Hometown
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Clubs and activities
Over my time at Iowa State, I have been involved with the Biological Systems Engineering Club for 4 years, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws for 2 years (Treasurer for 1 year, currently President), am a member of Cardinal Key Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Honor Society (currently Treasurer). Additionally, I was a teaching assistant for ENGR 160 for 1 semester, was a teaching assistant for ABE 316 for 1 semester and was an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Justin Walley’s Lab (PPEM) for 4 semesters.
Valuable hands-on learning in class
ABE 415/416 Capstone
The capstone project system was a great way to dive hands-on into the Engineering Design Process and apply all our coursework to solve a problem. For my capstone project, we are building a groundcover assessment rover for RegenPGC under the guidance of Dr. Raj Raman, who was my professor for ABE 160 during my first semester. This project has allowed for hands-on learning with designing and modeling of our rover, 3D printing and waterjet cutting the parts, assembling the parts, and developing a logic controls framework for the vehicle, which is controlled by a remote controller.
Out-of-the-classroom engineering experience
Last summer, I was fortunate to be an Engineering Design Intern for Percival Scientific (Perry, IA), which makes the plant growth chambers I use in my lab (Dr. Justin Walley’s) every day. During this experience, I tested a new lighting system for their tissue culture line of chambers, which is currently being patented, that prevents condensation from forming on petri dishes, which launched in Q1 of this year. Also, I helped design a hydroponics growth chamber and am still consulting them on the final design. Lastly, I designed and conducted experiments in multiple plant species on the impact of supplemental far-red lighting on plant growth and development. This project was utilized by the company to help improve the light spectrum offered by their light fixtures.
Most influential mentor
Dr. Adina Howe was the most influential mentor I had during my time at Iowa State University. I first met Adina in ABE 316, which is a programming and modeling course that taught me the importance and usefulness of using differential equations to model agricultural systems. The following semester, I was her course teaching assistant, which helped me develop my teaching and mentorship skills that I hope to use in my future career in academia. Adina has motivated me to use numerical methods to model agricultural systems, which is part of the focus of my current and future research and inspired me to become a better researcher and engineer.
Best memory
My favorite memory at Iowa State University was attending the NCERA-101 meeting in Des Moines. During the meeting, I gave a lightning talk and poster presentation on my collaborative research with both Percival Scientific and Iowa State University in Dr. Walley and Dr. Kelley’s labs. As the only undergraduate student presenting research at the conference, I was able to learn from graduate students and professors presenting their research and giving me feedback on my own. I also had the opportunity to network with students, faculty, and industry members from around the United States who work in the controlled environment space, which will be valuable as I continue my career.
Plans after graduation
I will be attending Cornell University and joining Dr. Larry Smart’s Lab to begin my Ph.D. in the Field of Horticulture. My research project is focused around optimizing controlled environments to develop speed breeding methods for Humulus lupulus, better known as Hops.
Making my mark on the world
As a research-focused engineer, I hope to contribute to groundbreaking publications within the realm of controlled environment agriculture, collaborate with others in industry and academia, and mentor future generations of engineers.
Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer
Being a Cyclone Engineer means focusing on innovation and discovering a better way to do something. Within the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department, all the faculty I’ve encountered have tried to push the importance of innovation, collaboration, and ethics.