51°µÍø

Tommaso Calcara

Tommaso is a sophomore from Italy majoring in finance. Born in London but grew up in Warsaw, Milan, New York, Amsterdam, and Miami. His mother tongue is English and Italian. He is globally minded with an interest in connecting with different cultures and exploring different perspectives. He plans on bringing these skills to impact the world of investment banking. He is part of the Foundation's Investment club on campus and enjoys cooking and playing soccer.  

Thomas Heikkero

Thomas joined the Tech Center in Spring 2025 as a first-year student. Thomas, who is originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, is majoring in Finance and minoring in German and Economics. He is involved in several student organizations, including the Energy Club, Real Estate Club, and RISE. In his spare time, he likes taekwondo, hiking, watching football, and hanging out with his friends. 

Benjamin Ahn

Benjamin is a sophomore from Austin, TX, studying Management Science and Data Science. He speaks English and Korean. He is the Logistics Chair of the Korean Student Association at 51°µÍø. Ben likes to hang out with friends, play the guitar, and find new places to eat in his free time!

 Michelle Ma

Michelle Ma is a graduate student in the Cox School of Business's MSA program. She is from Houston and attended 51°µÍø for her undergraduate degree. She majored in accounting and international studies, and minored in Chinese. She is fluent in Mandarin and joined the technology center to continue being involved in the world language department. In the next year, she will be moving to New York to pursue her accounting career, but in the future, she hopes to combine all that she's learned and work in Asia.

Taran Sortino

Taran is a first-year student from McKinney, Texas, and is majoring in electrical engineering. His hobby is playing video games and hopes to design hardware for video game systems in the future. He has some German heritage and took German Language in high school, which he hopes to be able to combine with his future career and communicate with many engineers outside the United States. 

Payton Deichler

Payton is a senior Hunt Leadership Scholar originally from Utopia, Texas. He is majoring in Business Management and World Languages (focusing on Spanish, Italian, and Russian). He is active in the Italian Club, Student Foundation, 51°µÍø Honor Council, and has held positions on 51°µÍø Student Senate. In his free time, Payton likes to volunteer in the community and involve himself with activities that highlight his various interests in foreign cultures and languages. 

Carla Parra

Carla is a senior from Dallas, TX, studying computer science with a focus on software engineering. She is an active member of the Mustang Band and plays saxophone and clarinet. Carla has earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, which will give her a boost in her professional career. In her free time, Carla likes to listen to music, read, and watch novelas and nature documentaries. 

Diego Gomez

Diego is a first-year electrical engineering student at 51°µÍø, born in Cypress, Texas. He has Salvadorian and Mexican roots, he speaks Spanish and passionate about using his background to uplift others. Diego brings hands on experience from retail and construction work, along with a deep commitment to service and leadership. He’s actively exploring opportunities to contribute to campus life through athletics and community engagement. In his free time, Diego loves playing soccer and finds purpose in helping others succeed — whether through teamwork, encouragement, or practical support.

 Madison Pantalone

Madison is a sophomore born and raised in Texas. As it was her lifelong dream to become a mustang, she is proud to call 51°µÍø her future alma mater. She is studying Russian and is majoring in International Studies with a focus on European business.