Hometown
Bettendorf, Iowa
Clubs and activities
On campus, I participated with Cyclone Rocketry as a member of the propulsion team, an academic tutor for engineering calculus and physics courses, and an RA with the Department of Residence for five semesters. I was also a member of the Jazz Ensembles with the Department of Music as a drummer for both big-band and small-group jazz ensembles. I was also involved with The Salt Company, a Christian ministry of Cornerstone Church, for all four years at Iowa State University.
Valuable hands-on learning in class
For me, senior design was the most valuable hands-on learning opportunity in the classroom. This course provides students with a taste of what the engineering industry looks like and takes students through both the design and manufacturing process. Something I enjoyed from this course was the incredible team I got to work with. We had to work together to design and manufacture an RC aircraft that was constrained by specific design requirements, and we had to ensure that it could complete the tasks it was designed to do. I chose to be the controls lead for the aircraft because it was an area that sounded interesting and something I wanted to gain more knowledge about. It was great to work with a team where we solved problems together and saw our aircraft fly at the end of the semester. I enjoyed learning about aircraft controls, gained valuable experience, and want to pursue a role involving controls later in my career.
Out-of-the-classroom engineering experience
My internships with Elliott Aviation and Compressor Controls Corporation were the most valuable out-of-the-classroom experiences. At Elliott Aviation, I had the opportunity to work with both design and manufacturing teams. I got to apply CAD skills I acquired in the classroom and apply them to various projects. In addition to the work, I got to do with CAD applications, I also valued the time I got working with the manufacturing team. Working with the manufacturing team allowed me to see points of improvement in my designs, understand different manufacturing methods, and gain more insight into how the projects I was working on operated. Elliott Aviation allowed me to get more experience with design and manufacturing.
My time spent at Compressor Controls Corporation was another valuable experience. At Compressor Controls Corporation, I was a quality engineering intern, where I saw the importance of quality control. I got to travel to different suppliers we worked with to conduct quality audits and learn how they manage quality at their workplaces. I also got to assist with improving the workflow of non-conforming material in our own manufacturing spaces. Overall, my two internships were the most valuable out-of-the-classroom experiences because I gained experience in the engineering industry and got a diverse taste by working in distinct roles.
Most influential mentor
The most influential mentor I had at Iowa State was Mike Giles. Mike is the Director of Jazz Studies at Iowa State and I have had the privilege to work with and be under his guidance during my time in the jazz program. I have even had opportunities to play jazz combos with him. Something that I appreciate about Mike is that even when I do not feel confident soloing on a piece of music, he will encourage me and nudge me to play a solo because he believes in my abilities. As a result, I feel more confident and improve each day. Mike has always been encouraging, and I have enjoyed every minute of being in the jazz program.
Best memory
My favorite memory at Iowa State is taking walks around campus in the fall. The fall weather in Ames was always my favorite time of the year. I would listen to music while walking around campus, admiring the colorful fall leaves, and enjoying the nice cool weather. In addition, it was always a time when I would reflect on my time at Iowa State and think about some fond memories as I walked by certain buildings.
Plans after graduation
I will get married to my lovely fiancée, Anna Sharp, just six days after graduation. We will then move down to Kansas City, where I will work as a Mechanical Engineer for Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies.
Making my mark on the world
The biggest mark I want to leave on the world as an engineer is a commitment to continuous improvement. Something I took away from my internship at Compressor Controls Corporation was their commitment to continuous improvement, which I valued in the company. When people know, you are committed to continuous improvement, they are confident in your product, and you build a reputation. As an engineer, I want others to see my drive to learn and improve so they are confident in my work.
Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer
Iowa State provides its engineers with a good balance of independent work and group collaboration. Engineers at Iowa State are provided with challenging yet beneficial courses/experiences that provide each student with the knowledge and skill sets they need to be successful in their engineering careers.