Andrew D. Burwitz

Mechanical Engineering

Andrew is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

When he chose to attend Iowa State University, he did not know anyone who was studying at Iowa State. However, he knew that this would allow him to meet new people and expand his horizons. His father graduated from Iowa State with an engineering degree, and he was proud to also be studying at ISU. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

Andrew plans to continue involvement in clubs at Iowa State including Impact (NASA , ERC) and Spanish club. He intends to continue working on advancing his career plans putting his full effort into being the best he can be.

Samantha Rae Dales

Samantha is from Ames, Iowa

Samantha primarily chose Iowa State University due to its amazing Army Reserves Officer Training Corps program and exceptional engineering program. After completing her freshman year, she notes that the ROTC program, the College of Engineering and university as a whole, far exceeded her expectations. As a military child, she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps as an Army officer. Since she also wanted to further her education, she chose to participate in the Army ROTC. With most of her family residing in Iowa, Iowa State University was the perfect fit. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

She was pleased that she was been able to participate in a variety of activities within and outside her studies and Army ROTC. With the Society of Women Engineers, she participated in their GDE (Girls Discovering Engineering) Day(s), where she together with other members got to help young girls explore engineering activities and make connections with others.

Through ROTC, she competed in numerous competitions, such as the Army 10 Miler, Northern Warfare Challenge, and the Ranger Buddy Competition. Within her department, she was able to gain experience in working within a team to create a project. One project, creating an Electronic Mood Ring was one of the highlights of her freshman year. She noted that these experiences enabled her to meet new people, expand her knowledge and grow as an individual.
graduation.

Jake A. Dalmer

Civil Engineering

Jake is from Ankeny, Iowa

Jake noted that his first year at Iowa State went very well. His civil engineering classes were of genuine interest to him, and he was pleased to have aced his Calculus III final. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

As someone who loves making music, he kept busy during the year in lots of musical ensembles: marching band, symphonic band, symphony orchestra, and percussion ensemble. During the summer 2025 he had a civil engineering internship in Ankeny, Iowa. Overall, he found his first year at Iowa State rewarding. He made lots of new friends through both engineering and music.

Becca Heinen

Aerospace Engineering

Becca is from Lone Rock, Iowa

Becca chose to attend Iowa State University because of its outstanding engineering program and the opportunity to stay close to home by attending an in-state university. She indicates she is still deciding if she wants to major in aerospace engineering, since the university has so many engineering options. Spring Semester 2025 she was on the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics, she was active in her residence hall serving as house president, helping plan fun events and activities that brought house members together and created a strong sense of community. Spring semester 2025 she started working as a shop technician in the aerospace engineering department where she helped make parts for use in future aerospace engineering classes.

Gavin Jacob Holmes

Aerospace Engineering

Gavin is from Ankeny, Iowa

Since Gavin was a child, it has been his dream to attend Iowa State University for engineering. His mother worked for the university, and every time he came to work with her, he indicates he was blown away by the campus and the resources it offered to students.

His interest in space led him to major in Aerospace Engineering. He indicates that in his classes, he has worked and will continue to work extremely hard to achieve a high level of excellence. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics, during my first year at Iowa State, he indicates he wanted to get involved in many things and his interest in space led him to join the rocket club. To stay physically active, he also played intramural sports and participated in tournaments, where he made many new friends. During his remaining years at Iowa State, he wants to excel and explore as many opportunities as possible.

Following graduation, Gavin hopes to work for a large aerospace company so that he can be a part of and contribute to major new strides in technology and space travel.

Anika Jalodia

Aerospace Engineering

Anika is from Pune, India

Anika chose to attend Iowa State University because of its outstanding engineering program, strong sense of community, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. She chose to major in Aerospace Engineering because she has been fascinated by flight and space exploration for as long as she can remember, and this major allowed her to pursue her passion for designing and understanding advanced aircraft and spacecraft systems. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is maintaining a strong GPA while balancing academics, ROTC and work. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

Anika indicated she has found a wonderful academic and personal community here at Iowa State. She has been actively involved in student organizations including AFROTC, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Women in Science and Engineering, and Society of Women Engineers, all of which she indicates have enhanced her learning experience outside of the classroom.

After graduation, Anika plans to serve in the Air Force and hopes to become a pilot. Following her military service, she would like to work in the aviation industry, also as a pilot.

Ella Joy Johnson

Agricultural Engineering

Ella is from Lebanon, Missouri

Ella grew up in southern Missouri on a beef farm, which is where she indicates she fell in love with agriculture. When it came time for her to pick a university and major, she knew she wanted to do something in agriculture. As someone who loves to tinker, design, and make new things, engineering also drew her in. Once she became interested in agriculture engineering, she started looking at schools and Iowa State University was interesting to her because of its highly ranked Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. On her first visit to Iowa State, she indicates she felt welcome and supported and chose to come to ISU because of the people she met. Within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering she has chosen the Biological Systems Engineering option with an emphasis in animal production systems. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics, Ella is active in campus organizations including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), where she indicates she met many new friends and has had the opportunity to network with potential future employers.

Nicholas Kulig

Construction Engineering

Nicholas is from Lakeville, Minnesota

Nicholas indicates that one of the reasons he chose to come to Iowa State University was the wide range of engineering specialties within the college of engineering. He started his first year undecided on a major and quickly picked mechanical engineering since he was told it was the most broad and applicable major offered. As he worked through his first-year classes and attended career fairs and club meetings, he found himself increasingly drawn to construction engineering and made the decision to switch his major to construction engineering. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics Nicholas was involved on campus participating on intramural teams and joining clubs like Ducks Unlimited. In the future, he plans to join Tau Beta Pi when he becomes eligible and the Iowa State chapter of Associated General Contractors.

After graduation, Nicholas plans to take a job early in his career where he can travel around the country for work and see places he has never been, before settling down for good in the upper Midwest.

Robin Lin

Software Engineering

Robin is from Clarinda, Iowa

Robin chose to attend Iowa State University because of its strong engineering program and being from Clarinda, Iowa, he wanted to be relatively close to home. He chose to major in Software Engineering because of his interest in problem solving and computers, and developing software seemed like a natural choice that offers both a rewarding and hopefully lucrative career. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List. He was also part of the ISU honors program and a First Cyclone Scholar.

In addition to academics, Robin joined the Computer Science and Software Engineering Club, which discussed computer science topics and often had speakers from industry. He also works for the biology department providing Information Technology support. He indicated that one of his proudest accomplishments was getting a summer internship at Amazon in Seattle, Washington, as a software development engineer. He plans to become a Tau Beta Pi member when he becomes eligible as a junior.

After graduation, Robin plans to get a job working for a large technology company or a startup he is interested in joining.

Kaitlyn List

Pre-Biomedical Engineering

Kaitlyn is from Omaha, Nebraska

Kaitlyn plans on majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Kinesiology. She chose to attend Iowa State University because she believed it will provide her with the knowledge, relationships, opportunities, and resources to grow as a student into a successful engineering graduate. She chose to major in Biomedical Engineering at ISU because she believes it will allow her to combine her desire to solve real life issues through engineering with her interest in the sciences to improve the lives of others.

Kaitlyn is from Omaha, Nebraska and the oldest of four children. She considers herself to have been privileged to attend private school from preschool through high school which she believes has prepared her well for where she is now. Spring Semester 2025 she was on the Dean’s List.

Throughout her first year at ISU, she has been involved in Undergraduate Research, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), BMES Project Team, and the Society of Women Engineers. During the coming year, she intends to continue these commitments while also serving as the recruitment chair of BMES, a peer mentor, and a first year Honors Leader.

After graduation, Kaitlyn hopes to be able to continue her education to receive a master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics allowing her to be able to work with people to guide them through the process of a new prosthetic or orthotic devices with the goal of significantly improving their mobility and quality of life. However, she indicates that even with these goals, she recognizes that Biomedical Engineering is a developing field and the future holds many unknowns.

Parinda Maithree Ratnayake

Chemical Engineering

Parinda is from Kandy, Sri Lanka

Parinda is majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Energy Systems. He chose to attend Iowa State for its exceptional engineering faculty, collaborative research opportunities, and dedication to innovation in sustainable technologies. Spring Semester 2025 he was on the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics, Parinda is actively involved in several leadership and academic initiatives. He is a member of the Wind Energy Student Organization serving as a project team leader for the Collegiate Wind Competition. He is on the Honors Student Board, where he is the Treasurer for the Honors community. He participates in the Supplemental Instruction program, mentoring fellow students in General Chemistry. He also serves as an Undergraduate Researcher, Resident Assistant and a Cyclone Aide, roles that support student success and foster a welcoming campus environment.

Parinda indicated that his passion lies in renewable energy systems, and following graduation he hopes to contribute to solving global energy challenges through both engineering practice and policy engagement.

Andrea Elizabeth Schmit

Mechanical Engineering

Andrea is from Naperville, Illinois

Andrea is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She chose this major because she did FIRST Robotics in High School and liked the mechanical design portion of robotics and was able to design different mechanisms for her school’s robots. She indicates that thus far she has been enjoying her college classes and her choice to attend Iowa State University. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

n addition to academics, Andrea was part of the Baja SAE team and involved in manufacturing parts and designing the frame of the vehicle. She hopes to gain industrial experience through internships and be employed to do mechanical design work after graduation.

Klara Susann Seipold

Software Engineering

Klara is from Mills County, Iowa

Klara went to a small, rural high school with a graduating class of 36 students. Her decision to attend Iowa State University was due to its roots (pun intended) as an agriculture-focused college and because she often came to the campus for 4-H events as a youth. It also helped in her decision that her father was an ISU alumnus. Her selection to major in Software Engineering was at least partially based upon the flexibility it offers to work remotely. She was proud of managing an A in General Chemistry for Engineers, since she didn’t take any chemistry in high school. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics Karla participated in several student organizations including the knitting club, the German club, and the Students for Life chapter.

After graduation, Karla hopes to be employed as a Software Engineer and work remotely so that she can live rurally and have a small-scale farm to support herself and her future family. She believes it is necessary to appreciate and steward the land, but also important not to lose touch with technology as it develops and changes the world.

Lakshmi Shastry

Chemical Engineering

Lakshmi is from Northern Virginia

Lakshmi chose to study at Iowa State because of its tight-knit community and abundant opportunities. She decided to major in chemical engineering because of her interest in chemistry. After starting her degree program and meeting other students, she is confident her decision was correct. Spring Semester 2025 she was on the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics, Lakshimi participated is several extracurriculars activities during her first year which included the Student Government Election Commission, where she served as Treasurer. Fall Semester 2025 she plans to become a Resident Assistant in the Department of Residence.

Fikir Alemayehu Tegene

Electrical Engineering

Fikir is from Ethiopia

Fikir grew up in Ethiopia, where his love for physics and mathematics drew him toward the study of electrical engineering, with a specific interest in power systems. His long-term aim is to contribute to a more sustainable future and cleaner energy generation. With this passion in mind, he was drawn to attend Iowa State University for its affordable, world-class, and impact-driven engineering programs. He is in the University’s Honors Program which has enabled him to engage in undergraduate research. As a Research Assistant, he has had the opportunity to explore the intersection of power systems and economics, focusing on the economic implications of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

Outside of academics, one of Fikir’s proudest accomplishments during his first year was being involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and attending their national conference in Chicago. From that experience, he considers himself fortunate to have secured an internship with Cummins Inc. working on their Emissions team to help find ways to make diesel engines more efficient and less polluting.

Drew C. Veomett

Electrical Engineering

Drew is from Omaha, Nebraska

Drew indicated he was drawn to Iowa State University because of the plethora of opportunities and quality education in engineering. He selected Electrical Engineering as his major. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List.

Outside of academics, Drew was a member of the Cyclone Marching Band and hopes to continue with music in the jazz band during his sophomore year. He was also a member of the Cyclone Rocketry student organization working on designing avionics equipment for the rocket.

Following graduation, he hopes to pursue a master’s degree and then work in the power, control systems, or the biomedical industry.

Amy Muilenburg

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Amy is from Collinsville, Illinois

Amy is majoring in chemical engineering. Amy will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. She notes that she chose to attend Iowa State University and pursue a degree in chemical engineering, as she wanted the opportunity to learn and achieve the same way her parents had done. After completing the first year of study for her degree, she notes that her passion for engineering has been solidified and encouraged. She indicates she does not yet know what field of specialization she wishes to pursue for her career, but knows she wants to be a part of something that changes the world in a positive way. In addition to her academic studies, Amy participated in on-campus church groups as well as the Iowa State University Choir and Department of Music and Theater. Choir and theater performances in which Amy participated included the Festival of Treble Voices and Treble Ensembles Fall Concert in which she sang Soprano.

Salokhiddin Nasriddinov

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Salokhiddin is from Uzbekistan

Salokhiddin is majoring in electrical engineering. He will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of the engineering programs.

After graduation he hopes to gain experience by working in the electrical engineering field.

Huu-Huy Nguyen

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Huu is from ?

Huu is majoring in chemical engineering. Huu will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. He indicates he chose to attend Iowa State University for its renowned engineering majors.  He notes that during his freshman year he was an undergraduate research assistant in an electrochemical engineering laboratory and presented the progress in his research at an undergraduate research symposium. He also became a student member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering and attended its regional conference meeting many other talented chemical engineering students. He indicates he greatly appreciates the hospitality of the Midwesterners he has met and is proud to say he is a Cyclone.

Shun Quinlan

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Shun is from Parkville, Missouri

Shun is majoring in electrical engineering. Shun will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. She indicates that upon my arrival on campus, she was immediately aware that it was the place where she belonged. The staff’s patience and sincerity during orientation, as well as their willingness to address her numerous questions, reassured her that Iowa State was not merely a place to study, but a community that genuinely cares about its students. Her decision to pursue a degree in electrical engineering was influenced by her grandfather who was an engineer as well as her own extensive research and recognition of the potential this major possessed in the fields of renewable energy and power systems. Her passion for this discipline has also been influenced by the support and resources available in this discipline at Iowa State University. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has been active in campus life, participating in initiatives such as the Make to Innovate program, Chinese Language Club, and most recently becoming a member of the Good Earth Student Farm. She notes these experiences have enhanced her time at Iowa State and enabled her to cultivate abilities that extend beyond the classroom. She indicates that securing an Internship with EPI Power has been one of her most significant accomplishments and provided her with invaluable networking and educational opportunities. Following graduation, she plans to acquire experience in various environments in order to eventually establish her own engineering contracting firm specializing in electrical systems and circuit design.

Austin Shane

Aerospace Engineering

Austin is from is from Urbandale, Iowa

Austin is majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He will be a junior fall semester 2024. He chose to attend Iowa State University because of its proximity to his family, the quality of education delivered, and the opportunities available to all students. Since starting school fall semester 2023 he has become active in a number of clubs, both related to his major and just for fun. I joined the SAE Aero Design Club and was involved in the design and manufacture of a large-scale remote-controlled aircraft for competition. He indicates he learned a lot by being a part of the team and used software he otherwise would not have used until he was a senior. He also joined Ames Flyers, a club for those who love aviation and was elected its Treasurer. Through the club he was inspired to undertake flight training to obtain his pilot’s license. He began lessons at the end of January 2024 and received his pilot’s license in May. He indicates this would not have been possible if I had not decided to attend Iowa State.

After graduation, he hopes to work for a larger aerospace company such as Textron, Boeing, or Piper, and will be happy as long as he will be working with airplanes.

Alaina Steffen

Mechanical Engineering

Alaina is from New Hartford, Iowa

Alaina is majoring in mechanical engineering. Alaina will be a junior fall semester 2024. She chose to study at Iowa State University because it is one of the most prestigious universities in the engineering field and was in her home state. The main reason she chose to major in mechanical engineering was because of her involvement in robotics in high school. After she joined the team her sophomore year of high school, she developed a passion for the design, problem-solving, and STEM elements of engineering. At Iowa State University she indicates she loves the beautiful campus, the talented professors and staff, the endless clubs and activities and the scholarship opportunities that have made a huge difference in her education. She has been selected as a participant in the Iowa State College of Engineering’s 2023-2024 Kiewit Scholars Program. Through the Kiewit Scholars Program, students receive financial support to cover their educational expenses at Iowa State University, are exposed to a range of opportunities that enable them to evolve into exceptional engineers, and have the opportunity to connect with Kiewit professionals, gaining valuable insights into industry. She spent the summer 2024 as an engineering intern at Kiewit Corporation in Lenexa, Kansas.

Outside of academics, she is active in student organizations including: Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), Women in Mechanical Engineering (WiME), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and the Habitat for Humanity. She expects to graduate from Iowa State in 2027 and hopes to earn a position at an innovative mechanical design and engineering company and use her skills towards the company’s success. It is her goal to one day have a leadership role in her field and influence other women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers.

Margaret Sullivan

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Margaret is from Dubuque, Iowa

Margaret is majoring in software engineering with minors in data science and sociology. She will be a junior Fall semester 2024. In her junior year of high school, she indicates she enrolled in a computer science class and was quickly amazed by the seemingly limitless opportunities software provides and began coding in her free time. She decided to major in software engineering at Iowa State University because of this passion and the belief that technology can be utilized to make positive impacts in the world. Spring semester 2024 she indicates she became a TA for an introductory software engineering class and enjoyed helping students find the same passion for coding as her own.

In addition to academics, she is involved with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as the philanthropy chair. She notes that this position provided her the opportunity to contribute to cultivating a positive and inclusive culture for fellow female engineers on campus and give back to the local Ames community. Community involvement included a fundraiser hosted by SWE for the Ames YWCA to assist their program to help young women grow in confidence in a wide range of educational skills. She was also the Go Further Coordinator intern for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program and helped plan a conference for middle school students to get exposed to a variety of STEM fields.

Following graduation, she indicates she is unsure of the specific career she wishes to pursue in the software engineering field. However, she wants to be employed somewhere that cultivates innovation and prioritizes ethical software development and help develop technology to improve accessibility and equity.

Kaiya Taylor

Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Kaiya is from Robins, Iowa

Kaiya is majoring in industrial engineering minor in music. Kaiya will be a junior fall semester 2024. She chose industrial engineering because she was given the opportunity to take engineering classes in high school, and she enjoyed them. She chose a music minor because she has been playing piano for twelve years and clarinet for nine years. She indicates her first year at Iowa State was an amazing experience; she found her engineering courses to be very interesting and enjoyable and was able to play clarinet in the Iowa State University Symphonic Band and Clarinet Choir. During the spring semester 2024, she started doing research with Dr. Jakob Hamilton, working on improving the quality of metal lattice structures in additive manufacturing and will continue this research Fall semester 2024.

In addition to academics, she has joined several student organizations including the Advanced Manufacturing Club, for which she has been elected the outreach chair; the Iowa State University chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, as well as, Women in Science and Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers. She was also elected as treasurer of Fuller House and the sustainability coordinator for the Buchanan Hall Association.

Alvin Thomas

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Alvin is from India

Alvin is majoring in software engineering. He chose to major in software engineering because he enjoys solving complex problems and creating new things with code. He was on the Dean’s List both in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, maintaining a 4.0 GPA his freshman year. He is a George Washington Carver scholar and has been awarded a four-year full tuition scholarship.

Outside of academics, he is involved in the ISU Investment Group, where he has served as a Technology Sector Analyst and a Consumer Sector Analyst. He enjoys playing soccer in his free time. After graduation, he hopes to have an impactful career as a software engineer.

Tiago Twedt

Materials Science and Engineering

Tiago is from Jewell, Iowa

Tiago is majoring in materials engineering. Tiago will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. After attaining his bachelor’s degree he plans to continue advanced studies in Materials Science and Engineering to gain leadership and research experiences to prepare him for a career rooted in the principles of innovation and discovery.

In addition to academics, Tiago is a member of the ISU Music Department Wind Ensemble in which he plays the bass clarinet.

Abbey Vezina

Mechanical Engineering

Abbey is from Marion, Iowa

Abbey is majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in sustainability. Abbey will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. As someone who is concerned about climate change and passionate about protecting the planet, she thought this major would best lead her to achieve her career goals. She hopes to one day work in a position researching and developing renewable energy sources or carbon capture technologies. During spring semester 2024, she did research on the removal of nitrates from agricultural drainage water through the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department. During the summer 2024, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant studying biofuel production for the Bioeconomy Institute at Iowa State University and plans to continue in this position for the 2024-25 school year. She indicates getting involved in research that is related to her passions has been such a rewarding experience, she plans to continue doing research throughout her years as an undergraduate student.

Abby is also active in extracurricular activities. She is a member of Engineers for a Sustainable World and throughout her first year as a student assisted with designing and building a hydroponics system. She is also an avid member of the Iowa State Running Club and looks forward to being a mid-distance captain spring semester 2025, which will involve planning workouts and preparing the competitive team for track meets. Additionally, she plays alto saxophone in the Iowa State University Symphonic Band, where she gets to play music with fellow students on a weekly basis and perform in several concerts each semester.

Blake Wilson

Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

Blake is from Charles City, Iowa

Blake is majoring in construction engineering. Blake will be a sophomore fall semester 2024. Blake grew up in Charles City, Iowa, and he indicates he enjoyed being involved in both is his school and community as well as helping on his grandparents’ farm and working for local farmers. He notes that problem-solving aspects of figuring out how things work and the potential to work with companies like Caterpillar, John Deere, and other farm equipment companies appealed to him and influenced his decision to attend Iowa State University to study engineering. Fall semester 2023 he enrolled in engineering with an undeclared major in order to explore different engineering opportunities. During the semester, he decided to major in construction engineering. He notes that while this major might not be dealing directly with farm equipment as he originally planned, he was excited to organize, design, and see projects completed as he did when he worked on the farm. To gain experience in the construction industry, during the summer 2024 he was employed as an Intern for the Dean Snyder Construction Company which has offices in Clear Lake and Ankeny, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. Following graduation, he hopes return to northeast Iowa to use his degree to help expand and improve the area in which he grew up.