Light reflects off of the Student Innovation Center, pictured from above, and a student walks by.

14 Outstanding Seniors: Ready To Make Their Mark

The Iowa State University College of Engineering is proud to present the fall 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.

Katie Meyer

College of Engineering Student Marshal | Mechanical Engineering

“As I go out into the world as an engineer, I’m hoping to use creativity and problem solving to bring joy to others and to develop meaningful solutions to real challenges. I believe the tools and mindset of an engineer can be a force for positive change, both in my profession and in my everyday life.”
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Josh Dwight

Cyber Security Engineering

“I am now confident to go out and learn whatever interests me since my time at Iowa State has given me a hunger for knowledge and the ability to satiate that hunger.”
Tasman Grinnell

Computer Engineering

“I hope to help organizations protect their customers’ information in the cybersecurity space, providing innovation and change throughout my career.”
Abby Schaefer

Materials Engineering

“Iowa State has given me the best people and experiences. During my time here I’ve grown both as a person and as an engineer in more ways than I could’ve hoped for. I’m grateful every day that I chose Iowa State.”

Ernest Mattson

Industrial Engineering

“At Iowa State, engineering is about learning by doing with purpose. I’ve seen how hands-on projects, close collaboration with companies, and student research turn ideas into tangible improvements that make a real difference. What stands out most to me is how much emphasis we place on solving problems that matter to people. From improving processes on the factory floor to making systems safer and more efficient in our communities, Cyclone Engineers don’t just design solutions; we build them to last and to serve.”
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Michael Heidt

Civil Engineering

“Iowa State provides you with so many different pathways you can take, and the people care about helping you find what path is right for you and your career. My goal is to help growing communities have buildings they can trust. I want to do meaningful design work where I can see how my work has helped the people in that community.”

Software Engineering

“Coming here as an international student was not easy, but it pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I found mentors who guided me, professors who pushed me to think bigger, and opportunities that helped me find direction. This place taught me resilience, independence, and how to build a life and career from the ground up.”

Keegan Kullberg

Environmental Engineering

“At Iowa State, there are so many ways you can get involved to become a better engineer, whether that be through research, clubs, or even studying abroad. They will all help make you a more well-rounded and experienced engineer.”
Samuel Lanz

Aerospace Engineering

“Iowa State gave me the confidence to take on challenges, the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships and co-ops, and the support of professors and classmates who pushed me to grow.”

Emma Ostrowski

Biological Systems Engineering

“I learned how to be an amazing engineer, made amazing friends and connections, and experienced things I never would have thought possible. I did two internships, a semester abroad, a service-learning trip to Uganda, and a project with an actual city before I even graduated.”
Anna Werner

Construction Engineering

“I want to be someone who helps people and improves quality of life. Whether that comes through managing the construction of a new elementary school, the renovation of a hospital in a rural town, or the construction of a new bridge or overpass on the interstate, I am excited for the day that I can drive through my town and point to a number of buildings that I had a hand in managing.”
Luke Post

Electrical Engineering

“My goal as an engineer is to utilize the skills I have gained at Iowa State and will continue to improve throughout my Ph.D. here to perform cutting edge research that will help the world thrive. I also hope to be able to inspire the next generation of kids to become engineers and researchers.”

Kaden Davison

Agricultural Engineering

“While Iowa State has a great engineering program, the connections made here with classmates and alumni are what set Iowa State apart from other schools.”

Chemical Engineering

“To be a Cyclone Engineer is to approach problems with an innovative mindset, uphold high standards for quality, and demonstrate integrity and respect for others.”

14 Outstanding Seniors: Ready To Make Their Mark

Katie Meyer

College of Engineering Student Marshal | Mechanical Engineering

Josh Dwight

Tasman Grinnell

Abby Schaefer

Ernest Mattson

Michael Heidt

Jashwanth Komanabelli

College of Engineering

96%

Keegan Kullberg

Samuel Lanz

Emma Ostrowski

Anna Werner

Luke Post

Kaden Davison

Sydney Williams

Snapshots of their Cyclone Engineering Adventures