Ella Berns

Mechanical Engineering

Ella is from North Liberty, Iowa

Ella chose Iowa State because of its strong engineering program, welcoming community, and wide range of opportunities for hands-on learning and growth. She always enjoyed solving problems and understanding how things work, which led her to major in mechanical engineering. She indicated she is excited by the possibilities this field offers to make practical, lasting improvements in the world.

She notes that during high school, she was very involved in extracurricular activities. She participated in Dance Marathon, coached youth volleyball, played sports, volunteered with various local organizations, and was involved in Best Buddies. She indicates these experiences taught her the importance of collaboration, empathy, and determination that helped shape her leadership skills and desire to serve others.  Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List and classified as a Junior.

In addition to academics, she was involved in Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She notes these organizations have allowed her to build a supportive network, engage in professional development, and contribute to projects that expanded her engineering knowledge. She was especially grateful for the chance to connect with other women pursuing STEM degrees and to be part of a community that uplifts and empowers one another.

Andrew D. Burwitz

Andrew is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

When Andrew 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 and classified as a junior.

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

Addison R. Butler

Addison is from Oak Forest, Illinois

Addison chose to attend Iowa State University because of its strong engineering program, supportive community, and wealth of academic and personal growth opportunities. She indicated the campus felt like home from the moment of her first visit and has continued to be a place where she has been able to challenge herself and thrive. She likes that campus is always lively and beautiful, but she also loves the convenience of getting from one side of campus to the other in twenty minutes or less.

Addison chose to major in Computer Engineering because of her passion for problem-solving, innovation, and technology. She notes that she has always been fascinated by how things work behind the scenes, and computer engineering allows her to be part of shaping the future through both hardware and software design. She initially leaned more toward the hardware side of technology, but has become so fascinated with cybersecurity that she plans to incorporate it into her degree. Spring Semester 2025 she was on the Dean’s List and classified as a Sophomore.

In addition to academics, Addison served as the Treasurer of Alpha Lambda Delta, where she indicates she has learned valuable leadership and organizational skills while supporting academic excellence and service on campus. She notes that being a part of Alpha Lambda Delta has been an enormous honor and she is proud to be able to give back and serve as an officer for an organization that stands for such strong values. She has also been involved in the Baking Club, assisting in fundraisers around campus for the club and the food pantry offered by Iowa State. She notes that the club has become a form of stress release during her busy schedule. She also has an online tutoring job.

One of the accomplishments she is most proud of is maintaining a strong academic record while balancing leadership roles and extracurricular involvement. She takes pride and joy in how far she has come and what she has accomplished.

Bruno Ian Carraro

Bruno was born in São Paulo, Brazil and grew up in a small city Joinville, Brazil

Bruno indicates he wanted to study abroad from a young age. He chose to study at Iowa State University because of its high ranking in engineering, research opportunities, the respectful way students are treated on campus, and the scholarship opportunities available to students. Additionally, he appreciated the close relationship ISU has with NASA, Collins Aerospace, and others prominent in the aerospace development. He notes that his father told him “An engineer is a problem solver, someone who bears a passion for overcoming challenges and improving the human condition.”. By becoming an aerospace engineer, he feels he is acquiring the means to turn this passion into reality and help others through innovation, whether by helping bring internet connection to isolated regions, engineering new solutions for orbital trash collection, or finding cleaner and more efficient fuels.

During his first two semesters, Bruno indicates he has met some of the most interesting and competent people and made friends from all over the world. He believes that the best part of college are the people he has met and the connections he has made. Spring Semester 2025 he was on the Dean’s List and was classified as a sophomore.

Through the Iowa State’s career fair, he was offered a general engineering internship for summer 2025. He believes this experience will help prepare him for an internship in the aerospace industry in summer 2026.

In addition to academics, Bruno has co-founded a CubeSat club at Iowa State, the Satellite Research Group, for which he serves as treasurer. He notes that the group has already been recognized by Iowa State University as an official student organization and has collected funding for their first test probe, which will be launched using a weather balloon. He indicates that spring semester 2025 the club gained over 20 members, and they hope in the coming semesters to become a pathway for all students interested in aerospace to do research, develop, and test satellite systems, and refine their skills before joining the aerospace industry after graduation.

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 and classified as a junior.

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 and classified as a junior.

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 and classified as a sophomore.

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 and classified as a junior.

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 and classified as a sophomore.

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 and classified as a junior.

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 and classified as a junior.

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 and classified as a junior. 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.

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 and classified as a junior.

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.

Benjamin T. Marshall

Civil Engineering

Benjamin is from Williamsburg, Iowa

Benjamin chose to attend Iowa State University because of its strong engineering reputation and welcoming campus community. He selected Civil Engineering as his major as he wants to help grow and shape the world to be safer and more sustainable. Spring Semester 2025 he was on the Dean’s List.

In addition to academics, Benjamin participated in student organizations including the fencing club and Chinese language club, both of which he felt had helped him to become a more well-rounded person. Following completion of his undergraduate degree, he plans to attend graduate school to major in a specialized field within civil engineering.

Jackson R. Mila

Mechanical Engineering

Jackson is from Oswego, Illinois

Jackson chose Iowa State because he valued the state-of-the-art engineering program, beautiful campus, and above all, the culture among students and staff across the university. He chose to be a mechanical engineering student at Iowa State because he is proficient in STEM and passionate about being creative. In addition, both of his parents are engineers and watching them inspired him to pursue engineering as well. His plan after graduation is to stay close to his family and work as an engineer in the Chicagoland area. Spring Semester 2025 he was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List and was classified as a junior.

In addition to academics, Jackson undertook undergraduate research with Dr. Ian Schneider. He indicates the accomplishment he is most proud of at Iowa State is completing research to design and construct a low-budget gas-purging system that will used in Dr. Schneider laboratory to perform reactions necessary for research on cell migration.

Jackson was also active in the Wind, Energy, and Solar Organization (WESO) and the Iowa State Swim Club. During the 2025-26 school year, he will be a founding member of a new sports engineering organization called BOOST. In addition, he indicates he is proud to have been selected as a Tau Beta Pi Iowa Alpha Scholar and hopes to carry on the ideals of Tau Beta Pi —integrity and excellence in engineering throughout his remaining time at Iowa State and into his career.

Seth Oltmans

Electrical Engineering

Seth is from Beatrice, Nebraska

Seth indicates that he chose Iowa State because of its strong reputation in engineering and spacious community-based campus that makes it feel like a home. He chose majoring in electrical engineering because of his deep interest in automation and a desire to innovate in agriculture. Spring Semester 2025 he was on the Dean’s List and classified as a sophomore.

Seth indicates he grew up on a family farm in rural Nebraska and has an immense passion for agriculture. He helped to establish an FFA program at his high school and indicates he has seen firsthand how technology can transform the way people farm, work, and live.

He notes he found his place at Iowa State in his freshman year by joining groups like Cyclone Power Pullers (Iowa State’s Quarter Scale tractor team), Pheasants Forever, Salt, and the Farmhouse Fraternity.
He believes that his degree in electrical engineering will equip him with the skill-set needed to be at the forefront of innovation in agriculture.

Jesse Patrick Penchi

Industrial Engineering

Jesse is from Genoa, Wisconsin

Jesse notes that his choice to attend Iowa State University is somewhat unusual. Being from Wisconsin he always had his heart set on attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, after receiving a rejection letter from them, he needed to make another choice and is extremely happy that this led him to attend Iowa State University. He notes that upon arrival at Iowa State he was immediately welcomed by an industrial engineering professor and has come to believe industrial engineering is what he is meant to do. Spring Semester 2025 he was on the Dean’s List and classified as a sophomore.

In addition to academics, he has been involved in the Iowa State Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and serving as executive vice president of the club spring semester 2025. He indicates that one of his proudest accomplishments was planning and directing a successful sponsorship banquet during the semester.

Fall semester 2025 he will be a teacher’s assistant which he is looking forward to doing. He also plans to work on getting an internship for summer 2026. Growing industrial engineering at Iowa State and joining Tau Beta Pi are some of his goals for the future. He notes that the post-graduate outlook is difficult to know at the present, but hopes to work in manufacturing someday.

Madeline M. Poock

Construction Engineering

Madeline from Ankeny, Iowa

Madeline chose to attend Iowa State University because ISU was magical to her as a child. She is a third-generation Cyclone and often participated in campus youth programs. When selecting an area of study, she indicated she was preached to by many family members that if she wanted to pursue engineering, there was no better school than ISU. She agrees they were correct, indicating that she has had the most amazing experience here at ISU and can’t wait for the next three years. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List and was classified as a junior.

She indicates that during her first year she decided on construction engineering as the discipline she wanted to study. and as a result of her academic achievement obtained a summer internship where she was able to shadow construction engineering professionals, learn from their knowledge, and get real-world experience about possible postgraduate opportunities.

In addition to academics, Madeline indicates that during her first year she was able to get involved in intramurals, student organizations made many new friends.

Based upon her summer work experience, she hopes to become a project manager for a general contractor following graduation.

Tanner Jameson Post

Mechanical Engineering

Tanner is from Omaha, Nebraska

Tanner indicated he is the oldest of five children and growing up he was always interested in building things and doing small projects of his own, often inspired by his grandparents, parents and his own curiosity for how and why things worked which helped lead him to the study of mechanical engineering.

In high school he was involved in athletics as a member of the basketball and baseball teams and captain for the football team. He also served as vice president of the student body, a member of the campus ministry and a student ambassador for his school.

He indicates that the sense of community and opportunities he found in high school are what let him to attend Iowa State University. He has enjoyed learning and taking his first steps towards becoming an engineer and is excited about the creative outlets his classes have offered. Spring Semester 2025 he was on the Dean’s List and classified as a sophomore.

In addition to academics, since arriving in Ames he indicates he has found many opportunities to get involved and stay busy. He joined Triangle Fraternity where he serves as the Vice President of Academics, and joined the Wind Energy Student Organization (WESO) as well as the SAE Aero Design club. He also played intramural sports and made numerous memories with friends from his residence hall and fraternity.

Tanner’s career goals and life after school are still being developed. However, over the course of his first year, he indicates he has taken a special interest in renewable energy and energy systems. Therefore, he would be very pleased to find himself working in the energy sector for companies that focus on developing wind and solar energy and making the technology more widely available.

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 and classified as a junior.

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.

Emma Rose Scheffler

Civil Engineering

Emma is from Springfield, Illinois

Emma is majoring in Civil Engineering. She indicates she chose to study Civil Engineering at Iowa State University because of her passion to learn more about the infrastructure of everyday life, especially structures and transportation. Spring Semester 2025 she was on both the President’s list and the Dean’s List and was classified as a sophomore.

In addition to academics Emma participated in several student organizations including the Society of Women Engineering and the Iowa State Habitat for Humanity Club in their work with Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa and Des Moines to construct simple, decent, affordable homes for families needing housing. She was also involved with the Program for Women in Science and Engineering and participated in intramural sand volleyball.

With her dedication to becoming a lifelong learner, Emma intends to obtain a Master’s degree and receive her Professional Engineering (PE) license. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the Civil Engineering industry in the development and design of infrastructure and roadways.

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.

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 and classified as a sophomore.

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 and classified as a junior.

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.