A new program introduces NYU Tandon students to a vibrant Midwestern hub

Few students knew what to expect when they applied to take part in “A Taste of Tulsa: Exploring Innovation, Culture, and History in the Heartland,” a spring break trip to the second-largest city in Oklahoma.

Accompanied by Director of Undergraduate Programs Jennifer Piro and Manager of Undergraduate Programs Kat Arredondo, what they got was a jam-packed week of activities that included trips to important historical institutions like the Osage Nation Museum and the Greenwood District (the site of the devastating 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre); natural wonders like the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (complete with bison herds); and high-tech spaces like the Tulsa Innovation Labs and the University of Oklahoma’s drone-testing facility. Interspersed were art exhibits, live music, and great local food.

The trip, spearheaded by Sara-Lee Ramsawak, Tandon’s Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Academics & Global Engagement, was aimed at introducing participants to NYU’s newest global site and, upon their return, enlisting them as ambassadors able to describe the benefits and charms of a study-away program in the American Heartland.

“Many people have preconceived notions about the Midwest,” she explains. “They aren’t familiar with all the region has to offer. Tandon’s STEM-focused students, in particular, may be surprised at the innovation happening there.” (Tulsa, long known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” is now a locus of renewable energy research.)

As several students attested, Ramsawak was correct that the trip would be full of pleasant revelations. Ryan You, a senior studying Business and Technology Management, explained, “I had the chance to explore everything from community-driven revitalization in Greenwood to Oklahoma’s evolving clean energy infrastructure. The clean energy tour was especially eye-opening — seeing how a former oil capital is reimagining its energy future gave me a lot to think about.”

Others concurred. “Since this was my first time in Oklahoma and the Heartland, I didn’t know what to expect,” Adelia Vavilchenkova, a Mechanical Engineering major who served as a student leader on the trip, admitted. “I immediately started to wonder about its similarities and differences to New York City. I didn’t yet know how much it would positively impact me in just one week. Right from the first day, our group had the chance to connect with local changemakers, educational and professional opportunities, and everyone that we met along the way. I immediately felt everyone’s desire to learn and grow, no matter what was planned for us!”

“While I've explored diverse NYU campuses in Washington, DC; Abu Dhabi; and Shanghai, Tulsa truly surprised me,” Dhruv Patel, a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineeringmajor, said. “It was an unforgettable experience that showcased the city’s warmth, opportunity, and unique blend of social impact and technology.” He continued, “A highlight was visiting Tulsa Innovation Labs, where we engaged in an activity that challenged us to think holistically about attracting aerospace companies to the region, and I also toured Tulsa’s thriving tech and clean energy scene, including Oklahoma University’s drone testing facilities and various renewable energy projects. Capping off our adventure, we explored Tulsa FAB Labs — a community maker space that blends hands-on STEM activities with opportunities for lifelong learning in technology and engineering.”

Patel concluded, “This journey broadened my perspective on how technology and urban development can drive social impact and reaffirmed my commitment to using engineering to create meaningful change. I’m excited to carry these experiences forward as I continue my academic and professional journey.”

Expanded perspective and strengthened commitment to leveraging engineering for social good — those were just the results the organizers were hoping for.

“Those of us who live, work, and study in New York can be guilty of thinking that anything worthwhile happens only right here,” said Piro,” but we’re very happy to be able to offer students from all over the world the chance to see other parts of the United States they may have unfairly overlooked.”

Arredondo stressed that the spring break trip and the study-away program were the product of hard work on the part of many NYU staff members, including NYU Associate Vice President and Senior Advisor Peter Holm. “Jen and I got to experience Tulsa along with our students, and that even included a lesson on how to do the Tulsa Two-Step,” she said, “but behind the scenes, there were so many people ensuring that we were engaged intellectually, had fun, and enjoyed a seamless itinerary. It would be really hard to overstate how great the team at NYU Tulsa is, and I know that anyone who opts to study away there will feel the same.”