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Student Spotlight: Graduating Senior, Noah Balaam ‘25, majoring in Cross-Disciplinary Studies

Building a web app from the ground up isn’t easy, but for Noah Balaam ‘25 (Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Computer Science, Social Science, Business), it was a rewarding and transformative experience. The result: Breath Monkey, a fully functional breathing app designed to combine the best features of existing tools into one smooth, user-friendly platform.

The project, completed as part of a course assignment, challenged students to develop their own full-stack web applications. While sample ideas were available, Noah pursued a personal passion project. “I wanted to create something meaningful—something I’d actually use,” he explained.

Through the process, Noah gained hands-on experience with full-stack development, learning how to build a complete Django application, implement JavaScript for interactivity, and deploy a performance-optimized site. Most of the research involved diving deep into JavaScript tutorials and videos, as it was their first time working with the language. “It felt like building a Lego set or solving a puzzle,” Noah said, crediting his professor, Dr. Anthony Petrillo, for making the Django framework accessible and fun to learn.

Beyond the technical skills, the project taught a valuable lesson: how to turn an idea into a real, working product.

Let’s learn more about Noah Balaam, and his journey from Hawaii to Rochester, who is graduating on May 10, 2025.

Noah (right) with his brother Toby ‘25 (Cross-Displinary Studies). Both brothers played NCAA DII soccer at Roberts Wesleyan University and are graduating on May 10.

Can you share about your journey to Roberts from Kamuela, Hawaii?

I will always look back on my journey to Roberts from Hawaii as a clear example of God’s grace. At the time, I was still contemplating whether I would even attend college. Then, I received an offer from a junior college in Coos Bay, Oregon, to play soccer. I remember getting the call from the coach and agreeing to come, not realizing how much that one decision would shape the next four years of my life.

After two good years in Oregon, a teammate and good friend of mine, Rodrigo Torrellio—who had transferred to Roberts a semester earlier, connected me with Men’s Soccer Coach Scott Reber. As soon as I talked to Coach, I knew I would be coming to New York to play. Looking back, my journey to Roberts wasn’t one big decision, but many small choices and steps that ended up carving my path to Rochester and where I am today.

Talk about what you learned during your work on your https://www.breathmonkey.com/ project. What class was this for, and what was the goal.

Building my first web app was a really rewarding experience. I gained a lot of hands-on experience with full-stack web development. I learned how to build a complete Django application with all the modern features you’d expect to see, and I became more confident in using JavaScript to implement interactive features. This project also taught me how to deploy and optimize a production website for performance across different devices. But more than anything, I learned how to take an idea and actually turn it into a real product.

Talk about any research you did for this project:

Most of my research involved watching videos on JavaScript since it was my first time using it. Doc (Dr. Petrillo) did a great job teaching us the basics of Django’s framework, so it felt like building a Lego set or putting together a puzzle.

What class was the Breath Monkey project for?

This was for Full Stack Development I. The goal was to create a full-stack web app. Doc had a bunch of project ideas we could build, but he was open to us coming up with our own. I chose to build Breath Monkey because I wanted to create my own breathing app—one that brought together all the best parts of the apps I already use into one. A big goal for me was to apply all the concepts I’ve learned at Roberts and put them into one app.

What is the best thing about studying your major?

The best part of studying Cross-Disciplinary Studies is being able to pull together multiple areas that seem unrelated at first, like psychology, business, and computer science—and finding where they overlap. The best part about computer science specifically is how creative it can be. People think it’s just logic and code, but building something actually useful and human-centered takes real creativity. I would also say that being one of “Doc’s” students is an enriching experience.

What course (so far) has been your favorite and what do you love most about it?

Old Testament with Dr. Helms was one of my favorite classes. It gave me a deeper understanding of the human condition and how our stories shape the way we live. She didn’t tell us what to think, but instead showed us how the story of the Israelites is still incredibly relevant to our lives today. It helped me reflect on who I am and want to become. I think I also just really liked the way she taught the class.

Who is your favorite professor and what’s one way they’ve helped you?

My favorite professor at Roberts is Dr. Petrillo—or “Doc,” as we call him. He truly believes in and cares about his students, which shows in how he teaches. His guidance has helped me not just on projects but in how I approach learning and even my spiritual journey and my life in general. That’s had a big impact on me.

Can you share your experience as a player on the Men’s Soccer team and playing alongside your brother?

My experience on the soccer team was unforgettable. Coach Reber emphasizes discipline, patience, and accountability—qualities I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Being part of the team gave me a family on campus, a community I could rely on even though I was far from home.

Playing soccer with my brother is something we’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always played on his older teams and looked up to him. Being able to push each other on and off the field again at the college level is something I know we will never forget.

How do you serve others?

I lead through action. I believe in subtle, consistent acts that influence others meaningfully, whether helping someone with code, listening when someone needs to talk, or being present. I find satisfaction in doing the little things. One of my favorite quotes is “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” (Lao Tzu)

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

My advice to incoming freshmen—especially athletes—is to find balance in your life and take full responsibility for who you are and what you do. How you do anything is how you do everything. Being at Roberts Wesleyan University allows students to grow into the person they want to be. Take advantage of this unique time and your opportunity.

What is your favorite thing about Rochester?

The seasons. Coming from Hawaii, seeing fall and winter for the first time was wild. And of course, experiencing Wegmans –that place is elite!

What academic or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

One of my most significant academic accomplishments is turning my grades around. I went from being a C student who was OK with passing to someone who wouldn’t settle for a B. I'm really proud of pushing myself to stay disciplined and get things done. Also, just graduating from college is something I never thought I could do, so this accomplishment means a lot to me.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ll be moving back home. I’m exploring jobs in software development, but I’m also seriously considering firefighting and emergency services. I want to keep learning and serving and find a path where both of those things come together.

How will your Roberts education help you reach those goals? 

Roberts has shaped my character just as much as my skill set. My classes pushed me technically, but the culture here has helped me find direction. I’ve learned how to plan, execute, and follow through—not just with school, but in life too.

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