.
Major: Environmental Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Maddie Sesnie
Hey guys, my name is Maddie, I am a junior and the Outing Club Service Chair! When I’m outside I love to hike, canoe, kayak, and ski!! I’m so excited to meet all of you who love the outdoors as much as I do :))))
Major: Bimolecular science and biology
Class Year: 2025
Bernard Caroll
Hey y’all!
My name is Bernard and I’m a computer engineering major (I know, computer stuff, what a nerd) and I’m thrilled to have y’all on my Pre-O. I love hiking, climbing, slacklining, sailing, swimming, and especially white-water kayaking. I am from the suburbs of Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS!). I play club and intramural soccer, and pickup basketball. I’m an Eagle Scout, backpacked in Philmont, NM (and of course the Adirondacks), and sailed for a week off the Florida Keys. I am one of CUOCs white-water chairs so I’m so excited for this trip. Anyways, can’t wait to meet all y’all and make great memories!
Major: Computer Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Seamus Fogerty
Looking forward to meeting the new and adventurous students that are looking for a fun time in the mountains! I’m an active hiker who is obsessed with outdoor wilderness views, and can say if you search hard enough that you will love them as much as I do. I enjoy taking mediocre photographic pictures from my adventures, journalling my experiences from my hikes, and whittling wood.
Major:
Class Year: 2025
Taylor Vanderwalk
I am a junior mechanical engineering major, I grew up just south of Rochester NY in the finger lakes. I am a part of Mountain Bike Club and Outing Club. I race MTB’s with mountain bike club in the fall and ski in the winter both resort and back country. I am a very avid Mountain Biker and am willing to ride anything, come ride with me and see if your bikes slacker then mine… I love the outdoors and spend as much time in the outdoors as I can. If you want to ride some of the best freeride lines and make your own that’s basically all I do in my free time.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Levi Pyke
Hi, i’m Levi and I’m currently studying Mechanical Engineering as far as I can tell. When i’m skipping class, I like to hike some wacky things, kayak and swim around, and go skiing. This August I will be hiking some of the best mountains New York has to offer, all while keeping it easy and short because who likes anything long and hard.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Jon Wilson
Hi I’m Jon Wilson. I am a mechanical engineering major. I am a a Hiking chair for CUOC. WAH WAH WAH we go woods walk up mountain
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Alex Evans
Hi my name is Alex and my friends call me that as well. You can also call me. I have been known to dabble in extreme uphill walking from time to time and dare I say I enjoy it quite a bit. I like to keep things light and interesting while also bringing a refreshing level of sophistication and class. My foot hurts. If you’re looking for a challenge and lots of fun then you’re in the right place. Adventure is out there! And we’re going to find it!
Major: Engineering and Management
Class Year: 2025
Lauren Marci
Hey Y’all, my name is Lauren and I am a rising Sophomore. I really like the woods, I am always in the woods, the woods are fun. The only thing better than the woods is catching big fish in the woods (as you can see I only catch big fish). Besides stuff pertaining to the outdoors- I am an avid music listener and love to read and draw, but most of the time these are being done outside. Remember to get outside and get excited for the best week of your life.
Major: Civil Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Lilly Magnus
Hey Kids! I’m Lilly Magnus and I like to go fast. I’m a Mechanical Engineering major from Holderness New Hampshire. I like to race bikes and nordic skis (yes I like to ski uphill, no I’m not crazy, or at least that’s what the voices say). I also dabble in climbing and hiking, and will try pretty much any outdoor activity. I’m super stoked to be leading the moderate mountain biking trip, and to show you around the absolutely immaculate trails that are Green Woodlands!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2024
Drew Price
Howdy, I’m Drew and I’m from 3rd best state in New England…Massachusetts(you can guess the 1st and 2nd). Facts for Freshmen: I have a fat fondness for fun sports that function in forests, furthermore, I fantasize about: fishing, fixing my fossil-fuel-feasting(rip the dinosaurs) Subaru, finding funny films(The Office), and frying flavorful food in forests(I’m basically the backcountry version of Gordan Ramsey). So sign up for my trip and the only thing I can promise you is that it’ll be better than any Caribbean Cruise you can go on. I’ll see y’all on the water- cheers.
Major: Engineering and Management
Class Year: 2024
Jack Reed
What is UP everybody, my name is Jack and I’m a global supply chain major from Fairfax Virginia. I’ve been vibing in the woods for as long as I can remember, whether that be climbing, hiking, snowboarding, hammocking, building HUGE (but safe) fires, you name it. You should come on my trip because climbing is absolutely ELITE, you’ll have a bomber time, AND you can learn a lot about a lot. Unbelievably stoked to see y’all in the fall.
Major: Supply Chain Management
Class Year: 2025
Haley May
HEY!! My name is Haley and I’m a chemical engineering major. I also happen to be the President of the amazing club and I am so excited for you all to join us for all of these amazing trips!! I will be leading an easy hiking trip to one of the best camping spots in the Adirondacks. Join me and Soph for swimming, hiking, and good times!!
Major: Chemical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Colby Leggo
Me like hike, me like run, me like radioactive materials. I quite literally only hike and backpacking is the best way to do it. I enjoy teaching and leading incoming freshman into the woods to experience what it’s like to be a pro Adirondacker. I’m a “very” good cook in the backcountry and enjoy creating wonderful cuisines for people to try. I also enjoy going to sleep
Major: Electrical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Angie Zeoli
Hey there, freshman! My name is Angie and I THOUGHT I’d be learning Environmental Engineering here at Clarkson but INSTEAD I’ve spent all my time learning how to do cool stuff outdoors, including activities that I never even knew about before joining CUOC! I learned how to rock climb for the first time during my freshman pre-o, and I’m super stoked to be getting you all out on the rocks this fall. I love spending time out in nature, no matter the activity. However, some of my favorites include: climbing (of course), caving, canoeing, wandering in the woods, lake swimming, sitting in the grass/dirt/earthen floor, and inspecting bugs, rocks, or anything naturally existing in the woods. Other random things that I like include ferns (favorite plant), tattoos, coffee, cooking good (vegan) food, rocks (did I mention that one already?), art, music, mangoes, and making new friends! I can’t wait to meet you all and to spend the best three days of your Clarkson experience with you during pre-o!
Major: Environmental Science & Policy
Class Year: 2025
Mia Greco
My name is Mia Greco and I’m a sophomore mechanical engineering major. I am one of the current CUOC hiking chairs and spend 90% of my time outside. On top of hiking I like to snowboard, rock climb, sing, and am on the Women’s Rugby Team. My pre o was in the same range as the one I am leading and I can’t meet you guys and show you how much fun you can have in the backcountry.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Evan Vogan
Hey gang, my name is Evan, and I come from Massachusetts. I tend to spend most of my time rock climbing and ice climbing, although I am an enjoyer of skiing, hiking, and generally being outside as well. I’ve been climbing for the past 6 years or so, but I didn’t get a chance to go on Pre-O, so I am counting on you guys to tell me what to do. I’ll also be borrowing your food, in the event I run out of ramen… just an FYI. But enough about me, let’s have a blast out there!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2024
Rachel Mietlicki
Hey everyone! I’m Rachel and I’m a senior from Virginia. I’m a big fan of water in all its states as I enjoy boating, swimming for the swim team, and skiing (usually into trees). I also enjoy hiking, biking, hammocking, and any other outdoor activity I’m convinced to do. I hope you guys are ready to flip some canoes and get lost in the woods, safely of course. I’m super excited to lead a canoeing pre-o and can’t wait to meet y’all!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2024
Owen Gandt
Hi! I’m Owen, and I’m a sophomore Aerospace and Mechanical Engineer here. I’m one of the biking chairs in CUOC, and I love being outside, especially riding bikes or skiing. I’m from a small town on the seacoast of NH, and I’m hyped to go out and explore some trails this summer with all of you. You’ll almost always see me either working on my bike or riding it, and I’m always down to send some new trails and features!
Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Martin Noe
Hello, My name is Martin and I am from Hudson Valley, New York. On your average Potsdam afternoon I like to slackline, climb, or lie in the grass. I am a rising sophomore and I’m stoked to meet all yall.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
Kai Kendrick
Hi! My name is Kai and I’m a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering. I grew up in Vermont ripping down the trails of the green mountains and soaking up sun on Lake Champlain. I am leading the moderate mountain bike pre-o this year and I can’t wait to shred with everyone. Of course my main passion is biking but I love anything outdoors like hiking, swimming, fishing, paddle sports and fishing. When the snow comes you bet I’ll be out skiing as much as I can. I can’t wait to meet everyone and ride bikes!!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Emelyn Sullivan
Hey guys! ESully here. I’m currently the treasurer for CUOC, but when I’m not counting money and chasing you down to pay dues you can find me hiking anything and everything. I’m from Central MA, and gained my love for hiking high peaks in NH’s White Mountains. I was introduced to the beautiful Adirondacks when I went on pre-o my freshman year, and can’t wait to share my love for our own backyard with you! If you come on my trip you’ll be in for some fast hiking, insane views, and delicious backcountry meals crafted by yours truly, completely void of ground beef (I promise!). Be sure to get outside, and I can’t wait to meet you all!
Major: Engineering and Management and Maths
Class Year: 2025
Matt Wildermuth
Introduction, my name is Matt and I am a Engineering and Management major. I grew up in Queensbury NY and I enjoy to spend my time skiing, biking with friends, rock climbing, cooking, cliff jumping and hiking! My first introduction to the club was pre-O last year and I had a blast! So as long as your swimming capabilities aren’t as questionable as mine we will have a grand ole time!
Major: Engineering and Management
Class Year: 2026
Nick Sheldon
Hey, I’m Nick, and I’ll be leading one of the climbing trips! This fall I’ll be a sophomore majoring in aerospace engineering. I started climbing not long before going my own pre-o last year, which was a ton of fun! You can usually find me climbing in the Adirondacks or slacklining somewhere on campus!
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Gio Cerutti
Hi, my name is Gio! I’m from the SF Bay Area. I’ve been immersed in the outdoors ever since I was a little kid. I particularly enjoy mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and suffering, although this Summer we’ll definitely have a great time. I’m diabolical with lightweight ingredients, a Whisperlite, and a can of white gas. I cut my toothbrush in half to save weight once. At school you can catch me shredding meat with the CU Mountain Bike Club and working on projects where I get to build stuff. If we go on a trip together we are sure to have a great time in the wilderness!
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2024
Sam Ellingson
Hey! My name is Sam Ellingson and I’m from Plainfield, New Hampshire, near Dartmouth college. I am a sophomore and I am double majoring in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, but more importantly I am the CUOC sock wrestling champion, and I love spending time outside no matter what I’m doing. When there isn’t snow on the ground I can be found biking, hiking, climbing, and just generally messing around in the outdoors. Over the winter I just try to get as many days on skis as I can, both resort and backcountry. I will be leading the intermediate bike trip and I plan to get up to as much fun as possible. I hope to be able to spice up our trip with some general shenanigans and the ability to make a great pan of backcountry brownies. I went on a Pre-O my freshman year and I could not recommend it enough so you all should sign up for one!
Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Nyk Jessiman
Hi everyone!
My name’s Nyk (he/she/they), I’m a sophomore aero major from Vermont, a Wilderness First Responder, and a CUOC white water chair! Before Clarkson I took a year to finish up my aircraft mechanic certification, and have worked on vehicles ranging from chariots to retired USAF aircraft. If I’m not in a workshop, you probably won’t be able to find me, because I’ll be out in the woods somewhere. Growing up if I wasn’t in school, I’d follow my dad to work. Since he works in outdoor rec/edu, that meant for the small price of being his demo monkey or helping him lead classes down a mountain or river, I got to spend a lot of time skiing, kayaking, and learning how to share my mad skills. Over the last 3 summers, I’ve led kayaking tours for adults, and worked at a summer camp teaching kids ages 5-17 archery, boating, and camping skills (fire building, shelters, knots, and creative ways to use a tarp).
If you sign up for the sampler pre-o, the first thing I’ll teach after you get in the boat is 1) what to do when you tip over, and 2) why tipping is half the fun 😉
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Class Year: 2026