Samuel Lanz: Outstanding senior in aerospace engineering

Clubs and activities

Statics platoon leader, intramurals, SAE aero design

Valuable hands-on learning in class

The most valuable in-class learning experience was the aerospace engineering senior design course. I worked with and helped lead a team of nine engineers to design an aircraft while applying prior coursework in a supportive, risk-free setting. This experience taught me how to transition from conceptual design to a functional prototype and to identify and address the challenges involved in moving from a CAD model to a physical build. Collaborating with teammates who brought diverse skills and perspectives fostered both technical growth and strong teamwork.

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

During my co-op with Honda Automotive, I worked in Honda’s full-scale automotive wind tunnel, gaining hands-on exposure to the precise and demanding field of test engineering.

The role sharpened my attention to detail, strengthened my technical analysis, and enhanced my problem-solving through practical application. My time at Honda was transformative, shaping me into a more capable, confident, and disciplined engineer. I strongly encourage all underclassmen to pursue a co-op, as the extended real-world experience is invaluable for both technical and professional development.

Most influential mentor

My most influential mentor at Iowa State was Professor Shahram Pouya. I took two of his courses, Aerospace Vehicle Propulsion and Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory, and both challenged me more than any others in my degree. His classes are rigorous, derivation-heavy, and require a deep commitment of time and effort. After doing poorly on the first exam in Aerospace Vehicle Propulsion, I had an uphill battle for the rest of the semester. It ended up being one of my hardest experiences at Iowa State, but also one of the most rewarding. Professor Pouya’s high standards taught me how to persevere through challenges and take pride in truly diving into the material. His courses ultimately became my favorites and played a major role in shaping the engineer I am today.

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

My greatest accomplishment at Iowa State was completing four internships and co-ops during my junior and senior years. I worked with Woodward Aerospace, Honda Automotive, and Daikin Applied, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of engineering roles. Each experience challenged me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to real-world problems, collaborate with talented engineers, and adapt to fast-paced professional environments. Beyond the technical skills I developed, these opportunities taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and perseverance. I consider this my greatest accomplishment because it not only strengthened my abilities as an engineer but also gave me the confidence and perspective I need to thrive in my career.

Plans after graduation

I will work full-time as a product engineer with Daikin Applied Americas, a market leader in commercial HVAC. I interned with the company this past summer and I am excited to return as a full-time employee.

A memorable moment of kindness

When I took statics, I had an incredible platoon leader who went out of her way to help me and my classmates succeed in a very challenging course. Her guidance left a lasting impression and showed me how meaningful it is when someone invests in others’ growth. Because of her, I wanted to do the same for younger students in what I consider the most pivotal course for engineering students. For the past five semesters, I have served as a statics platoon leader, striving to provide the guidance, encouragement, and insight that I received. My goal has always been to help students not only develop a strong understanding of the material but also gain the confidence and skills to tackle future challenges. This experience taught me the value of mentorship and reinforced my commitment to pay forward the kindness and support I was shown.

Persevering through challenging times

I think every engineering student has moments when they question if this is really the right path. For me, that moment came before my first internship. I had no idea what to expect from an engineering role, and I doubted whether I had the skills to succeed or if I would even enjoy the work. That uncertainty changed after completing an internship and then a co-op with two different companies. Working alongside talented engineers showed me that an engineering degree is one of the most versatile and empowering tools a student can earn. I realized that engineering is not just about equations or technical skills. It is about learning how to approach problems, adapt, and make an impact in many ways.

Making my mark on the world

To me, being a successful engineer is about solving problems while also supporting the people around you in meaningful ways. I hope to continually challenge myself and approach each opportunity with curiosity and care, while helping others navigate challenges and discover their own strengths. My mark as an engineer will be defined by the thoughtfulness and dedication I bring to both my work and the people I work with.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

When I think about what it means to engineer like a Cyclone Engineer, the word that comes to mind is trust. At Iowa State, we are challenged with demanding courses and complex projects that push us to our limits. Through that process, we learn to trust ourselves, our preparation, our problem-solving skills, and our ability to adapt. Just as importantly, we learn to trust our peers. Countless group projects teach us how to collaborate, rely on one another’s strengths, and work toward a shared goal. That culture of trust and teamwork is what truly sets a Cyclone Engineer apart.

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

If I could talk to my younger self when I was deciding where to go to college, I would say that choosing Iowa State would shape every part of who I am today. I came here expecting a strong engineering education, but I found so much more. Iowa State gave me the confidence to take on challenges, the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships and co-ops, and the support of professors and classmates who pushed me to grow. Iowa State has become a place that will always feel like home, and I wouldn’t trade the past four and a half years for anything.

Most inspiring location on campus

The aerospace engineering senior design lab is a place for me and peers to combine everything we’ve learned over the past four years to design, build, and test an unmanned aerial vehicle. The reason the lab is inspiring is the people you get to work with. Working with a team of nine engineers for the past two semesters has allowed me to grow so much as an engineer and build some incredible relationships. Being able to challenge each other to create the best product we are capable of is truly inspiring.