Valuable hands-on learning in class
I would say my senior design project was the most valuable to me. It allowed me to learn hands-on in a group setting. This project is comparable to what I expect a real job to look like — working in a group divided into subgroups, all working on different tasks to complete the same goal. Our goal was to make it easier to park on campus. This capstone project’s goal was to simplify parking on campus by creating a detection-based parking lot, which is tracked within an application and allows users to reserve their parking spots.
Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience
I was fortunate to have two internships and a co-op while at Iowa State. I would say my co-op as a Manufacturing Electrical Engineer in Flight Controls and my internship as an Electrical Engineer in Control Systems at Collins Aerospace were most beneficial to me and my career. These experiences taught me what working in a professional environment was like. I had my own tasks and responsibilities that my coworkers relied on me for, whether these tasks were more technical, like troubleshooting and failure analysis, or more professional, like tracking failure data, creating a preventative maintenance plan, or communicating with suppliers. These experiences made me a well-rounded engineer and prepared me for my capstone project and future career.
Most influential mentor
Having dyslexia, I was required to have a deeper connection with most of my professors. They all influenced my time at Iowa State, but most specifically, I would say Shana Moothedath, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, was my most influential mentor and professor.
I was in Professor Moothedath’s Automatic Control Systems course. I looked up to her as she was one of the few female professors I had within the department. She taught her class very well, and if I was ever confused, I would attend her office hours, and she would explain what I was missing. She was patient with all her students, and I enjoyed her and her class.
Best memory/greatest accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment in college has been proving to myself that I can succeed in engineering despite having dyslexia and overcoming the challenges that come with being a woman in this field. Although it’s not a tangible accomplishment, I get a great sense of accomplishment for my progress, new knowledge, and gained confidence. I am proud of myself and other women who have and are pursuing their degrees in engineering.
Plans after graduation
After graduation, I will work as an Automation Engineer at Baker Group.
Support from Engineering Career Services
The two services I used most were the resume reviews and the career fairs. These services were essential to landing me two internships, one co-op, and a full-time job. The career fair allowed me to present myself and personally connect to companies. The resume workshop helped me stand out from other candidates and get the interviews that ultimately landed me jobs.
Making my mark on the world
I want to be someone people can rely on and trust to do the job correctly and efficiently. As an electrical engineer with a specific interest in automation and controls, businesses will often depend upon me when their systems are constructed, failed, and improved. By working with local businesses, corporations, and hospitals, I know my work will be relied upon and impact many lives.
Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer
At Iowa State, I learned to work accurately and efficiently through projects and regular coursework. Iowa State has resources for whatever interests you want to pursue and they will help you throughout the whole process. Iowa State teaches you to be a successful individual engineer and work as an engineer in a group setting, which is essential for your future career. That is why I am happy to say I learned to engineer like a Cyclone.
What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State
I would tell my younger self about the amazing people Iowa State has. I met most of my best friends here. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. Whether living in the dorms and meeting my neighbors, going to Lied and Beyer to play volleyball for the night, or attending classes and making friends with my peers, you will meet countless people who will have an impact on your personal and professional life.
Most inspiring location on campus
Being an Electrical Engineer, I spent a lot of time in Coover Hall in the Transformative Learning Area (TLA) and the Senior Design Lab. Having spent so much time of my college career in this building, it is where I feel inspired as a Cyclone Engineer. Knowing what I can be pushed to accomplish in classes and projects is what inspires me now. As I prepare to leave Iowa State, I will reflect on all those long nights I spent working and feel a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.