Dean’s Student Leadership awardee: Keith Urmie, agricultural and biosystems engineering 

Clubs and activities

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), Honors Program, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering peer mentor, numerous undergraduate teaching assistant or grader positions, undergraduate research experience

Valuable hands-on learning in class

I have found that hands-on labs in classes like ABE 4130: Fluid Power Engineering or ABE 4100: Electronic Systems Integration for Agricultural Machinery, where a trainer interface has been developed, have been most valuable. Applying concepts learned in the lecture portion of the class on the trainer interface has immense value when learning the material.

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

My internships were extremely valuable because I could apply what I was learning in the classroom and encounter other unique concepts and challenges. Being involved in a student organization like ASABE was also valuable to growing my leadership skillset.

Most influential mentor

My most influential mentor at Iowa State is Dr. Raj Raman. Dr. Raman is a wealth of knowledge not only in engineering concepts, but also in professional development and navigating the graduate school process. I have had many conversations with him throughout the past four years on these topics, and he is always more than willing to share his experiences and knowledge.

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

Presenting my research at the Norman Borlaug Lecture Poster Competition was a thrilling experience to share what I have been working on with people from around the world.

Plans after graduation

I plan to stay at Iowa State to get my M.S. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering with the Digital Ag Innovation Lab.

Support from Engineering Career Services

Engineering Career Services helped me navigate the internship process and provided valuable resources. On several occasions, I utilized the interview rooms in Marston as well as had drop-in meetings with ECS staff.

Making my mark on the world

I hope to be able to say that I did my part in feeding the world. Agricultural engineers, like myself, are tasked with creating ways to grow more food with fewer resources. We must do this by increasing efficiency, but also ensuring that we are improving the environment around us.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

Something awesome about being an Iowa State engineer is the fact that I was truly interested in what I was learning because the professors knew how to display their passion for the material. I feel prepared for the next challenges in my life because I learned not only the material covered in my courses, but also how to problem solve and innovate unique solutions like a Cyclone Engineer.

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

I would tell my younger self that Iowa State is the door to so many opportunities. At Iowa State, I have been able to do many things, such as lead clubs, lead classes, be a peer mentor, be an undergraduate teaching assistant/grader, and participate in undergraduate research. Opportunities such as these are irreplaceable.

How I chose my major

I chose my major in agricultural engineering not only because of my background in agriculture, but also because of my desire to make the world a better place. As an agricultural engineer, you have many opportunities to improve food security, an integral part of improving the livelihoods of millions around the world.

Most inspiring location on campus

Sukup Atrium is particularly inspiring because of its design and the collaboration that happens there. Its open concept is similar to how Cyclone Engineers innovate: We keep our minds open to new, innovative ideas, but also work with our peers to make those ideas a reality.