Austin Lamphier graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology (ITec) in 2018. Originally from Center Point, Iowa, Lamphier had always connected with technology and engineering, which led him to apply to ISU.
Thriving at ISU
After a year and a half at Iowa State, Lamphier met advisor Tamara Kerns and found the place he belonged. Once he transitioned to the agriculture and biosystems engineering department (ABE), Lamphier thrived, feeling recognized by staff, faculty, and advisors.
Once he joined the department, Lamphier became extremely involved in the ITec Club. He grew into more than a member, serving in multiple executive positions. One of his favorite memories was attending the 2017 Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering Conference in Cincinnati. During this conference Lamphier was part of the club’s robotics team that won the People’s Choice Award.
To gain more experience Lamphier held internships with Howe’s Welding and Lane Trailers. He was able to utilize skills he learned in classes in real world situations. He also worked for the university as a teacher’s assistant and peer mentor. He helped other students find their path just as he did.
Time as a Professional
After completing his undergraduate degree in 2018, Lamphier started working for the GE as a Mechanical Engineer. “The biggest learn curve with this position was taking things from the virtual space to the manufacturing floor,” Lamphier said.
After about a year with GE, he moved to a position with Productive Resources, an engineering consultant firm, and has been with them for five years now. He is currently a “Mechanical Engineer 3” and is a project lead for an internationally spanning team embedded with his current customer. In this position, Lamphier and his team work with an after-treatment company to make filters for exhausts.
Being in a managerial role has required him to work between time zones and take a more hands-off approach while also ensuring everyone has enough work and is completing their tasks. “If I hadn’t landed in ITec I wouldn’t be where I am,” Lamphier said. “Being a peer mentor and taking leadership roles in the ITec club helped in my current position. I never would have seen myself as a leader if not for those roles,” he concluded.
While Lamphier may have taken a bit longer to find his place, he never lost his passion for engineering and technology. Starting his engineering journey at ISU, Lamphier continues to innovate after graduation.