This story was originally published by the Science Center of Iowa.
The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) announced Friday that the recipient of their 2015 Girls in Science ‘Scientist of the Year’ award is Iowa State alumna Kristine Vanderwiel.
Vanderwiel graduated from Iowa State University in 2011 with a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering and is currently a reliability engineer at the Flint Hills Resources Iowa Falls ethanol production facility. In that position, she analyzes plant equipment to find and fix problems before they arise and ensures biofuels production runs efficiently. She is an active SCI volunteer and has participated in many of SCI’s Girls in Science events including the Girls in Science Festival, Meals with Mentors and Science @ Your Site outreach. While in school, she was involved with the Women in Science and Engineering program and the Society of Women Engineers.
The SCI Girls in Science Scientist of the Year Award recognizes a local scientist who is a leader in her field and who brings attention to STEM development efforts in Iowa. The award recipient is involved in SCI’s programs and has demonstrated commitment and mentorship to the young women who attend Girls in Science events
Vanderwiel was also recognized for this achievement in a story by the Ames Tribune.