13 outstanding seniors reflect on their Cyclone Engineering experience

Pictured from top left: Christopher Martin, Nisha Raj, Allison Hubbell, Elena Knops, Caitlin Agabin, Madalyn Moline, Cynnava McAvoy, Sam Burns, Juliana Johnson, Sarah Stewart, Matthew Greer, Joseph Krejchi, Michael Britten.

 

The Iowa State University College of Engineering is proud to present the spring 2025 outstanding seniors.

Outstanding seniors are selected each semester from among College of Engineering graduates, and one outstanding senior is named student marshal, representing the college at commencement.

In their time at Iowa State, these students met mentors and friends, participated in clubs and activities, gained hands-on engineering experience both in and out of the classroom, found inspirational spaces on campus, and dreamed about the mark they’ll make on the world as Cyclone Engineers.

Enjoy reflections from this semester’s honorees, and click the links to read more.

Caitlin Agabin, College of Engineering student marshal, environmental engineering

“I was involved in research as early as my sophomore year. I was able to understand how research questions are developed and how to go about building tools/researching information to help answer them.”

Madalyn Moline, agricultural engineering

“I aspire to be an engineer who helps improve the daily lives of farmers by increasing productivity and efficiency, ultimately contributing to putting more food on the table.”

Sam Burns, electrical engineering

“Being able to start a club with my friends and being able to achieve our goal of growing crops using hydroponics, as well as going on trips to visit different growers, make up my biggest accomplishments and best memories at Iowa State.”

Juliana Johnson, civil engineering

“I gained confidence in myself and my abilities to problem solve, overcome challenges, and share my ideas. I learned how to ask for help when I don’t understand something, and how to always be open to new opportunities. I also gained a strong support system of people who want me to succeed and are always willing to provide advice and encouragement.”

Elena Knops, chemical engineering

“To me, engineering ‘like a Cyclone Engineer’ means embracing every opportunity to grow, both technically and personally, through unique experiences.”

Nisha Raj, software engineering

“Engineers at Iowa State are given countless opportunities to work together and think creatively to solve problems.”

Allison Hubbell, industrial engineering

“When you think about college, it’s easy to focus on the obvious things — classes, dorms, sports teams. And while those are part of the experience, the real promise of Iowa State is something deeper: it’s the opportunities that help you grow into the person and professional you want to become.”

Michael Britten, construction engineering

“I’m a simple man, I like being to drive by a nice looking or impressive building and think, ‘I helped build that.’”

Sarah Stewart, mechanical engineering

“As an engineer, I want to use my passion for science and math to drive the innovations and advancements that will allow us to better explore, understand, and improve our world.”

Cynnava McAvoy, biological systems engineering

“Ecological engineering bridges the gap between humans and the environment, and I want to demonstrate just how powerful that connection can be.”

Matthew Greer, aerospace engineering

“They say to shoot for the stars — it’s an aerospace engineer’s job to get you there.”

Joseph Krejchi, cyber security engineering

“The best part of being a Cyclone Engineer is receiving all the opportunities that come from a large university while also having a small community feel within your major.”

Christopher Martin, materials engineering

“Some of the greatest problems facing humanity come down to material problems, and it is a rich and challenging field.”