Iowa State engineers, left to right, Connor Thorpe and Shan Jiang helped invent the "Flow Guiding Barrel," which improves gene gun performance for the genetic modification of plants. Jiang is holding a Flow Guiding Barrel. A gene gun is on the left.
Invention improves ‘gene gun,’ targets efficiency gains in plant research

Engineers and plant scientists worked together to improve a basic tool of plant research. Read More

Colin Livesay, a mechanical engineering student and technician in the Boyd Lab, leans in to make a cut using the lab's mill.
From learner to leader: Honing mechanical engineering skills through hands-on work in Boyd Lab

Colin Livesay's job in the Boyd Lab has provided “the enjoyment of working with your hands and seeing a project through.” Read More

Matt Frank
Matt Frank named C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. Therkildsen Department Chair of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Matthew C. Frank has been named the C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. Therkildsen Department Chair of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Iowa State University. Frank’s appointment begins July 1. Read More

Portraits of outstanding seniors surround a photograph of the Marston Water Tower reflected in the windows of the Student Innovation Center building. 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.
13 outstanding seniors reflect on their Cyclone Engineering experience

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

Christopher Martin portrait
Christopher Martin: Outstanding senior in materials engineering

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

Joseph Krejchi portrait
Joseph Krejchi: Outstanding senior in 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." Read More

Matthew Greer portrait
Matthew Greer: Outstanding senior in aerospace engineering

"They say to shoot for the stars — it’s an aerospace engineer’s job to get you there." Read More

Cynnava McAvoy portrait
Cynnava McAvoy: Outstanding senior in 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." Read More

Sarah Stewart portrait
Sarah Stewart: Outstanding senior in 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." Read More

Michael Britten portrait
Michael Britten: Outstanding senior in construction engineering

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

Allison Hubbell portrait
Allison Hubbell: Outstanding senior in 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." Read More

Nisha Raj portrait
Nisha Raj: Outstanding senior in software engineering

"Engineers at Iowa State are given countless opportunities to work together and think creatively to solve problems." Read More

Elena Knops portrait
Elena Knops: Outstanding senior in chemical engineering

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

Juliana Johnson portrait
Juliana Johnson: Outstanding senior in 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." Read More

Sam Burns portrait
Sam Burns: Outstanding senior in 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." Read More