Hometown
Lake View, Iowa
Clubs and activities
I am a member of Tau Beta Pi honor society and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. I have also been part of the NECA student chapter here at Iowa State, where I could compete on the ECIC team.
Valuable hands-on learning in class
Two in-the-classroom hands-on learning opportunities stick out to me from my time at ISU. First, the lab portion of Electrical Systems for Buildings taught very applicable skills while connecting labs back to the classroom. In this lab, we were able to wire lights, receptacles, and switches from a panel board through a conduit directly on a piece of plywood in the classroom. We were then able to energize the board to ensure our wiring was correct. This was a great learning experience and made it easier to be engaged in the lecture portions of the class, knowing I would be able to apply that information later in the week. Second, the Design/Build capstone that all Con Es take was a great learning experience for me. Working with a team to design all elements of a building from scratch presented a unique challenge while simulating the difficulties we may be presented with when we enter the workforce. Not only was it an interesting project, but the freedom of the class allowed for continuous learning along the way. Overall, I feel that the construction engineering department at Iowa State provides some of the best, if not the best, hands-on learning experiences on campus.
Out-of-the-classroom engineering experience
My most valuable out-of-the-classroom hands-on learning experience was my internship with JEO Consulting. Throughout the summer, I saw how what I learned in the classroom translated to the industry. My internship experience was very different than my peers as I was working a job that involved more Civil Engineering than Construction Engineering. However, this allowed me to learn more about an industry I did not have prior exposure to as well as bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to my position. I enjoyed the summer and learned a lot along the way.
Most influential mentor
My most influential mentor while at Iowa State was Travis Hosteng, assistant teaching professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering. Hosteng was my statics professor in Fall 2021. Statics is notorious for being a difficult class to succeed in. From the first day. it was obvious what Hosteng expected of students, but also how much he cared. He would spend hours helping students understand difficult concepts while also allowing us to get to know who he was as a person. Following that semester, Hosteng asked me to TA for him. I was a TA for statics for four semesters. Throughout this time, I continued to see Hosteng’s passion for teaching. The way he does his job proves that there is a way to demand excellence while also creating a meaningful personal connection. This is something I hope to take forward in my career. While Mr. Hosteng was my most influential mentor here in Ames, I couldn’t have made it through these demanding four years without the support of my family. My mom (Julie), my dad (John), and my brother (Justin), all supported and encouraged me when I needed it most.
Greatest accomplishment
One of my greatest memories at ISU was traveling to Philadelphia to present a proposal for the ECIC competition at the NECA National Convention. This was one of my greatest memories for multiple reasons. First, it opened my eyes to the opportunities that are provided for students at Iowa State. I was asked to be on this team by Jenny Baker following an electrical design class I took with her, and within the next year, I was on an all-expense paid trip to Philadelphia. I learned there that this isn’t uncommon for Iowa State students. Many industry professionals had previously interacted with Iowa State students, and an amazing reputation had been formed for our school at this national convention. Additionally, this trip allowed me to network with industry professionals in both professional and casual settings. It was a great experience to meet new people who could help further my career, but I also wanted to get to know myself as a person. Finally, the memories created with the five students and one professor that I traveled with are second to none. Spending such long travel days with my peers allowed us to learn more about each other, and by the end of the trip, we were all great friends. So not only did I build professional connections, but also lifelong friendships. For that, I will be forever grateful.
Plans after graduation
After graduation I plan to attend graduate school at ISU to obtain an M.S. in Civil Engineering while researching under Roy Sturgill.
Making my mark on the world
As an engineer, I have many goals. I hope to continuously make a meaningful contribution to the progression of the industry I am in. More importantly, I hope to improve the lives of the people I interact with while giving back to the communities I work and live in. I look to create a reputation of progress, excellence, integrity, and kindness.
Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer
I believe to engineer “like a Cyclone Engineer” is to take pride in the work you do while providing unique solutions to common problems. It is an experience unlike any other. Being a Cyclone Engineer immerses you in a community of individuals who take pride in the degree they have earned. I am excited and grateful to have been a part of this community over the past four years and to continue to be a part of this community for years to come.