Scholar Profiles
Ugerah AbaluElectrical and Computer EngineeringUgerah is specializing in electrical engineering. He serves as a Supplemental Instruction Leader at the Iowa State University Academic Success Center working with students enrolled in Chemistry 167. He was on the Iowa State University Dean’s List both the fall 2015 semester and the spring 2016 semester. He is Public Relations Officer for the African Students Association and serves as a Cyclone Cinema volunteer and Cultural Ambassador with the International Students Council. He is also active in the National Society of Black Engineers and the Sales Engineering Club. |
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Martin AsamaChemical and Biological EngineeringMartin is from Jacksonville, Illinois. Within Chemical Engineering, he is interested in research and development in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry. He is currently working on a research project testing foaming agents for drug delivery for inflammatory bowel disease. He is also actively involved in the student activities of the Chemical Engineering Department. He is serving as treasurer for the student chapter of AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers). He also chairs the fundraising committee to support the club’s professional development, networking, outreach, and social events. |
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Kia BirnbaumChemical and Biological EngineeringKia is from Plymouth, Minnesota. She majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. Following graduation she plans to continue her education and pursue a graduate degree. Following he university studies, she would like to work in the health care industry designing and improving the medical equipment that physicians and surgeons use to detect or treat various diseases or disabilities. She plans to serve as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for General Chemistry I (CHEM 177) fall semester 2016. During fall semester, she will also be treasurer of Iowa State’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers a member of the Women in Science and Engineering 2nd year learning community, the University Honors Program, and Cantamus Women’s choir. She intends to bring integrity and honor to the engineering profession in everything she does and hopes to become a full Tau Beta Pi member when she becomes eligible as a junior. |
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Connor BornAerospace EngineeringConnor is from Minnetrista, Minnesota. He chose to attend Iowa State University because he liked the campus, engineering programs, and close-knit feel of the community. He chose to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering because from an early age he was fascinated by the concept of space travel and exploration. He is active in the university’s space oriented organizations including the Iowa State Space Society and Cysat, a cubesat organization. He is a member of the honors program and is the current Vice President of the Honors Student Board. During the 2016 summer semester he plans to work with a professor in the aerospace department doing research. His goal after graduation is to be part of a project that changes some major aspect of the human condition by expanding the understanding of the universe. |
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Taylor DavisAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringTaylor grew up on a farm near Mc Lean, Illinois. She chose to come to Iowa State University because of its highly regarded engineering programs and a desire to work in the agricultural industry after graduation. Since coming to Iowa State she have been a member of the Engineers Week Community Involvement Committee, and numerous clubs on campus. She was on the Iowa State University Dean’s List spring 2016 semester and plans to become a full Tau Beta Pi member when she becomes eligible. |
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Skye EricksonMaterials Science and EngineeringSkye is from Rochester, Minnesota. She is majoring in materials engineering and is interested in applying her degree towards sustainability or biomaterials. This past summer Skye had an internship in a polymer synthesis lab at Mayo Clinic. Her research focused on optimizing the materials used in creating biocompatible bone scaffolds. Throughout high school, Skye was a varsity athlete in both soccer and figure skating. She adores animals and volunteered at her local humane society for 13 years. At Iowa State, Skye is part of Women in Science and Engineering, the University Honors Program, and Emerging Leaders in Engineering. The members of Emerging Leaders in Engineering have elected Skye to serve as the club’s publicity chair for this coming academic year. She is excited for the opportunity to help the club grow, connect with new members, and refine her leadership skills. Hoping to incorporate her love of adventure and nature during her time at college, she has applied to work for the Outdoor Recreation Program. She also participates in intramurals and aspires to win one of the coveted intramural champion t-shirt before graduating. Once eligible, Skye hopes to become a full Tau Beta Pi member. |
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Brian FlemingIndustrial and Manufacturing Systems EngineeringBrian is from San Diego, California. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of the outstanding reputation of the College of Engineering and Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department and their success in preparing students to obtain employment right out of college. He is employed in an internship during summer 2016. Following graduation, he is considering pursuing advanced studies leading to a PhD in Industrial Engineering. Having grow up in San Diego and spent a lot of time at the beach or hiking in the mountains, he plans to move back to the San Diego area once he completes his education. |
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Adam HannanCivil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringAdam is from Rochester, Minnesota. Within Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering he has chosen to specialize in Construction Engineering. As a youth he enjoyed building things and chose to attend Iowa State University because of the reputation of the Construction Engineering program. He is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity and participates in several Intramural Sports. |
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Christine HicaroElectrical and Computer EngineeringChristine was born and raised in La Grange, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She chose to attend Iowa State University because she knew of its excellent engineering programs and as the result of being selected as a George Washington Carver Scholar. Growing up she had her mind set on pursuing a degree in STEM, but did not have a specific type of engineering I wanted to study. She initially enrolled as an Undeclared Engineering student, but following participation in Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute during the summer of 2015, she decided to major in Software Engineering. She was on the Iowa State University Dean’s List both the fall 2015 semester and the spring 2016 semester. She is very active in student organizations holding leadership positions including: Freshman Representative and Webmaster of the Society of Women Engineers, Outreach Chair of the Web Development Club, and Vice President of her residence, O’Bryan House in Friley Hall. She also has the distinction of being selected as a Grace Hopper Chair of Digital Women. During summer 2016 she plans to work as an Engineering Practicum Intern at Google. |
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Ryushda JumaliMechanical EngineeringRyushda is from Singapore. She chose to attend Iowa State University because of the strong engineering programs, backed by its ABET accreditation. She decided to major in Mechanical Engineering because it is broad enough she could specialize in almost any field she wanted. She notes that studying Mechanical Engineering has given her the opportunity to meet many people from different backgrounds for which she is grateful. She was on the Iowa State University Dean’s List both the fall 2015 semester and the spring 2016 semester. In addition to focusing on her academic studies, she is also a member of Iowa State’s Women’s Lacrosse Team, which recently qualified for Nationals. |
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Ashley KruseAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringAshley is from Andover, Iowa. Throughout her high school career she was active in FFA, 4-H, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Band, Choir, National Honor Society, and many other activities. She was the Valedictorian of her graduation class. Having visited Iowa State University, she knew it was where she wanted to attend college with the beautiful campus, state of the art classrooms, and an accredited program. Her major is Agricultural Engineering with particular emphasis on the Power and Machinery option. She is actively involved in the student chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers serving as the Agriculture Council Representative. After graduation she hopes to get a job with an agriculture related company where she can use the knowledge she has gained. |
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Daniel LimanowskiElectrical and Computer EngineeringDaniel is from Burr Ridge, Illinois, a suburb just outside Chicago. He attended high school at the Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois. He chose Iowa State University because of his interest in computers and cyber security, for which Iowa State is nationally known, especially through their NSA-rating as being a School of Excellence in Cyber Security. He is majoring in Computer Engineering and minoring in the new Cyber Security program. He is active his residence and student organizations. He is the Facilities Manager for Ayres House in Welch Hall where he led creation of an eight by nine foot mural for the hall and the design of a new outdoor floor sign as well as organizing multiple cookouts and other events. He is also an active member and Social Chair in the Information Assurance Student Group. He has served as team captain in three of the groups Cyber Defense Competitions, with his team winning first place at the Spring 2016 competition. He also volunteered as help staff during the National Cyber Defense Competition. During the summer 2016 he will be on an internship at Caterpillar’s Headquarters in Peoria, Illinois, working with their Global Enterprise Cyber Security team in governance and compliance. |
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Andrea McEachranAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringAndrea is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In high school she took an environmental science course after which she decided she wanted to get an education in an area related to STEM. She chose to attend Iowa State University when she found that Iowa State was one of the few universities with a Biological Systems Engineering program. Within Biosystems Engineering, her area of specialization is Bioenvironmental Engineering. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to find a job that will make a positive difference in her community and help encourage sustainability. |
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Erin MeyersIndustrial and Manufacturing Systems EngineeringErin is from Lakeville, Minnesota, a suburb south of the twin cities. When she graduated from high school, she knew she wanted to attend Iowa State University not only for its prestigious engineering programs but for the atmosphere and on-campus organizations it had to offer. She originally enrolled as an Undeclared Engineer, but with the guidance and advice of her advisors and professors she decided to major in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Her area of specialization is Industrial Engineering and she plans to also earn a Certificate in Leadership. She plans to study for an MBA through the 5-year concurrent program offered at Iowa State and hopes by doing so to pursue her passion for leadership and have the opportunity to eventually get a management position in the engineering field. In addition to academics, she has immersed herself in leadership opportunities and membership in student organizations. She is an active member of The Engineering Ambassador and Mentor Program (TEAM) as well as The Society for Women Engineers (SWE). She participates in a Christian youth group called Younglife and when she can, joins the run club for daily runs. She is the Philanthropy Chair for her residence, Campbell House in Martin Hall. She is also secretary for a new student group she helping to form called Be Confident, which has the purpose to raise awareness regarding positive self-efficacy, self-confidence, and empower others to increase their own self-acceptance. |
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Zachary NaatzChemical and Biological EngineeringZachary is from Kansas City, Missouri. He chose to attend Iowa State University because he knew it would be a challenging and rewarding experience both academically and personally. He is studying Chemical Engineering. He is a member of Emerging Leaders in Engineering, which has given him experience in event planning and community outreach, and helped him develop both as a student and a leader. He is also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and will serve as Vice President beginning fall 2016. He notes Lambda Chi has given him many opportunities to grow as a person, and introduced him to people that he anticipates will be lifelong friends. |
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Kathryn NeilsonMaterials Science and EngineeringKathryn is from Morton, Illinois. Within Materials Science and Engineering she is specializing in metals and plans to graduate with minors in Physics and Non-Destructive Evaluation. She is employed in the Ames Laboratory as a Student Associate in the Division of Materials Science & Engineering. She is in the Honors Program and serves as a first-year honors program leader. She is the Secretary of the Society of Women Engineers, President of Friley Hall within the Inter-Residence Hall Association, and serves as a peer mentor in the Women in Science and Engineering Second-Year Learning Community. She is also active in the Material Advantage student organization. Through participation in the scholars’ program, she hopes to meet students and others from throughout the College of Engineering and intends to become a full member of Tau Beta Pi when she qualifies as a junior or senior. She plans to attend graduate school following graduation. |
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Corser PaineMechanical EngineeringCorser is from Urbandale, Iowa. In high school he excelled in math and science, which led him to want to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of its reputation as having great engineering programs. Following graduation he hopes to pursue a career through which he help people around the world. |
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Pedro Paiva de LimaCivil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringPedro is from Brazil and chose to attend Iowa State University because of its outstanding engineering programs and lower cost compared to other universities in the United States. His major is Civil Engineering and following graduation he hopes to work on projects that will significantly increase the efficiency of structures and cities. He was on the Iowa State University Dean’s List both the fall 2015 semester and the spring 2016 semester. He is active in several student groups. Through the student organization iResearch, which promotes professional networking and career awareness and facilitates relationships between undergraduate students and engineering faculty, met a professor undertaking research in transportation and was offered and accepted an undergraduate research position working with the professor in the Institute of Transportation. He is a member of the campus chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and plans to participate in their project to construct a concrete canoe for national competition. He is also a member of the Society of Hispanic and Latino Engineers (SHPE) serving as their fundraising committee chair. He also organized a soccer tournament for the club during the 2016 spring semester. |
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Alexis PintIndustrial and Manufacturing Systems EngineeringAlexis is from Hudson, Iowa. She has set as a goal to continue to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering while taking advantage of the concurrent program offered through the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering department and also earn her MBA. She is involved with many programs on campus. She is the Bulletin Board Chair for her residence, Forbes House in Maple Hall, while also taking part in the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) learning community. She actively participates in intramural sports, volunteers at the Green Hills Care Center, and served as an ambassador at the College of Engineering career fair. |
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Kenneth PrellElectrical and Computer EngineeringKenneth is from Ames, Iowa, but spent much of his childhood in various locations in the United States including Ithaca, New York and San Diego and Palo Alto, California. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of its reputation as one of the best engineering schools in the nation and the many extra curricular activities it offers. He is a member of ISU’s Honor Program. He is majoring in Electrical Engineering and Physics with a minor in German. He is pursuing a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Physics as he plans to study for advanced degrees in Nuclear Engineering following graduation. He wants to get a minor in German because his parents are both German immigrants, and German was his first language. He is active in a number of student organizations. He is skilled in Judo and participated in the 2016 National Collegiate Judo Tournament at San Jose State University in California. He is a member of the Cyclone Martial Arts Club and was recently elected to serve as Treasurer for the 2016- 2017 school year. He is also a member of the Iowa State Quiz Bowl team and a specialist on trivia questions related to math and science. He is also a member of Engineers without Borders, and during the 2016 Spring semester worked on the financial and executive committee of a reservoir design task force for a project to develop irrigation in Ullo, Ghana. After receiving his doctorate degree he hopes to work on developing new methods of nuclear power and would consider working in Germany or as a liaison to companies operating in Germany. |
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Luke PulferMechanical EngineeringLuke grew up on a farm near Wayne, Nebraska. He was influenced to attend Iowa State University by his parents, both of whom graduated from Iowa State University with Doctorate Degrees in Veterinary Medicine. As a child growing up on the family dairy farm in was mechanically minded and more interested in the tractors and farm machinery than the cows themselves. This interest let him to major in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State. He is a member of the University Honors Program and an undergraduate researcher in the experimental multi-phase flow laboratory. He is the Recycling chair for his residence, Macdonald House in Helser Hall. He is an active member of the Iowa State Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Supermilage Team, which participates in an international collegiate competition that challenges student led teams from across the United States and Canada to engineer the most fuel efficient vehicle. He also participates on multiple intermural teams. After graduation he hopes to get a job with a company specializing in power generation or large machinery. |
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Emma ReeseCivil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringEmma is from Minnetonka, Minnesota, which is near the Twin Cities. She is studying for a degree in Civil Engineering and pursuing a Certificate in Leadership. She is active in a variety of student organizations. She is the Civic Engagement Chair for her residence, King House in Oak Hall. She is an active member of Emerging Leaders in Engineering; DubH – the Iowa State Hip Hop Club; and the Salt Company, a Christian organization on campus. Off campus, she volunteers weekly at Kate Mitchelle Elementary School helping students with literacy. She also works directing traffic at sporting and other campus events. In addition to maintaining a high academic standard she hopes to grow professionally and culturally while a student. Professionally, she wants to increase her understanding of what it means to be a leader within engineering and how to lead effectively, as well as, further develop her communication, intrapersonal, management and organization skills. Culturally, she strives to increase her understanding of gender differentiations and responsibilities in the work force. She plans to participate in study abroad programs to learn more about leadership and diversity within different societies and careers. Following graduation, she hopes to work for a civil engineering company designing structures like bridges or skyscrapers, with the goal of achieving a leadership position. |
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Nicholas WijayaAerospace EngineeringNicholas is from Jakarta, Indonesia. He first became interested in learning about aerospace and astronautics when was 7 years old and heard about the space program for the first time. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of its excellent reputation in Aerospace Engineering and more affordable tuition fees than other American universities and as the result of his father having graduated from Iowa State University in 1988 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to his academic studies he is active in several student organizations. He is the Engineering Student Council (ESC) and Government of the Student Body (GSB) representative for the student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and Vice President of the Indonesian Student Association. After finishing his Bachelors degree, he plans to pursue a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering and an earn an MBA. His career goal is to work for Boeing or another aerospace company. |
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Brenton WillierAerospace EngineeringBrenton is from Centerville, Iowa. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of its tradition of excellence in the engineering programs it provides. In addition to his major in Aerospace Engineering, he is minoring in Astronomy. He hopes to work at NASA or a private space company following graduation. He is currently involved in the Make to Innovate Boeing Project, which is researching the design for an all-electric Boeing 737. He attended the spring Tau Beta Pi Banquet, and took advantage of the opportunity to visit with the keynote speaker, Ms. Kimberley Pastega, Vice President Production System Operations, 787 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. |
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