List
Mya O'Connell

Hometown 

Manly, Iowa 

Clubs and activities 

I work as a Resident Assistant and as a Peer Mentor. In the past, I have also worked as a tutor. I have studied abroad twice, and I have been involved in Freshmen Leaders in Engineering. I am currently involved in the Society of Women Engineers and Tau Beta Pi. 

Valuable hands-on learning  

My study abroad experiences were the most valuable. I got to experience diverse cultures and since my lab courses were completed abroad, I got practical experience with the engineering theories I had been studying while abroad. 

My internships and co-op were also valuable hands-on learning experiences. They taught me what I did and did not want out of my career and helped me get my post-graduation job. 

Most influential mentor 

One of the Ch E academic advisors, Matt Brown. Matt had always encouraged me to have as many experiences as possible, whether that be helping with the study abroad process or suggesting classes I may want to take. 

Greatest accomplishment at Iowa State 

I would consider my tutor groups to be my greatest accomplishment. I loved being able to help fellow students better understand the material in their classes. 

Plans after graduation 

I will be moving to Cedar Rapids to work for FM Global. 

Making my mark on the world 

I’m hoping to leave the world a safer place. 

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer 

I think the best thing about the Iowa State engineering experience is the relationships I’ve built with my peers. Being an Iowa State engineer is a team effort, and my classmates were essential in navigating the coursework and offered perspectives that will always stay with me. 

  Posts

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December 5th, 2025

Sydney Williams: Outstanding senior in chemical engineering

Clubs and activities I have been most involved with the Salt Company, where I served as a connection group leader […]

September 23rd, 2025

Outstanding Cyclone Engineers honored with 2025 college alumni awards

Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon – Marston Medal Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon (MS Ceramics Engineering, ‘72; PhD Materials Science and Engineering, ‘77) is […]

September 11th, 2025

2025 Cyclone Engineering honors: Celebrating named faculty, new patents, award winners

The College of Engineering congratulates these members of the Cyclone Engineering community for much-deserved accomplishments. Named faculty In-Ho Cho, Associate […]

September 11th, 2025

Remembering Richard C. Seagrave’s legacy in chemical engineering education, university leadership

Chemical engineering faculty member. Department chair. Distinguished professor. Emeritus professor. Interim provost. Interim president. Richard C. Seagrave served Iowa State […]

August 26th, 2025

CBE research opportunities benefit both grad students and undergrads

Letter from the Chair Dear Alumni and Friends,  Greetings to you all! Many exciting things are happening in the Iowa […]

August 26th, 2025

A grad school experience designed for a career with national impact

Letter from the Chair Dear Alumni and Friends,  Greetings to you all! Many exciting things are happening in the Iowa […]

May 12th, 2025

Elena Knops: Outstanding senior in chemical engineering

Clubs and activities American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Chemical Engineering Peer Mentor, The GREEN Program, Society of Women Engineers, Tau […]

May 6th, 2025

Chemical engineer Katie Quinn: Creating community through mentorship and music

Katie Quinn, a senior in chemical engineering and a guitar player in her band, got involved in the Department of […]

April 24th, 2025

NSF CAREER Award for Roling’s nitrate pollution research

Assistant Professor and Jack R. and Carol A. Johnson Faculty Fellow in Chemical and Biological Engineering Luke Roling has received […]

February 27th, 2025

Nigel Reuel leads College of Engineering graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and faculty entrepreneurial program

Nigel Reuel has been named professor in charge of deep technology venture creation for the College of Engineering with a […]