Paige Jewell
Major: Civil engineering
Hometown: Olathe, Kansas
Clubs and activities: Engineers Without Borders, Canoe and Kayak Club, American Society of Civil Engineers, Concrete Canoe Competition Team and The Engineering Ambassador and Mentor Program (TEAM)
Awards and honors: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, Highest 2% in the College of Engineering and the TJ Good Memorial Scholarship
Who was your most influential mentor while at Iowa State?
Dirk Maier, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering. I traveled abroad with him twice and he is a faculty advisor for Engineers Without Borders. He helped me grow as both a person and an engineer.
What would you consider your greatest accomplishments at Iowa State?
My greatest accomplishment was my time spent as a mentor. From working as a community advisor, to being an ambassador for the College of Engineering, to being a leader in my campus organizations, I was able to assist fellow students in a variety of ways and see them grow as they made decisions.
What’s your favorite memory of your time at Iowa State?
Dancing with community members of Ullo, Ghana, after the successful implementation of a water system that was the result of a five-year partnership between their community and EWB-ISU.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
The atrium of the Biorenewables Complex
What’s your advice for first-year Iowa State engineering students?
It is okay to not know what specific career field you want to pursue as a first-year student. Starting broad allows you to try a lot of different paths and encounter activities that you may find you have a passion for. I would also encourage them to introduce themselves to the people around them and get to know others. Iowa State is full of extraordinary people that want to help you throughout your engineering coursework and career.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to be active outside through a variety of activities, attend sports events, produce fun videos, listen to and play music, play board games and relax with friends.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be moving to Billings, Montana, to start a career in water resources and treatment at AE2S.