The Leadership Team of Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow is comprised of dedicated students and advisors from the three core clubs. It is broken down into four committees. Each committee is responsible for a part of the conference. Further detail is given below, along with who leads each committee and their contact information.
Corporate Relations
Corporate Relations recruits only the finest companies to sponsor this conference. Each company sponsoring is not only getting great publicity for its brand but is making an investment in Iowa State engineering students. Take a look at the Corporate Relations Directors and their background below.
Gabe Folkedahl
Gabe is currently in his junior year at Iowa State University, pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE).
Inspired by his experiences at last year’s Engineering Leadership Program (ELT) conference, Gabe decided to join ELT again this year, eager to explore leadership opportunities within the engineering community. Alongside his academic endeavors, Gabe is a member of the Formula SAE aero team at Iowa State, where he honed his engineering skills and fostered innovation through hands-on experience.
His passion for NDE extends beyond the classroom, as he sees it as a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and reliability of aerospace structures. With aspirations to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering, Gabe is committed to leveraging his knowledge and experiences to contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology and exploration. Gabe’s eagerness to learn and his strong passion for leadership will surely prove integral to the planning team.
Andrew Jesus
Andrew Jesus is a driven and multi-talented individual who is currently a junior studying Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He has proven to be an asset to his conference planning team as the Corporate Relations Executive, with his strong communication skills and passion for bringing companies together.
When Andrew is not busy with conference planning, he enjoys various activities that reflect his love for the outdoors and innovation. He is an avid pilot and takes to the skies whenever he can, whether for leisure or to sharpen his skills as an aerospace engineer. Additionally, Andrew is an accomplished snowboarder and wake surfer, and he loves to capture the beauty of his adventures through photography.
In addition to his recreational pursuits, Andrew is a dedicated coach for a robotics team, guiding young minds toward discovering their passion for technology. He is also the Director of a non-profit organization, where he works tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged children in his community.
Andrew’s desire to make a positive impact on the world is what drew him to the conference planning team. He is excited about the opportunity to create an excellent event that will bring people together and support meaningful causes. Andrew’s passion for innovation, coupled with his strong communication and leadership skills, makes him a valuable member of the team.
Logistics
The Logistics Committee has been coordinating with all of the other committees, joining all of the ideas and making the Leadership Team act as one cohesive unit. They have also been coordinating with the Conference Planning and Management to provide the best meals and venue in Ames.
Tia Blansett
Tia Blansett is a distinguished new member of the ELT leadership team. Her multifaceted educational journey encompasses graduate studies in Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and an MBA, reflecting a broad interest in technology, management, and user experience.
Tia’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through her active involvement in various student organizations, including the Student Veterans Association (SVA), Finance Club, Graduate Society of Women Engineers (Grad SWE), IEEE Eta Kappa Nu, Habitat for Humanity, and the Real Estate Development Club. Her leadership and participation in these groups showcase her dedication to fostering community, promoting diversity in STEM fields, and contributing to meaningful causes.
Before returning to academia, Tia spent over a decade in the defense industry as a cyber security manager, where she developed a deep expertise in safeguarding information systems against emerging threats. Her professional background, combined with her academic pursuits, positions her uniquely to contribute valuable insights and leadership in the context of the engineering conference.
Harrison Dahm
Harrison Dahm is a vibrant sophomore immersed in the dynamic realm of industrial engineering at his university. Beyond the classroom, Harrison finds solace in the great outdoors. An avid sports enthusiast, he thrives on the camaraderie and adrenaline of competitive play, often gathering with friends for exhilarating matches.
Driven by a passion for human connection and community engagement, Harrison is an active member of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). Recognizing the profound impact of networking and mentorship in the engineering field, Harrison eagerly sought to amplify these opportunities for his peers. Thus, he embraced a pivotal role within the logistics team of the Engineering Conference Leadership, channeling his energy and expertise to orchestrate seamless experiences that foster meaningful connections.
With an unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between aspiring engineers and seasoned professionals, Harrison exudes enthusiasm in every aspect of his involvement. Whether coordinating event logistics or facilitating interactive sessions, he remains dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment where knowledge thrives and friendships flourish. Through his dedication and vision, Harrison embodies the spirit of community-driven innovation, propelling the engineering landscape forward one connection at a time.
Vikram Timsina
Vikram Timsina is a talented and ambitious sophomore pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for leadership, Vikram was thrilled to join the planning team as a Logistics Executive.
Outside of his involvement in conference planning, Vikram is a highly active member of his university’s community. He serves as the Cabinet Representative for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and is a member of the Sales Engineering Club. Additionally, he is a member of the SALC First Year Leadership Committee, where he helps mentor and guide incoming freshmen navigating university life.
Vikram’s dedication to leadership and community involvement extends beyond his involvement with student organizations. He has been selected as a Resident Assistant for the BWR Dorms in Fall 2023, where he will mentor and guide his fellow students. He is also the President of Birch Dana Hall, where he has demonstrated his ability to effectively manage and organize large-scale events.
With a strong passion for engineering and a natural talent for leadership, Vikram was drawn to the planning team due to his experiences attending the conference in the Fall of 2022. He was impressed by the level of organization and the dedication of the planning team, and he is excited to contribute his skills and expertise to make the 2024 conference even better.
Marketing
If you are a student and have heard about us, then you probably interacted with the Marketing Committee. They are in charge of getting the word out about the conference and communicating its many benefits to ISU students.
Tavian Harrington
Tavian Harrington is a driven and ambitious student in his fourth year studying Mechanical Engineering. He strongly desires to develop his leadership skills and become more involved in engineering organizations.
Outside of his involvement in conference planning, Tavian has demonstrated his commitment to leadership and community involvement through his activities on campus. He is a former executive member of Triangle Fraternity, where he honed his leadership skills and helped organize various events and initiatives. Additionally, he serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Statics course, where he has demonstrated his ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
When he’s not studying or working with student organizations, Tavian enjoys staying active by rock climbing and longboarding. He has a passion for the outdoors and loves challenging himself physically and mentally.
Tavian’s drive and ambition are what drew him to the conference planning team. He is excited about the opportunity to contribute his skills and expertise to the success of the event. He is particularly interested in the planning team’s leadership development opportunities and is eager to collaborate with his fellow executives to create an unforgettable conference experience.
Christopher Ling
Christopher is a dynamic force within the engineering sphere, specializing in mechanical engineering at his university. Beyond the intricacies of his field, Christopher is a fervent explorer of the human psyche and spirituality, delving into the realms of psychology and religion during his moments of respite. For fun, he creates intricate machines in Minecraft and goes bouldering at Lied Recreation Center.
Christopher’s passion for engineering extends beyond academia, as evidenced by his active involvement in various extracurricular pursuits. He is involved with Emerging Leaders in Engineering member and Cardinal Space Mining, where he collaborates with like-minded individuals.
Driven by a profound sense of community and faith, Christopher is also a part of several Christian groups like Alpha Omega and Salt, where he finds solace and camaraderie in shared beliefs and values.
In his role within the Marketing team, Christopher seamlessly blends his passion for engineering with his creative flair and marketing acumen. Leveraging his diverse skill set, he endeavors to amplify the conference’s reach and impact, captivating audiences with compelling narratives and innovative strategies.
Nicholas Von Briesen
Nicholas is a budding mechanical engineer and a freshman within the engineering community at Iowa State university. Beyond his academic pursuits, Nicholas enjoys spending his free time on the water, where he jumps, Tricks, and Slaloms for the Iowa State Waterski enthusiast club.
As a member of the Waterski Team, Nicholas finds thrill and excitement in the rush of adrenaline that accompanies gliding across the water’s surface. In addition to waterskiing, Nicholas enjoys playing hockey, regularly visiting the Ames ice arena with his friends to relax and skate.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Nicholas is deeply committed to his academic and professional development. As a member of ELE, he seeks to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to become a future leader in the field of engineering. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for problem-solving, Nicholas approaches each new challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
In his role as a freshman leader on the Marketing team of the Engineering Conference Leadership, Nicholas brings his unique blend of creativity and analytical thinking to the table.
Programming
Programming has put together an exciting lineup of conference sessions and key speakers. The individuals leading the sessions are comprised of distinguished faculty, strong student leaders, and company professionals. You will walk away from each session, bringing with you a new idea or way of thinking that will change your world. If you haven’t already, check out the conference schedule under the “Conference Schedule” and “Sessions” tabs.
Ritvik Karthik
My name is Ritvik Karthik and I am a second year Industrial Engineering student. I am part of the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow conference planning team’s programming team.
I am also part of the cabinet on the Iowa State chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, where I will help plan their conference for 2026. I am also a member of Students for Open Discussion. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, biking, and general outdoor activities as well as participating in intramural sports. I also enjoy following sports and attending Iowa State football games.
I am excited to be part of planning this year’s ELT conference and helping it be the best it can be.
Micha Scheaffer
Micah is a dynamic force within the programming team. As a sophomore mechanical engineering student, Micah brings a wealth of technical expertise and a passion for innovation to the table.
Beyond the confines of academia, Micah is a trailblazer in the realm of robotics, serving as the Vice President of the VEX U Cyber Robotics Club. Here, he leads a team of like-minded individuals in pushing the boundaries of technology and automation, harnessing the power of robotics to solve real-world challenges with ingenuity and precision.
He is also an avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast. As a member of the Mountaineering and Climbing Club.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for innovation, Micah embodies the spirit of leadership and collaboration, inspiring those around him to reach new heights and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of engineering.
Advisors
The club advisors have been an integral piece of the Leadership team. They have provided insightful guidance in planning this conference. They are all distinguished professionals in their field at Iowa State. Read more about each Iowa State Faculty member below.
Holly Dunlay-Lott
Holly Dunlay-Lott is an academic advisor/student services specialist in Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to this role, Holly served as the Associate Classification Officer and Honors Liaison in The College of Engineering at Iowa State University. In addition, she co-advises Emerging Leaders in Engineering, the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow conference, and co-leads a group of students to Australia every three years as part of a study abroad program. Prior to working at ISU, Holly worked at DMACC and in finance. Holly earned her B.S. in Finance and International Business as well as her M.Ed. in Higher Education from Iowa State University. Holly is originally from Waterloo but now calls Ames home. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending musicals and plays, and cheering on ISU athletics.
