Charlotte Brandenburg
- Major: Materials engineering: emphasis in metals and polymers
- Minor: Mathematics and German
- GPA: 3.84
- Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Career goal: To be a materials researcher at NASA
- Clubs/activities: PrISUm Solar Car Team, Osteoceramics Research Lab, Teaching Assistant
- Awards/honors: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society
- Favorite place on campus: Lagomarcino courtyard in spring and summer
- Most influential ISU mentor:
- Why Iowa State: Because it is the perfect distance from home–not too far and not too close.
At Iowa State, Charlotte Brandenburg appreciated the opportunity to get an outstanding engineering education, but also branch out and learn about all kinds of topics – and she encourages other engineering students to do the same.
“My best recommendation for engineering students is to take classes that interest you, even if they aren’t required for your degree,” Brandenburg said. “When else will you get an opportunity to learn about music theory, martial arts, etc… at no additional cost?”
Brandenburg was involved all over campus, including being a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, PrISUm Solar Car Team, working in the Osteoceramics Research Lab with Thomas McGee and serving as a teaching assistant for MSE.
Her nominator, MSE academic advisor Andrea Klocke, says that while Brandenburg was involved in a variety of organizations, her commitment to MSE was strong.
“Charlotte has shown a commitment to excellence in her materials engineering curriculum, while at the same time being an active and engaged member of the MSE department in both undergraduate research and service to the faculty in the role of teaching assistant for MSE’s large service course (Mat E 273),” Klocke said.
Brandenburg worked as an Advanced Materials Processing Intern in the NASA Langley Research Center from January-May 2018, and is returning to the position this spring. She is starting graduate school in August.