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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April 7th, 2026

Future-proofing livestock vaccines by anticipating viruses’ next moves

Innovation at Work A Thriving Entrepreneurial Community The 2026 Innovation at Work series captures how the entrepreneurial spirit has spread […]

April 1st, 2026

Faculty-led startups grow at Iowa State University Research Park

[embedded content] Innovation at Work A Thriving Entrepreneurial Community The 2026 Innovation at Work series captures how the entrepreneurial spirit […]

March 10th, 2026

Alumnus Edward Maginn elected to the National Academy of Engineering

Iowa State University College of Engineering alumnus Edward Maginn (’87 chemical engineering) has been elected a member of the National […]

February 16th, 2026

Molly Kozminsky takes on prostate cancer lethality in Department of Defense-sponsored research

The fight against prostate cancer has a new strategy on its side being studied in Iowa State’s Department of Chemical […]

February 16th, 2026

‘A fantastic opportunity’: Chemical engineering student talks about the department’s Griswold internship

Chemical engineering junior Jaden Petersen is gaining hands-on lab experience thanks to the Griswold Undergraduate Research Internship. He’s part of […]

February 9th, 2026

Soy-based pavement technology replaces, renews 24 miles of rural Iowa roadways

[embedded content] Quick look Soy pavement technology developed by Iowa State engineers helped fix 24 miles of rural roads in […]

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 […]