Caitlin Agabin: College of Engineering student marshal, environmental engineering

Clubs and activities

Water Professionals, American Water Works Association, Engineers for a Sustainable World, Society of Women Engineers, Women in Science and Engineering

Valuable hands-on learning in class

The most valuable opportunities I have had in-class are leading a design competition team and studying abroad. During the WERC Environmental Design Contest competition team process, I was the team lead and learned to coordinate different work ethics and communication styles. We came home from the competition with three awards. I also had great in-class learning while I was studying abroad in Scotland. I learned how to learn another way. I was not used to the UK education system, so I got to really challenge the way I learn/study concepts.

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

Some of the most valuable out-of-the-classroom learning I had were my internships. I was able to take the concepts I learned in class and apply them, but I was also able to learn new concepts I haven’t yet learned in class and see how everything was coming together.

Most influential mentor

I had so many mentors at Iowa State that I can’t choose! All of my professors showed me how passionate someone can be about water and improving water quality for the public.

Plans after graduation

I am going to be working at Brown and Caldwell as an environmental engineer.

Making my mark on the world

I want to use my degree to help make an impact on local communities. I want to be able to provide communities with clean water to drink and recreation.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

Something unique about being an Iowa State engineer and the experience is the research you get to be involved in. I was involved in research as early as my sophomore year. I was able to understand how research questions are developed and how to go about building tools/researching information to help answer them.

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

I would say that by going to Iowa State you are going to be surrounded by people and professors who are all passionate about the same things you are. There are also so many opportunities to pursue while getting your degree (ie. study abroad), which will benefit the way you see the world.

Most inspiring location on campus

One location I feel inspired in is the Student Innovation Center. I love the huge windows and being able to get the natural light and people watch. Everyone on campus uses the space, and seeing tours come through, it can get very lively. However, the study rooms and little spots around the building offer quiet spaces to study.