Aaron Schlueter: Outstanding senior in agricultural engineering

Clubs and activities

Alpha Epsilon Honor Society, FarmHouse Fraternity 

Valuable hands-on learning in class

Within my major, the opportunities to gain hands-on experience of the concepts learned in class are everywhere. To me the most valuable were the final projects in ABE 4040 (Instrumentation for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering) and ABE 4130 (Fluid Power Engineering). These two projects closely mirrored real-world problems that required us to work through engineering processes and apply principles from our entire collegiate career to complete. This experience helped me to better determine what I wanted to do when I graduated. 

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

For me the internship that I had prior to my senior year was the most valuable to me. I was given the opportunity to work in a position that had the responsibilities of both a test engineer and electrical design engineer. The combination of these responsibilities helped me to gain a solid base of knowledge in both the procedure of electrical testing along with the design considerations of electrical systems. 

Most influential mentor

The most influential mentor to me while at school has been Dane Hansen. Dane was a year older than me in FarmHouse and always exemplified what academic success and outstanding character should look like. As a freshman he helped me to find balance between the challenge of adapting to my collegiate course load while also building friendships that have lasted through my entire college career. 

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

My greatest accomplishment is definitely the professional connections that I have made during my four years. My best memories of Iowa State are spending time with all of my friends at football tailgates and in the line for basketball games. 

Plans after graduation

After graduation I will be working for Vermeer as an electrical engineer in a rotational program for the first couple years. 

Persevering through challenging times

I have known that engineering was the path I wanted to follow for as long as I have been at Iowa State. However, there was a period of time when I questioned whether the specific degree path I had chosen was the right fit for me. After carefully considering what I might gain by switching majors, as well as the benefits of continuing on my current path, I ultimately decided to stay. The connections I mentioned earlier played a significant role in that decision, and in the end, it proved to be one of the best choices I made during my college experience. 

Making my mark on the world

As an engineer I hope to help agriculture move towards a more efficient future as there are more people to feed and less people to work the land. 

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

To me the most unique thing about being a Cyclone Engineer is the access to career-building experiences through classes and the career fair. This is not something that is as easily accessed or available at many other major universities. 

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

I would tell a younger me that Iowa State was one of the best decisions that I have made. I have made some of the best friends and connections possible at this university, and I would choose it every time. I have also gained a career that I believe I will spend many years at and is closely aligned with what I have always wanted to do.  

Most inspiring location on campus

Sukup Atrium is the place on campus that inspired me to be a Cyclone Engineer. From that atrium you can see the rest of the university, the faculty that is there to support you along the way, and the classrooms that we get to spend our time in.