Iowa State ‘feels like home’ to materials engineering student Sofia Johnson Quinchia

The materials science and engineering department’s newest program, Mat E Scholars, is bringing in top students from around the country.

Sofia Johnson Quinchia, a materials engineering freshman in her first semester at Iowa State University from Virginia, decided to take a tour of campus after receiving a “charming” acceptance video when she applied.

“I chose Iowa State because the Cyclone spirit really spoke to me,” says Sofia. “The whole campus has a positive buzz and a drive for innovation.”

For Sofia, it was the feeling the faculty really did love teaching and the students all seemed to feel at home. Her advisors, Holly Dunlay-Lott and Andrea Klocke, bring positive energy to every meeting. “They’ve helped me navigate the start of college like mission control,” says Sofia.

Why materials engineering? “It’s a field of discovery. The cross between science and engineering to create and analyze materials is unique and collaborative.”

Sofia is passionate and driven by collaborative innovation and positive change. “I would love to be able to contribute to engineering as a whole so I can continue to grow with knowledge and the work I’ve done.” What does that look like? “My dream would be a materials engineering career with opportunity to work on semiconductors or materials electronics.”

Through the College of Engineering Career Fair, Sofia has already landed her first co-op next semester with Viking Pump working as a design engineer for their machine parts manufacturing lab. “I hope to use this experience as a way to learn more about potential engineering jobs and better understand how design drafting plays a part in product design,” says Sofia.

It’s not just materials engineering that interests her, though. So far, she’s joined the Clean Snowmobile SAE Club (where she says everyone is very inviting and she has opportunity to work directly on the snowmobile) and the Russian Speaking Club.

She’s also found her favorite campus spot. “I love the Parks Library! It has everything a student could need and a space for every task. It even has a café to get a little caffeine for late night study.”

So far, the biggest surprise of college has been how many amazing friends she’s made. “I am far from Virginia, but I am right at home here with my ISU family,” says Sofia.