Transfer student, lunar rover designer, mechanical engineer: ‘Iowa State enables students to thrive’
Author: Cyclone Engineering
Nico Nevarez, a senior in mechanical engineering, transferred from his Chicago-area community college. A friend from the robotics club there had encouraged him to visit Iowa State — the start of his Cyclone Engineering story.
Affordability, hands-on approach, clubs caught his eye
“Iowa State stood out to me for a few reasons, the first being the price. Even as an out-of-state student, Iowa State is still more affordable than some in-state engineering programs. The mechanical engineering department also stood out to me because of the hands-on approach. Whether it’s Sophomore Design, Manufacturing Lab, Senior Design, or a tech elective, every student gets hands-on experience in the classroom. And finally, outside the classroom there are dozens of clubs including the Cosmic Space Mining Club, which has given me the opportunity to become a leader and help design their next lunar rover.”
In adapting to a challenge, it all clicked
“One of the biggest reasons I was excited to come to Iowa State was to join the Cosmic Space Mining Club. But in the first few weeks of the season, the team found themselves unable to compete in the 2025 competition. Instead of giving up, the team decided to host our own competition right here on campus, open any other schools that could not compete in the normal competition. That’s when I knew I made the right decision, because the students here don’t give up and Iowa State enables them to thrive.”
An act of kindness affirms choice to become a Cyclone
“During my first week on campus, a friend and I took the bus to Walmart at night and got totally lost trying to get back. A driver noticed us waiting at a stop and told us the last bus had already left. Instead of leaving us stranded, he offered to take us home even though he was off the clock. That act of kindness saved us a long walk home and made us feel welcomed on campus. It showed us how kind and supportive Iowa State really is.”
Nico’s advice for other transfer students? ‘Find your people.’
“Get involved and find your people. For me it was Cosmic Space Mining, but for you it may be Baja Club or an intramural sport. Joining a club has allowed me to do something I enjoy, take up leadership positions, and make friends in a new place.”