Clubs and activities
I was involved in the Cyclone Varsity Marching Band during my freshman and sophomore years.
Valuable hands-on learning in class
Any hands-on activities completed in class where I was able to operate small-scale chemical engineering technology provided the most value for me. Being able to see the direct application of process controls, or in our laboratory classes, with reaction and separation technology, developed my understanding of the concepts and demonstrated how to apply the concepts to non-ideal systems.
Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience
Internships and co-ops are the most valuable learning, as they help build skills and apply concepts outside of the classroom. I specifically remember coming back from an internship and learning about the concepts behind something I had worked on directly during my internship. I was able to quickly understand the concepts to a deeper level due to my real-life experience.
Most influential mentor
While I have good relationships with many professors as I moved through my coursework at Iowa State, I was most influenced during my research work with Dr. Laura Jarboe. Her guidance as my professor for my first ChE class and throughout my work with her research group helped me determine the best career path for me.
Best memory/greatest accomplishment
My best memory at Iowa State is the friendships I have built with those within my major, and being able to watch everyone develop into engineers and start planning their career.
Plans after graduation
After graduation, I am beginning my career as an Associate Engineer at LyondellBasell.
Support from Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services helped me sort through the companies at the Career Fair while searching for co-op and internship opportunities.
Making my mark on the world
As an engineer, I hope to contribute to the world by making the health, safety, and environmental issues of my role as the most important.
Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer
Iowa State has cultivated an environment where innovation and exploration are encouraged, whether through research, clubs, or internships. This leads many of the engineers to graduate with the mindset of “why doesn’t this work” and “how can we improve this.”
What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State
Iowa State has the perfect balance between being a large enough school to have amazing professors and opportunities, while still feeling small enough that you get one-on-one connections with mentors and professors.
Most inspiring location on campus
I particularly love the fourth floor of the Student Innovation Center. The view from the window provides me with a calm, comfortable space to fully focus on my work, and that is where I feel most inspired.