Scholar Profiles
Sparsh AgarwalChemical and Biological EngineeringSparsh is from Bareilly, India. Growing up he was interested in science and mathematics and took courses in advanced concepts in high school. His intellectual inquisitiveness coupled with his desire to learn, brought him to the field of engineering and Iowa State University. His desire to help the poverty stricken population of his country improve their health and sanitary conditions led him to the study of chemical engineering. Upon graduation he plans to complete a Masters Degree in Pharmacy, and then return to his country and open up a pharmaceutical factory. |
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Austin AngelChemical and Biological EngineeringAustin is from Marion, Iowa. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of the outstanding engineering facilities and the faculty members he met were very welcoming and appeared invested in his success. He observed that from the time of his first visit, the University felt like home. He chose Chemical Engineering because of his interest in chemistry and the broadness of the major, which could provide different career paths and the opportunity to work in a wide variety of areas. After graduation he hopes to undertake a career working in the renewable energy field in the Midwest. He is the President of the Lorch-Russell House in Friley Hall. He is an avid racquetball player, competing in both intermural singles and doubles competition. |
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Emalee BenkufskyMaterials Science and EngineeringEmalee is from Maple Grove, Minnesota. She chose to attend Iowa State University because of its excellent engineering programs. She places particular importance on academics and was on the Spring 2017 Dean’s List. She is an undergraduate researcher within the Anderson Group in the Department of Chemistry, which focuses on separation science and sample preparation employing ionic liquids, polymeric ionic liquids and magnetic ionic liquids. Outside of academics she participates in Intramural racquetball. |
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Juan BibiloniMechanical EngineeringJuan is from San Juan, Porto Rico. In addition to his academic study in Mechanical Engineering, he is involved in many other activities and student groups. He is a member of the Freshmen Leaders in Engineering. He is the Vice President of Cassell House in Welch Hall and serves as an Inter-Residence Hall Association Senator in Student Government. He is also the Community Engagement Co-Chair for Engineers’ Week. During the summer of 2017 he is employed as an intern with Kiewit at an oil and gas refinery in Pecos, Texas. |
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Melanie CarolloCivil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringMelanie is from Lake in the Hills, Illinois. She chose to attend Iowa State University because of the opportunities available to her in engineering. After her first semester, she chose to major in Civil Engineering. As part of her Honors Program study she participated in research on segmental bridges and assisted in building a segmental bridge for testing. She is an officer in Henderson House of Friley Hall. During the summer of 2017 she is working as an intern with the Public Works Department in Elgin, Illinois. |
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Paola Dacosta-RosarioAerospace EngineeringPaola is from O’Fallon, Missouri. In high school, she determined she wanted to study engineering and chose to attend Iowa State University because of the reputation of its College of Engineering. Growing up she was fascinated by aviation and so chose a major in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation, she plans to work for an aviation company, hopefully Boeing in St. Louis, which is close to her home. She is also considering continuing her education and getting her master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. During her freshman year at Iowa State, she was involved with the George Washington Carver Academy and a member of the Solar Car team. She was on the Spring 2017 Dean’s List. In the future she plans to join the Flying Cyclones and other STEM related clubs and organizations. |
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Abigail GriesAerospace EngineeringAbigail is from Marion, Iowa. She chose to attend Iowa State University because she felt that the study of Aerospace Engineering would be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. In addition to her academic studies she participates in the Iowa State University chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Aerospace Mentorship Program. She is also active in the Program for Women in Science and Engineering. She is the Vice President of the Forbes House in Maple Hall. During the summer of 2017 she employed in her third internship at Rockwell Collins. Following graduation she hopes to work as an Aerospace Engineer within the aerospace industry. |
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Erik JensenAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringErik is from Carter Lake, Iowa. Within Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering his area of specialization is civil and environmental engineering. He chose this major because of his recognition that pollution is a serious problem and his desire protect and preserve the environment. He is an active member of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. He is employed by the Office of Admission as a Cyclone Aide, providing new students with an introduction to campus and its resources. |
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Atte KadomaMaterials Science and EngineeringAtte is from Cottage Grove, Minnesota. From a young age, she enjoyed math and science and growing up she spent many hours in the Minnesota Science Museum where she saw chemistry demonstrations, which inspired her to pursue a chemistry related career. She is undertaking undergraduate research on molecular electronics as part of Professor Martin Thuo’s Research Group in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. This past semester she presented her research titled, “The Effect of Smoothening Electrodes in Revealing Finer Molecular Level Information,” at both the ISU Undergraduate Research Symposium and the University Honors Poster session. This summer she will be interning at Materials Evaluation and Engineering as well as mentoring high school students at a materials engineering camp sponsored by ASM international at the University of Minnesota. Atte attended this camp in high school and hopes to inspire other students to pursue materials engineering through this outreach program. Outside of engineering, Atte enjoys nordic skiing and cross country running. Atte’s future career goals include attending graduate school and continuing to serve as an inspiration for young women to pursue a STEM related career. |
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Jameel KelleyElectrical and Computer EngineeringJameel is from Dubuque, Iowa. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of its leadership in engineering and research. He major is Software Engineering and he enjoys programming and developing software applications. During the summer of 2017 he is doing research at the Iowa State University Virtual Reality Applications Center and participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program for Interdisciplinary Research and Education in Emerging Interface Technologies. |
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Shuang LiElectrical and Computer EngineeringShuang is from Beijing, China. She was inspired to study engineering by her father who is a mechanical engineer. In high school she enjoyed studying mathematics, physics, and chemistry and learning the reason and logic behind the theories presented. She chose to study at Iowa State University because of its internationally recognized engineering programs. Her major is Computer Engineering and following graduation she hopes to be employed in the development and control of technologies that make people’s lives easier. She is the Vice President of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority and credits joining this sorority with helping her to better understand American culture. She is a member of the Iowa State Fencing club and indicated that her 6 year participation in the sport has taught her to never give up. |
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Megan LukasAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringMegan is from Amana, Iowa. She indicates she is excited to be receiving an education in bioenvironmental engineering from the number one ranked Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering Program in the nation. She notes that the faculty and staff in the department go out of their way to ensure that students are provided every opportunity to succeed including participation in peer mentoring groups and personalized industry tours. Outside academics she is a member of the Iowa State University Student Branch of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. She is also a member of the Crew Club, Iowa State University’s only rowing team. During the summer of 2017 she is working as an intern for the University’s Water Quality Research Laboratory. |
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Hunter MandernachCivil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringHunter is from Adel, Iowa. He is majoring in Civil Engineering and chose to attend Iowa State University because of its excellent engineering programs and the opportunity to be involved in many other activities. He is a and active member of Iowa State University Chapter the of the American Society of Civil Engineers and serves as its Outreach Officer. He is an Engineering Ambassador and Treasurer of the Engineering Ambassador and Mentor Program. He is also active in intramural sports. |
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Shibani RajeIndustrial and Manufacturing Systems EngineeringShibani is from Naperville, Illinois. As a senior in high school, she decided she wanted to study engineering, but was not sure in which field. After attending an energy-engineering camp, she decided that Industrial Engineering would be the best fit as she was interested in improving energy related processes and systems to make them more efficient. She looks forward to participating in co-op, summer internships, and research experiences during her time at Iowa State. After graduating, she hopes to get a job as an Industrial Engineer with a focus on operations research. She is also considering getting a Masters Degree in Business Administration. During her first year, she was involved in Freshmen Leaders in Engineering serving as its Secretary. She also served as a Student Ambassador in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department. She is a member the Delta Gamma Sorority. In the coming year, she plans to continue to work as a Student Ambassador, serve as Director of House Management for the Delta Gamma Sorority, and become a peer mentor for the Industrial Engineering Learning Community (IDEAL). She is an accomplished singer with a degree in Hindustani Classical Singing from the Sadhana School of Music. |
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Isaac RempeAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringIsaac is from Des Moines, Iowa. Within Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering his area of specialization is Bioenvironmental Engineering. He chose this major mainly out of a passion to protect and steward the environment, particularly concerning water quality. He is a member of the Iowa State University Student Branch of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Currently, he is working as an undergraduate researcher in the Water Quality Research Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Soupir. He is an active member with the Salt Company Student Fellowship, a campus ministry of the Cornerstone Church of Ames.. |
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Eric SesterhennIndustrial and Manufacturing Systems EngineeringEric was born in Dubuque, Iowa, but grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He is Eagle Scout and credits Boy Scouts as teaching him the importance of hard work, patience, and building friendships. In high school he took a number of concurrent classes, which provided both high school and college credit. During visits to Iowa State University, Industrial Engineering seemed to him the best major since it appeared to provide the greatest opportunity to interact with other people. He chose Iowa State because he felt the students and staff were very friendly, honest, and wanted the best for him; and the campus was beautiful. During his first year he was a student ambassador for the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department and was a part of a committee that gave input and made decisions to improve the department. He was also active in the swim club and other intermural sports. He was on the Deans list the 2017 Spring semester. During the coming year he plans to pursue a research assistant position within his department, join more engineering related clubs, and study abroad in Ireland during the spring semester. |
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Joshua SlagleChemical and Biological EngineeringJoshua is from Marion, Iowa. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of both its stellar reputation as a quality engineering school and its outstanding chemical engineering program. He is pursuing a double major in chemical engineering and physics. He is a member of Freshman Council and is undertaking research on novel materials as part of a group under the direction of Paul C. Canfield, Professor in the Ames Laboratory. After graduation he would like to work on providing the world with more efficient and sustainable energy. He is a member of PrISUm, the Iowa Sate solar car team, and as Outreach Director has been involved in their outreach activities to a diverse population of Iowans. |
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Briana StaheliAerospace EngineeringBriana is from South Elgin, Illinois. She has had a passion for aerospace and the pursuit of flight and space since childhood. She chose to attend Iowa State University because of the excellence of the aerospace engineering program and its beautiful campus. Following graduation she plans to pursue a career as a design engineer in aerospace with NASA. She is undertaking research in the Automation and Optimization Laboratory in the Aerospace Engineering department under the direction of Professor Ran Dai. She is a student member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a member of the Alliance for Disability Awareness at Iowa State University. |
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Morgan SteckleinMechanical EngineeringMorgan is from Platteville, Wisconsin. She chose to attend Iowa State University because of its engineering reputation, and the fact that her sister attended ISU. In addition to majoring in Mechanical Engineering and pursuing a minor in Biomedical Engineering. Her interest in biomedical engineering originated from her father having a prosthetic eye. Following graduation she would like to work with medical devices and prosthetics. She performs undergraduate research in the Soft Materials and Structures Laboratory of Professor Michael Bartlett in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. She is involved in the Society of Women Engineers as Vice President of Fund Raising, the Biomedical Engineering Society as Treasurer, and the Women in Science and Engineer learning community. She also mentors students through the Cultural Ambassador program. She participates in several intramural sports including volleyball, water volleyball, coed volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee.. |
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Jaclyn StillerIndustrial and Manufacturing Systems EngineeringJaclyn is from Rochester, Minnesota. She is studying Industrial Engineering with minors in Biomedical Engineering and Leadership Studies. Following graduation she would like to work with the Mayo Clinic to develop medical devices and improve health care. She is performing medical suturing research in the Athena Laboratory of Dr. Richard Stone in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department. She is the Treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers and Store Manager of its Student Organization Marketplace. She is also the Honors Representative of the Lorch-Russell House in Friley Hall, and a member of the Honors Student Board. In March 2017 she was selected to participate in the third year of the Vermeer International Leadership Program. |
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Nikhilesh ThotaElectrical and Computer EngineeringNikhilesh is from Peoria, Illinois. He chose to come to Iowa State University because of the combination of excellent engineering programs and relatively low tuition costs. He is majoring in in electrical engineering and hopes to pursue a career in the field of biotechnology. He is currently on the pre-med track and following graduation he plans to attend medical school to pursue an MD/PhD program in biomedical engineering. |
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Trace TuthillAgricultural and Biosystems EngineeringTrace is from Wyoming, Illinois. He grew up on a farm and chose to attend Iowa State University because it has the number one ranked Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering Program in the nation. Fall semester 2017 he will be teaching a honors seminar for first year honors students. He is an officer in the Iowa State University Student Branch of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers serving as the Grillmaster. He is active in the Salt Company Student Fellowship, a campus ministry of the Cornerstone Church of Ames. During the summer of 2017 he is working as an intern for Agrigold, a seed company headquartered in Illinois. |
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Alexander WarrenMaterials Science and EngineeringAlexander is from Yorkville, Illinois. The main reason he chose to attend Iowa State University is because it defies the stereotype of a large university and provides the opportunity for students to connect with their peers, advisors and professors. When he was younger he was fascinated in things such as glow-in-the-dark plastic and remembers his father showing him how bending a piece of metal in the shape of an L made it stronger. He chose to study Materials Science and Engineering because of its close association with chemistry and the properties of materials. In addition to he academic studies, he is Public Relations officer of the 3D Printing and Design Club and a member of the Material Advantage Club and the Judo Club. During the summer of 2017 he is working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant on Osteoceramics within the Materials Science and Engineering Department. |
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Andrew WilmesMechanical EngineeringAndrew is from Liberty, Missouri. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of the strong engineering programs, extra-curricular opportunities, and success in job placement after graduation. He selected Mechanical Engineering as a major because of the broad range of specializations available. In addition to excelling academically he is a member of the PrISUm Solar Car Team, concert band, Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity and the Memorial Lutheran Church. He is also active in intramural athletics. During the summer of 2017 he is working as an intern for Kiewit. Following graduation he hopes to pursue a career in alternative energy. |
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