Nisha Raj: Outstanding senior in software engineering

Clubs and activities

Society of Women Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, Cardinal Key Honors Society, University Honors Program, OpenUAS research team, ARA undergraduate research team

Valuable hands-on learning in class

My senior design project has been a very valuable hands-on experience. I’ve had the opportunity to apply much of what I learned in various classes to a real-world engineering application. It also helped me get a better understanding of the entire engineering design process from deriving requirements, proposing a solution, receiving feedback, building the project and then documenting all the steps.

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

My research with the OpenUAS team has been a valuable experience outside of the classroom. The team works to design, manufacture and integrate electronics for an unmanned aerial system (UAS). Being a member of the electronics team has helped me grow my skills in avionics hardware implementation and setup. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to work with software that I might not have used in a classroom setting such as NASA’s Core Flight System (cFS) and R2U2, a runtime system monitoring software.

Most influential mentor

One of my most influential mentors has been Kristin Rozier. I have been a part of Dr. Rozier’s research team and she has given me many opportunities to grow and explore my interests as an engineer. Her guidance and encouragement have been extremely beneficial to my growth as an engineer. Additionally, she has always encouraged me to think outside the box and inspired me to solve challenging problems.

Additionally, Hongwei Zhang has also been a very influential mentor over the past four years. Dr. Zhang has always challenged me to dream big to tackle challenging problems. He has also given me the opportunity to contribute to various areas of his research team. Through his mentorship I have been able to explore many different aspects of rural wireless connectivity. Dr. Zhang has inspired me to continue pursuing projects that help connect the world.

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

Some of my favorite memories at Iowa State were made through the friendships I formed here. Whether that be a quick ice cream run to take a break from homework or late-night study sessions, these moments created lasting friendships. The support of my friends made tackling challenging classes more manageable.

Plans after graduation

After graduation, I will be doing an internship with Collins Aerospace during the summer and then I will be back at Iowa State in the fall to complete my master’s degree in computer engineering.

Making my mark on the world

I hope to use my skills to help improve the quality of life for individuals and make the world a better place. I also aim to advance technologies that bring the world closer together by helping improve global connectivity.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

To me, being a Cyclone Engineer means a collaborative and team-oriented learning environment. Engineers at Iowa State are given countless opportunities to work together and think creatively to solve problems. The engineering curriculum at Iowa State has equipped me with diverse skills to tackle challenges and solve problems that I’m excited to apply in my future career.

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

Attending Iowa State has given me lifelong memories, friendships and opportunities for growth. I have also gained an appreciation for getting involved and stepping out of my comfort zone. Iowa State has provided me with so many opportunities from research to amazing mentors. I would tell myself that choosing Iowa State will provide the experiences of a large school environment while still having that small school feeling to form lasting connections.

Most inspiring location on campus

Coover Hall is a location on campus where I feel inspired. I’ve spent countless hours in the labs there working on various projects and homework. The labs are where I had the opportunity to apply many of the concepts I learned in class to actual applications. These experiences have always left me with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.