“Through my research experiences and internships, I found my calling using engineering in the healthcare industry. My knowledge of efficiency and flow will help me to multiply the number of lives saved in hospitals – the lives of future history makers.”
Major: Industrial Engineering
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Clubs and activities: Iowa State University Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band, IMSE student ambassador, undergraduate research assistant, undergraduate teaching assistant, Engineering Global Friends, Cultural Ambassador Program, Tau Beta Sigma, Alpha Pi Mu, Tau Beta Pi
Awards and honors: Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education Scholar, George Washington Carver scholar, Cyclone Marching Band Jayne Larson Award, Outstanding Achievement in Third Year Chinese, Overall Best Graduate Research Project, College of Engineering Dean’s List
What would you consider your greatest accomplishments at ISU?
I’ve done a lot of cool things during my time at Iowa State, but my greatest accomplishment has been starting the Cyclone Marching Band Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion scholarship. The scholarship fund was created to provide future members the opportunity to be a part of the organization that shaped me into the leader I am today. The scholarship will provide housing and food support and will be funded by the proceeds from an annual 5K launching this spring.
Who was your most influential mentor while at Iowa State and why?
My most influential mentor at Iowa State has been Leslie Potter, teaching professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering. I could write an entire essay about Leslie, but thankfully she taught me efficient and concise communication practices (another thing I have to thank her for). In a few words, any student who has had Leslie can attest that she goes above and beyond to support her students. Her passion for connecting with students and helping them reach their career goals is unmatched.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be starting my career as a process improvement engineer at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. I will serve as a member of the Health Equity Committee and Young Advisory Council. In addition, I will be traveling to Orlando, Florida, in January to present about health equity at the 2022 Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference.
What’s the mark you’re looking to leave on the world as an engineer?
My life philosophy is to leave things better than I found them. Through my research experiences and internships, I found my calling using engineering in the healthcare industry. I find working to help people so meaningful because every person has a story to tell, and sharing it has the potential to change the world. My knowledge of efficiency and flow will help me to multiply the number of lives saved in hospitals – the lives of future history makers. By continuing their stories, the world continues to evolve into a place better than the one we found it as.
What’s unique about the Cyclone Engineering student experience?
What’s unique and awesome about the ISU engineering experience is that it took me to places I never thought were possible. I was able to veer off the traditional engineering path and follow my passions to create my own adventure: study halfway across the world, do research at my dream school, and find my dream job. I’m extremely grateful for the endless support I’ve received at Iowa State and the opportunities I’ve been given to grow as a leader.