MajorPaiton Pumroy: Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Activities and Involvements
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Regional Membership Chair, President (Chair), Pre-College Initiative Chair

ISU on the Mediterranean: Summer in Valencia, Spain
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority – Wellness Specialist
Multicultural Vision Program – Peer Mentor
IMSE Department – Industrial Engineering Ambassador
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)

Internships, Co-ops, and Research
Undergraduate Research: Perspiring Thermal Replica for Comfort Evaluation (IMSE, 2021)
Impact of Internal Environment on Driving in American Automobiles​ (IMSE, 2023)
Internships: Industrial Engineering Co-op (Collins Aerospace, 2022)
Technical Supply Chain Intern (HP, 2024)

Why Engineering: I always knew I wanted to go into engineering, but I didn’t know what field I would end up in. On a college visit, I fell in love with Industrial Engineering, where I felt I could help people by improving processes. The department at Iowa State has opened my eyes to all of the opportunities available with my degree, whether I choose something like supply chain, go into human factors, or find myself doing operations research. The problem-solving skills you learn in engineering prepare you for all of life’s challenges.

Favorite ISU Memory: One of my favorite memories was storming the field after upsetting OK State at one of our football games. We got to listen to the band on the field and high-five some of the players before they went back to the locker room. 

Something Unique About Me: I have been to over 35 states and lived in Spain for a summer. I enjoy traveling and find experiencing different cultures fascinating and eye-opening. Anytime you have the chance to travel to somewhere you haven’t been before, take it!

Words of Wisdom: Make meaningful connections with your professors, peers, and advisors. Everyone has such unique experiences, and you can learn a lot by having conversations with them. You also never know who will be on your team or your manager in the future. Go for the idea, position, or project that seems crazy. Some of the best memories I have come from the times I decided to try something new.