Clubs and activities
Engineering Ambassador Network, Gymnastics Club, Tau Beta Pi, Undergraduate Research, SockzUp Innovation Challenge Team, Intramural Sports
Valuable hands-on learning in class
ME 4150 (Senior Design) has been the most valuable because we are working with a company on a real-world project. My team is working to help a company update their powder coating process, and in doing so I have learned so much about an industry I otherwise would not have been exposed to. Additionally, the course has taught me important project management techniques that will be applicable in my future career.
Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience
My internship with Danfoss as well as my two internships with Abbott were all valuable in providing me with mentorship from experienced engineers and giving me the opportunity to work on various projects that have expanded my skill set.
Most influential mentor
My most influential mentor has been Dr. Gloria Starns. As my ME 160 professor freshman year, she was willing to work with us through difficult problems and encouraged us to not give up even during tough points in the semester. Some classmates and I have met with her for coffee since the conclusion of that class to hear more of her insight, and she is eager to hear updates about our classes and careers.
Best memory/greatest accomplishment
My best memory at Iowa State would be forming some of my closest friendships. I’m fortunate to have friends who are not only eager to participate in fun activities but also dedicated to late-night study sessions, helping each other tackle difficult courses. Their support has kept me motivated and made challenging classes much more manageable.
Plans after graduation
I will be going to work at Abbott on their Electrophysiology Quality Team.
Support from Engineering Career Services
I was able to find my first internship through CyHire, and I was able to use their resume reviews to help strengthen myself as a candidate. My second internship I received as a result of the career fair, and that eventually turned into a full-time offer.
Iowa State’s entrepreneurship resources
I joined an Innovation Challenge Fund-winning team, SockzUp, and helped them develop an assistive device for those who cannot put their socks on. This program allowed me to develop my engineering skills in CAD modeling prototypes and 3D printing. It also gave me a better understanding of the business strategy for developing an innovative product. Our team was mentored by alum Dennis Muilenburg, and we were able to learn from him as he shared his business and engineering expertise. It also helped me to improve my technical communication as we presented on our progress at the IGNITE Innovation Showcase.
Making my mark on the world
I hope to improve the quality of individuals’ lives through work in the medical device industry to make products safer and more effective.
Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer
To me, it means being able to adapt and problem-solve in any set of circumstances. I know so many successful Cyclone Engineers with vastly different career paths, so I think it shows how versatile the skills gained through this curriculum are.
What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State
Being from Ames, attending Iowa State felt like the natural choice. However, many of the opportunities I’ve discovered along the way were ones I hadn’t anticipated when I first started college. I would advise my younger self to explore these opportunities and the diverse network they’ve introduced me to.
How I chose my major
I initially chose my major with a strong interest in the medical and health science applications of engineering, while also wanting to keep my career options open after graduation. As I progressed in my classes, I came to realize how well mechanical engineering complements both health-related fields and numerous other industries. This made it clear that the field was the ideal fit for me.
Most inspiring location on campus
One place on campus I feel particularly inspired as a Cyclone Engineer is the Student Innovation Center. My friends and I enjoy booking study rooms to use the whiteboards to work out difficult concepts. It’s also motivating to be in an environment of other students who are spending hours on projects or studying things they are passionate about.