College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

Blake Clark: Outstanding senior in industrial engineering

Blake Clark, outstanding senior in industrial engineering, with W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.
Blake Clark, outstanding senior in industrial engineering, with W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.
Blake Clark, outstanding senior in industrial engineering, with W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.

“As engineers, I think we have the unique opportunity to innovate to make people’s lives safer and more comfortable. I plan on solving problems, those identified and yet to be identified, in our world to make it a better place.”

Clubs and activities: Four-year starter on the Cyclone football team. After arriving as a walk-on, I earned a full scholarship and was 2021 team captain, member of the Student-Athlete Experience Committee and served as vice president and president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, implementing mental health initiatives and community service opportunities.

Valuable hands-on learning experience: In my summer internship with Chevron-Renewable Energy Group, I was able to experience elements of both a small company and a major corporation as REG underwent an acquisition by Chevron. The internship also provided fantastic experience in the clean energy sector and allowed me to use the skills I have learned in the College of Engineering while sharpening a number of other critical professional skills as well.

The internship program was exceptionally well-organized and even resulted in future employment opportunities. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for summer opportunities!

Influential mentors: I had two influential mentors during my time at Iowa State: Leslie Potter, teaching professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, and head Cyclone football coach Matt Campbell.

Both of these individuals are not only exceptionally knowledgeable in their field of expertise, but they care deeply about the development of their students and athletes into the best people and professionals they can be. And both have served as fantastic resources for me to turn to in times of tough decisions, worries, struggles and successes. I am so thankful for all they have done for me over the last four years, and I look forward to staying in touch long after my time at Iowa State is completed.

Best Iowa State memory: I will always cherish the memories made with my teammates by winning the Fiesta Bowl in 2020. The pandemic was a tough year without getting to spend time with any of our families and friends in order to stay healthy for games, so that day was very rewarding for all of our sacrifices.

Plans after graduation: I will begin working part-time at Chevron-Renewable Energy Group as a student associate while I finish up my master’s work before joining full-time in May.

Making my mark on the world: As engineers, I think we have the unique opportunity to innovate to make people’s lives safer and more comfortable. I plan on solving problems, those identified and yet to be identified, in our world to make it a better place.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer: I think the unique and awesome part of being an Iowa State engineer is the family atmosphere. I have been so fortunate to meet awesome people to discuss academics with and also share fun experiences beyond the classroom. I will always be proud to be a Cyclone Engineer, and I look forward to accomplishing great things with my peers from the past four years!

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