Emma Miller: Outstanding senior in environmental engineering

Clubs and activities

I served as Water Professionals Student Chapter publicity co-chair, Chi Epsilon treasurer, and Environmental Engineering Learning Community peer mentor. 

Valuable hands-on learning in class

My sophomore year course, ENVE 2010 (Environmental Engineering Measurements and Analysis), was definitely one of the most impactful classes and learning experiences I have had at Iowa State. In this course, we simulated a hazardous spill into a body of water, then worked as a group to develop a testing and treatment plan over a few weeks. I loved this class because it was the first time that the basic engineering knowledge I had obtained started coming together, where I could really see its impact and application. 

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

My most valuable out-of-the-classroom learning experience was in my internship following my sophomore year as a consultant environmental engineering student. In this role, I saw the knowledge I had gained in school applied to real problems.  

I was also able to talk to everyday people, operators, and city employees, and hear about how these problems were affecting their daily lives. I learned that environmental engineering is a major facet of public health, and that doing my job properly allows people to go about their days without having to worry about the safety of their water and sanitation. I was able to see the stakes involved in these projects and develop a passion for this field that I have held onto throughout my school career. 

Most influential mentor

I attribute much of my success at Iowa State to the amazing civil, construction and environmental engineering department, especially to Dr. Kaoru Ikuma. Dr. Ikuma has been a part of my Iowa State experience since the very first semester, and she has been an incredible resource. She helped introduce me to environmental engineering in the learning community, then allowed me to become a peer mentor and help welcome new groups of students. She has always been available to help answer my questions, even if they aren’t in a class that she teaches. Dr. Ikuma has encouraged me to grow as a student and a person. 

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

My best memories are those that I have made with my friends, whether it was camping out for a basketball game at 6 a.m. in the freezing cold or spending hours in the computer lab. 

Plans after graduation

My plans after graduation are to attend Virginia Tech to get my master of science in environmental engineering. I believe that I still have room to learn and grow before entering the workforce full-time. This experience will help me to grow my engineering knowledge and gain another perspective on the field. 

A memorable moment of kindness

This year, I have really struggled with the decision of selecting a grad school and program, and Dr. Chris Rehmann (Cerwick Faculty Professorship) has been so kind as to help me through this. Throughout the year, he has allowed me to come to his office and brainstorm with him for hours in total. He has helped encourage me about my abilities and to try to represent myself confidently. His kindness has helped to motivate me throughout the year and the long process of graduate school applications. 

Persevering through challenging times

The summer after my freshman year, I was quite unsure about my chosen career path. The combination of abstract core knowledge that I couldn’t see the application of, and a discouraging first internship, was difficult to get through. However, the next year was full of more practical, applied classes that I loved and support from my peers and professors. The passion they felt for their work and the field helped me push through these doubts. I was able to connect and learn more about the environmental engineering profession and saw how my classes were going to come together to help solve people’s problems. 

Support from Engineering Career Services

Every year, the engineering career fair helped connect me to my future internships and build a network in the industry. This resource was invaluable to me in finding these internships and continuing my out-of-the-classroom learning. 

Your major in your own words

Environmental engineering involves the connection between humans and the environment and tries to maintain the health and well-being of both. Environmental engineers work with air, land, and water to fix natural and man-made issues. Public health and environmental justice are key pillars of this discipline, whether the project is a water treatment plant, hazardous waste remediation, or an air pollution control system. 

Making my mark on the world

It is my goal as a future environmental engineer to help people stay healthy and increase access to proper water and wastewater treatment systems. The lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation is among the most critical issues in the world, especially given the technology we have to help solve them. If I am doing my job correctly, fewer people will have to worry about the quality of the water they drink or swim in. I hope to impact people and their communities in a positive, long-lasting way through my engineering career. 

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

The best part about being an Iowa State engineer is the community that you become a part of. There is a connection and a respect between Iowa State engineers that comes from a love of the school and the program. Even when meeting college alumni, I have been met with such support and encouragement that I feel is special to Iowa State. The Cyclone Engineering experience comes with the resources of a large school, but the community and support of a much smaller one. 

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

In choosing Iowa State, I gained so many friends, mentors, and connections that I will take into the rest of my life. I believe that I have gained a group of people who will be there to guide and support me going forward. 

Most inspiring location on campus

I feel very inspired in the Town Engineering Building computer lab. At this point, I have spent more than 100 hours in the lab working on my capstone project, both individually and with my team. It feels like a small community when everyone is in there, typing away at their monitors, and it’s motivating to see everyone working so hard.