Chemical engineer Katie Quinn: Creating community through mentorship and music

Katie Quinn, a senior in chemical engineering and a guitar player in her band, got involved in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering early on as a peer mentor and continued in that role throughout her college career. Here’s what she learned along the way, and what she’ll remember most from her Cyclone Engineering experience.

On peer mentorship

“Being a CBE peer mentor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I knew I wanted to become a first-year peer mentor after my learning community experience freshman year. It was incredibly valuable to be able to talk with students further along in the program to learn about what to expect going forward, as well as meet other students in the program to form relationships that have lasted throughout my time at Iowa State.

As a peer mentor in CBE, I have gained just as much from my mentees as I hope they have from me. Learning about the different students starting in the program and their backgrounds, goals, and motivations for studying chemical engineering has deepened my own understanding of the field and continues to remind me of all the different paths that lead to success. I’ve also gained valuable communication skills required to be able to connect with my mentees and their different personalities, learning styles, and experiences. Supporting these students as they begin their college journey is an accomplishment that I will always carry with me.”

Collaboration in music and more

“I have been in my band, Been There Done That (or BTDT for short), since 2016 and every summer since we have spent our weekends traveling across Iowa playing shows. During the school year, we focus on our degrees as well as rehearse, write, and record our own original music! I think there’s a strong parallel between being in the band and being a peer mentor. When it comes to collaboration with other peer mentors, my mentees, or my bandmates, being able to give and receive constructive feedback is essential for honest communication. Success depends on a shared commitment to growth, whether that be helping a student build confidence in their academic abilities or helping my band grow and improve with each performance.”

Cyclone Engineering’s lasting impact

“After graduation, I have accepted a role with Constellation Energy as a systems engineer at one of their nuclear plants. I am excited to apply what I have learned throughout my degree and contribute to safe, reliable energy production every day. Being a Cyclone Engineer has taught me the value of a strong work ethic and effective collaboration with my peers. Being surrounded by so many talented and innovative individuals within the CBE department has instilled a growth mindset that I will carry into my professional career.”