Sydney Williams: Outstanding senior in chemical engineering

Clubs and activities

I have been most involved with the Salt Company, where I served as a connection group leader for three years. I have also been involved in the Society of Women Engineers.

Valuable hands-on learning in class

Our senior design project was the most valuable learning experience for me as a chemical engineer. This challenging project enabled us to apply all the concepts we had learned in our previous chemical engineering courses and work together as a team to achieve our goal.

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

My internship and co-op experiences were among the most valuable aspects of my development as a chemical engineer. In particular, my co-op allowed me to take greater ownership of long-term projects and gain personal growth by relocating across the country for seven months.

Most influential mentor

Dr. Monica Lamm, my research advisor, has been my most influential mentor at Iowa State. Over the four semesters I conducted research under her guidance, she consistently supported my growth both as an engineer and as an individual. Dr. Lamm provided mentorship in my research and career decisions, and her constant positivity has made a lasting impact on my Iowa State engineering experience. I am extremely thankful for her support and guidance.

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

My favorite memories at Iowa State come from the small moments spent studying with friends, whether on Central Campus or in engineering buildings like Sweeney or Hoover Hall. The laughter and time we shared made even the most challenging exams and projects worthwhile.

Plans after graduation

I will be working for General Mills as a Manufacturing Engineering Associate.

A memorable moment of kindness

My advisor, Matt Brown, has consistently shown me kindness over the past four years. He helped ensure my coursework was properly arranged to accommodate my co-op experience and has continually offered guidance during my job searches, providing advice and encouragement at every stage. I will always remember his kindness to me and all of us chemical engineers throughout my career.

Persevering through challenging times

Early in my college career, I sometimes wondered if engineering was the right path for me, as the classes became more challenging and time-consuming. The biggest thing that helped me persevere was remembering why I wanted to be an engineer in the first place. I have a passion for problem-solving and want to use these skills to improve the lives of those around me. Remembering why I chose this degree makes it easier to persevere.

Support from Engineering Career Services

Engineering Career Services was extremely helpful in preparing me for internships, co-ops, and full-time roles. The most beneficial experience was the Engineering Career Fair. The career fair helped me secure all three of my internship/co-op opportunities, which provided me with valuable experience heading into my full-time job search.

Making my mark on the world

As an engineer, I plan to apply the problem-solving skills I have learned at Iowa State to improve the lives of others. I want to work in the manufacturing industry, where I can make improvements to systems that help operators complete their jobs safely and efficiently to produce high-quality products for the world.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

Iowa State offers a unique engineering experience by providing state-of-the-art, hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. To be a Cyclone Engineer is to approach problems with an innovative mindset, uphold high standards for quality, and demonstrate integrity and respect for others.

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

Iowa State provided me with numerous opportunities to grow both as an engineer and as a person. The engineering career fair offers a significant advantage, attracting many large companies that recruit Iowa State students for their integrity and talent. The hands-on lab equipment helps apply knowledge learned in the classroom to physical systems, strengthening technical and professional skills.

Most inspiring location on campus

A location on campus where I feel particularly inspired as a Cyclone Engineer is Sweeney Hall. I have spent hundreds of hours at Sweeney working on design projects, labs, and other chemical engineering tasks throughout my college career as a chemical engineer. Seeing the same faces in the hallways of Sweeney every day, including those of peers, professors, and advisors, encourages me to continue working hard towards my goals.