College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

Ashlyn Haack: College of Engineering student marshal

Ashlyn Haack, commencement student marshal, with W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.
Ashlyn Haack, commencement student marshal, with W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.
Ashlyn Haack, student marshal representing the College of Engineering at commencement and mechanical engineering major, with W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.

“I want to be able help young or aspiring engineers reach their goals and realize their potential. As I become an experienced engineer, I hope to be able to mentor and come to a point where I can inspire the next generation of engineers and women to embrace their strengths, whatever they are.” 

Clubs and activities: One of my favorite parts about Iowa State is the opportunity to learn and try out so many different activities. I did undergraduate research as a first-year student under associate teaching professor of mechanical engineering Sonal Padalkar, am a member of the Gaffer’s Guild, helped found the Theme Park Engineering Group, modeled in The Fashion Show, did design work in the Team PrISUm solar car club, am a member of the Society of Women Engineers, Women in Mechanical Engineering clubs, Tau Beta Pi, volunteered with FIRST Lego League, was selected for Homecoming Cardinal Court, participated in Dance Marathon, frequently help out the Kairos student ministry production team, and, most proudly, was a member of the winning three vs. three soccer intramural team. 

I am a part of the Honors Program, so I have been able to lead a first-year student orientation class, study abroad in Ireland, and dive deeper into actually producing music for my honors project. 

I also have been involved in a lot of activities related to music, since I can’t very well get two minors in it and not enjoy it! I was a section leader for two years in the marching band and also played in the volleyball and men’s basketball pep bands, a section leader and secretary of the Cantamus women’s choir, the director of membership for the Student Carillonneur Leadership Council, a member of the Count Me In a capella group, and a member of the American Guild of Organists.

Valuable hands-on experience: My internships, because they gave me a real look into what being a full-time mechanical engineer is like, taught me how to learn in an industry setting, and directly led to my post-graduation job.

My time doing design for the PrISUm solar car team was also very valuable for me as it directly led to my first internship. Being able to show a portfolio of the designs I had made while I was at the career fair impressed my interviewers in a way that resumes have a hard time matching.

Most influential mentor: My organ professor Miriam Zach, Charles and Mary Sukup Endowed Artist in Organ and adjust assistant professor of music and theater. She has taught me what it is like to be in higher education around the world, and she has helped me learn how to come up with my own questions and passions. Dr. Zach always pushes me to work hard, while also affirming that I have the potential to reach my goals.

Greatest accomplishment: I am very proud of being awarded the Alumni Spirit Award from the Iowa State Marching Band. The marching band is a huge community of amazing people, and being recognized for my positive attitude, spirit, and contributions was validating and surprising. It is the one award that I have gotten that I did not apply for, and it was a moment that showed me that my qualities existing outside of my resume are making a positive impact on the people around me. 

Plans after graduation: I will be going to work as a product design engineer at Garmin International.

Making my mark on the world: I want to be able help young or aspiring engineers reach their goals and realize their potential. As I become an experienced engineer, I hope to be able to mentor and come to a point where I can inspire the next generation of engineers and women to embrace their strengths, whatever they are.  

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer: I think something important and unique about being a Cyclone Engineer is loyalty. Being located in the Midwest, in the heart of Iowa, molds engineers who also embody the characteristics of Iowa: hardworking, loyal, positive and kind. 

My dad also graduated from Iowa State with a mechanical engineering degree, and I have always looked up to him as one of the most intelligent, caring and honorable people in my life. I became an engineer to follow in his footsteps, and this in turn has led me to be loyal, forever true to Iowa State University and to all of my commitments.

 

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