Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Cyber-Physical Systems – Minor

Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa

Activities and Involvements:
Tau Beta Pi
Academic Success Tutor
George Washington Carver Scholar
Payload Team Lead for Cyclone Student Launch Initiative (NASA Student Launch Group)
Project Lead for JARVIF (manufacturing of flight control surfaces)

Internships, Co-ops, and Research:
Systems Engineering Co-Op at Collins Aerospace
Mechatronics Intern at Caterpillar
Robotics/Machine Learning Researcher at Self-Aware Complex Systems Lab
Flight Test Intern at Boeing

Why Engineering: I can’t imagine doing anything else. Engineering provides the rewarding feeling of solving a difficult and important problem. I get to be surrounded by brilliant professors and other students who constantly push me to be the best I can be. There is never a boring day in the lab or in the skies!

Favorite ISU Memory: Anytime that I get to work on something that flies or competes. Our innovative rover design from the Cyclone Student Launch Initiative received praise from a panel of NASA engineers, and the parts we designed as part of JARVIF supported senior design and graduate research groups involved in flight testing. Currently, I am working on a lighter-than-air craft to test an autopilot system – stay tuned to see how we do!

Something Unique About Me: I’m an avid traveler, both inside the US and out. Due to lockdowns traveling has been difficult lately, but after graduation it is my goal to have visited 30 countries before I turn 30. I’m at 10 so far, so I have plenty of catching up to do!

Words of Wisdom: Classes are only part of your learning experience at Iowa State. Just as important are the projects, internships, research, and other activities you participate in. Since you have more flexibility in choosing them (in contrast to the required curriculum), this is your opportunity to play in a sandbox and find your passion. Don’t settle for something you aren’t excited about – keep looking, and make best use of the wealth of resources available here at ISU!