Okay, everyone, we’re gonna to head over to the Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technology Center and meet up with Craig, a mechanical engineering professor and director of the Advanced Manufacturing Program here at Mines. He’s gonna share more about the benefits Mines’ close industry connections have for students and future innovation. It’s all yours, Craig.
– Thanks, Alex. Before becoming a professor at Mines, I worked collaboratively alongside faculty and students as an industry researcher, developing advanced manufacturing and materials. Mines is a place where students are introduced to the cutting-edge. I see this happening in the advanced manufacturing program that I lead, where we are driving implementation of 3D printed parts in a wide variety of industries. And Mines is paving the way in other emerging industries by offering new programs, such as the first space resources graduate program in the solar system, and one of the nation’s first quantum engineering programs. So whether a student’s interest is in the vastness of space, the quirks of the subatomic, or anywhere in between, Mines has them covered. But how does this innovation happen? Well, thanks in part to Mines’ close ties with industry and by giving students hands-on opportunities to work on real world projects from day one. I work closely with an industry consortium, the Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies, or ADAPT, where we develop and implement 3D printed products in a variety of industries. National labs, like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, help us build top notch programs and pipelines for our students. Student projects, including capstone design, and various out of the classroom innovation challenges bring leading industry experts to campus to provide face-to-face feedback and mentorship. We’ve even had some TV stars on campus, like Adam Savage, who was so impressed with the work we’re doing here and our students, that he asked us to help him build a titanium superhero suit that flew in 2019. At Mines, students don’t just learn the basics, they get to try their hand at cutting-edge technologies on projects with top companies, government agencies, and national labs. This gives them an inside look at the working world, and puts them at the forefront of innovation in a way that they can’t find anywhere else. Take it back, Alex.
– That’s incredible, Craig. Where else can you work on a real life superhero suit? Hearing about all the opportunities to work on interesting projects with real world applications is so cool. Thank you for sharing that with us. Take care.
Okay, now, let’s hear from Isabella, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering. She’s had some cool research opportunities here at Mines, but that wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar professors who guide her through and push her to pursue her passions. Tell us more, Isabella.
– Salamat, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up in the Philippines, I didn’t get a lot of chances to study engineering, but I was always looking to study something new, innovative, and exciting. So when the opportunity came to pursue my PhD here at Mines, I jumped on it. Meeting my current research advisor, professor Leslie Lamberson, changed everything. She introduced me to a research field I never even knew existed. And now I get to do some of the coolest experiments on campus under one of the best professors in the field. I work at the Extreme Structures and Materials Lab where I break things at high speed, and use cameras that can image up to a million frames per second to observe material behavior under extreme conditions. With this research, I hope to develop better and stronger materials for aerospace applications. Professor Lamberson guided me from day one, and took a chance on a girl from the Philippines who didn’t know the first thing about aerospace. She inspired me to not only pursue my passion, but excel at it. Just like professor Lamberson, all the faculty and staff I’ve interacted with on campus are absolutely awesome, because they care about who you are and not just what you’re studying. Professors love bumping into students, whether it’s in the hallways, at the local climbing gym, or even breweries. Their faces light up when I see them on campus or around Golden, and that kind of interaction honestly makes my day. When I first moved to Colorado, I had no idea what to expect, and I’m glad I didn’t because everything here would have exceeded those expectations anyway. I truly feel like I’m part of the Mines family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I graduate, I feel confident that I will have the skills and support I need to contribute to the advancement of aerospace engineering. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Isabella, you are a rock star, and I’m so glad you’re able to find the support and inspiration you needed to thrive in your work here at Mines. Thanks for sharing your story. Cheers.
Next, we’re gonna meet Gabriel, a sophomore studying computer science. He’s gonna tell us more about what it’s like to gain a global experience at Mines, whether that’s through study abroad and international trips, or learning about and experiencing different cultures right here on campus. Gabriel, take it away.
– Thank you for that awesome introduction, Alex. Glad to be here. For me, the idea of learning more about anything always excites me After I moved to the United States from Venezuela, so many opportunities opened up for me that I didn’t know what to focus on. It was my junior year of high school when I first heard about Mines. By this point, I had already developed a passion for programming and technology. So when I heard that Mines was a STEM focused school that offer computer science as one of its majors, all while being just far away enough from home, I knew it was the one for me. At Mines, I’ve been able to explore all sorts of interests. From mentoring others, to getting involved with clubs on campus, and trying out all manners of sports. And in all those experiences, I found myself drawn to the different cultures of all the people on campus. Whether they’re from a nearby city or a country thousands of miles away, I always appreciate listening to them speak about their experiences and traditions that you can’t find anywhere else. With a large international student population and numerous global experiences, Mines students are able to learn the value of new perspectives and the benefits of collaboration. Whether it’s a service project to help out a local community, a study abroad opportunity in countries like France, Japan, or New Zealand, or checking out internationally on campus each year, Mines students have an amazing experience. No matter what path you take while here, you’ll be able to explore your interests and gain a global experience unlike any other. That’s all I’ve got. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing your perspective. It’s so cool that you can have a global experience at Mines sometimes without even leaving campus. Take care, Gabriel.
Now, Maryam is gonna introduce us to all the cool research happening at Mines. Maryam’s pursuing a PhD in civil engineering and is focused on solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Take it away, Maryam.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the idea of helping people in need. When I realized that improving infrastructure, water treatment plans, dams, and transportation system help to improve everyday lives, I decided to become a civil engineer to make this vision a reality. I wanted to come to Mines because it’s the home of the only underground construction antennal engineering graduate program in North America. The program develops new ideas and technologies for advancing civil infrastructure, and including space and structures for working, living, and playing, and tunnels for transit roads, hyperloops, water utilities, and energy. Plus, Mines is one of few universities in the US to offer approved grand challenges in engineering program, which prepares the student to become a global problem solver and tackles the problems faced in society now. Mines connects all the dots to achieve my dreams to become a successful civil engineer involved in solving global problems. I got to work on a cutting-edge research focused on sustainability and energy conservation. My research aims to employ a novel bike route for tunneling support as alternative to the ordinary cement, which is the second largest industry that lead to CO2 emission, a major contributor to climate change. With many world-class research centers enclosed industrial partnerships with companies like, Lockheed Martin and the US Geological Survey, not to mention some of the top certificates, masters, and PhD programs in the world, there is always interesting and innovative research happening at Mines, focused on finding solutions in energy, environment, manufacturing, robotics, even space resources. Mines is a place with world changing ideas where I can prove women can be part of finding solutions for grand challenges. And from what I have learned here, I can prove everyday lives and break stereotypes. This is my story. And now back to you, Alex.
– Maryam, that was so inspiring. It sounds like there’s no shortage of ways Mines students can help make a difference and work on some cool projects. Thanks for sharing, Maryam.
That was fantastic. Okay. So we’ve talked a lot about what it’s like to learn here at Mines, but of course, we can’t forget about Mines’ top ranked national championship winning athletics program. We’re gonna meet up with Kat, who recently got her bachelor’s degree from Mines, but is back pursuing a master’s degree in operations research. She’s also on the track and field team, and is gonna walk us through what it’s like to be an Oredigger athlete. Kat, you’re up.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. My older sister went to Mines. And after spending Thanksgiving and winter breaks watching her play Oredigger basketball, I knew Mines was the school for me. But I didn’t just want to follow in her footsteps, so I chose a different university. I immediately knew I made a mistake and quickly transferred to Mines, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made. I found a strong tight-knit community of athletes who are willing to welcome me in and help me navigate being a student athlete, sitting next to me in classes, and forming late night study groups after practice. My coaches and fellow athletes pushed me to expand my circle, where organizations like Blue Key, undergraduate student government, and more welcomed me and other athletes in with open arms to make Mines a better place. Here at Mines, athletes win on and off the field. Last year, our teams accounted for more than seven Rocky mountain athletic conference championships, more than 20 individual RMAC champions, winning the All Sports Cup five years running, and five of our teams had the highest GPA in the RMAC. Not to mention, our men’s cross country team won the national championship in 2015 and 2019, while also boasting the highest GPA in those seasons. Many of our athletes are RMAC, all academic team members, all Americans, and we can always count on a summit award winner or two, which is given to the athlete competing with the highest GPA at our conference tournaments. Orediggers sure know how to stay ahead of the game. In addition to our varsity teams, our club sports teams strive for excellence as well. We have so many opportunities for students to get involved, from soccer, to water polo, to rugby. They consistently compete against larger schools like CEU, CSU, and DU, while getting bids to the national championship as well. Mines athletic prepares every student athlete for life after college. Our coaches, administration, and professors work hard to ensure that we’re ready to succeed. Competing in one of the hardest conferences in D2 while getting a STEM degree teaches each and every one of us at Mines what it means to persevere and push through anything thrown your way. Now throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Kat. Those views from the stadium are incredible. Thanks for sharing your experiences as an athlete, and all the opportunities you were able to pursue here at Mines. We can’t wait to see where life takes you next. Take care, Kat.
Now more than ever, it’s important to care for our students physical, mental, and emotional health. Our next student is sharing a powerful, personal story of their mental health wellness journey. Dial in closely as we meet Alexandra, who is an advocate for mental health. Alexandra walks us through several health and wellness resources on campus and in the Ames community.
– What’s up y’all I knew to be successful in college, I needed a university that focused on more than just education. A happy and healthy environment, and a strong support system were really important to me. Iowa State University and the city of Ames had everything I was looking for. I was enrolled and excited to be a part of Iowa State’s highly ranked event management program. Unfortunately not long after school started, I was faced with some mental health challenges. I was struggling to get out of bed to see friends or take part in sorority events. Let alone go to class and complete assignments. Noticing my declining grades, my academic advisor met with me and she encouraged me to seek out on-campus resources for student health. It was nerve-wracking to admit I needed that kind of support, but I quickly realized I was not alone. Navigating mental health is difficult and it affects a lot of college students’ lives. My stress levels caused me to be physically sick so I was going to Thielen Health Center a lot. Creating a same day or next day appointment is really easy and they work really hard to make it accessible even with my limited insurance. I was also utilizing student counseling services. They paired me with an individual counselor for a few meetings and then found me an affordable therapist in Ames to continue long-term services for. They really advocated for me to have psychiatric services that actually worked. Overwhelmed, I dropped out of college at one point, fearful I couldn’t do it. But because of Iowa State’s support resources, I now get to see a future with a college degree in it. And I will always be thankful for that. Iowa State’s wellness services have truly changed my life for the better. Thank you for listening to my story. Stay happy and healthy. Back over to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your story, Alexandra. Your openness is sure to help other students who may encounter similar challenges. Additionally, Iowa State supports overall student health through fully equipped gyms, group fitness classes, intramural sports and outdoor recreation.
Okay, so while we have seen a lot of opportunities Iowa State offers academically, there are even more ways to get involved outside the classroom. Over 900 of them. Let’s meet Ally, a student club expert who has taken advantage of just about everything Iowa State has available. Ally, let’s hear all about it.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. The second I stepped on campus, I fell in love with Iowa State. With a well known engineering program and a beautiful campus, my heart was captured. Iowa State has more than 900 student clubs and organizations. My first semester on campus, I went to Club Fest and joined 17 clubs. Club Fest is a way for students to connect with other clubs and organizations. Everything looked so fun and exciting, I couldn’t say no. On top of those 17 clubs, I was also involved in the sorority and fraternity community. Now I’m not saying to go and join 17 clubs, but I do suggest getting involved. I joined professional organizations, engineering organizations, and clubs for fun. Like learning how to swing dance. One of my favorite clubs is TEAM, the Engineering Ambassador and Mentor Program. With TEAM, I give tours through the College of Engineering to prospective students and families. And it has been the highlight of my week for the last four years. I’ve also loved being a part of the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of International Engineers. There is certainly a club for everyone and if it doesn’t exist, you can create it. Iowa State is a big school but joining clubs makes it feel smaller and gives a sense of community. Joining clubs also allows you to meet incredible people and gain skills for life after college. Giving tours for TEAM has allowed me to expand my public speaking and conversational skills. And with the Society of Women Engineers, I’m able to network with other professional women in engineering. Come find your club at Iowa State. Now back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Ally! I wouldn’t even know where to start! How exciting that you have experienced clubs to further your educational experience, clubs that allow you to give back and clubs to have some fun with friends. Sounds like you’ve had a blast. And there truly is something for every interest right here at Iowa State.
Staff, faculty and students at Iowa State all live by the principles of community. The messaging bedrock for cultivating inclusion at the university. These include respect, purpose, cooperation, richness of diversity, freedom from discrimination, and the honest and respectful expression of ideas. Creating an environment of success, Iowa State offers many resources to students from all walk of life. Up next, we have Sarah to share a bit more about some of those resources. Sarah, it’s all yours.
– Hey, Alex. Being a transfer student to Iowa State, I know how valuable it is to find a university that offers opportunities for all walks of life. It was important for me to find a campus culture that fosters individuality and welcomes students wherever they are on their academic journey. One of the best examples of Iowa State’s adaptability with transfer students is through our student learning communities. I was placed into the psychology transfer student learning community class my first semester here. It helped me get a head start on creating a graduation plan with my transfer credits. It also allowed me to make community and campus connections by encouraging involvement in clubs and organizations. Through this, I decided to become a peer mentor and co-instruct the transfer site class to help students transition into their new home. Iowa State plays a big part in not only paving the way for new students coming to campus, but in honoring the identities that already live in the heart of our campus. Student identities are celebrated all throughout the university grounds through historic dedications to minority groups, such as the Sloss House. Which offers programming and resources towards the advancement of gender equity. And the Upcoming Plaza, dedicated to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which amplifies the importance of historically black sororities and fraternities. I found my home as the first vice president of a newly founded organization called Pride Goes Greek. A community for underrepresented members of the sorority and fraternity community, especially for those identifying under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. I was worried about finding the right community on such a large campus, but little did I know that Cyclone Nation would help me challenge my perspectives and connect me with the right people to make change happen. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much, Sarah. I’m so glad you found your place at Iowa State and are helping others find theirs. With more than 30,000 Cyclones, Iowa State recognizes that no two students are alike and a variety of identities build campus diversity. Whether you’re a veteran, transfer student, LGBTQIA+, nontraditional, multicultural or utilize student’s accessibility services, there’s a place for you here at Iowa State. Iowa State has students from all 50 states and more than a 100 nations, all coming together to call Ames their home. This vibrant college town is part of what makes Iowa State so special.
While there’s a lot to do on campus, the Ames community both shopping, dining and outdoor activities to make the most of your college experience. Let’s check in with Stuart to see how he’s made Ames his home.
– You know, Alex growing up on a crop farm in small town Eastern Iowa and watching my father work to improve his farming operation, was truly inspirational. This led me to further my agricultural education here at Iowa State University. The moment I arrived in Ames was perfect. It was an easy place I could definitely call home. Getting involved is something that was really important to me. That’s why the first thing I did was join a fraternity. I have had fantastic opportunities, including becoming the president of the Farm Operations Club, becoming an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and assisting in Iowa State University’s homecoming. Iowa State and the city of Ames provide countless opportunities for lifelong memories. There’s been a horticulture garden at Iowa State since 1914 and now Reiman Gardens is one of the finest gardens in the country. As one of the most popular attractions in Ames, Reiman Gardens is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The best part, it’s free for all Iowa State students. With a population of just over 66,000, Ames has all the benefits of a bigger city. Including job opportunities, attractions, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. But it still definitely has that small town feel. It’s no wonder Ames is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in America. Ames is also conveniently located only 40 minutes away from Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. Moving here, easy. Accessible transportation was a must for me. CyRide, the city’s bus system, is a collaboration between the city of Ames and Iowa State. With CyRide’s 13 routes, you can easily get anywhere you need to go. My time spent here in Ames is something I’m gonna cherish forever. It’s easy to see why Ames has been ranked the number one college town in America. I hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself. What do you think, Alex? Back to you.
– I’m having a great time, Stuart! What a welcoming community and beautiful part of the country. You’re right, it’s easy to see why Ames is consistently ranked as one of the best places in America to live. Amazing.
From inventors to astronauts, to Fortune 500 CEOs, Iowa State students are prepared to take on all kinds of challenges when they graduate. That includes educating and empowering students for those real life experiences. In addition to hosting some of the largest career fairs in the nation. Let’s meet Laura, a senior marketing and management student who is already capitalizing on the internship and career opportunities through Iowa State.
– Hey, Alex! As a futuristic thinker, my mindset coming into college was a little bit different than some. I knew it was more than just getting a degree. And that’s why I chose Iowa State University. This university is not only gonna provide you with the best four years, but the people here are gonna set you up for success for your future endeavors. The main goal is not only to find that major you love and get a degree, but to really find your passions and find that fitting career. I love my majors and researching for future careers. But when it came time for me to apply for a job, I had no idea where to begin. Luckily Iowa State invests and values in student success. With cover letter enhancing, resume building and interview prep. If you’re unsure with your passions or your career path, check out Career Exploration Services. They can help you identify your strengths and a fitting career. At the beginning of every semester, Iowa State holds many career fairs. All students are encouraged to go to start networking. And that’s exactly how I landed my internship last summer with Pepsi Co. My goal was always to work for a Fortune 500 company. And with Iowa State’s resources of interview prep and cover letter enhancing, I was selected. Shortly after being at Pepsi for a couple months, Iowa State alumni reached out to me to congratulate me and offer a helping hand. That’s the power of Cyclones everywhere. A college education is more than just learning skills for a job, it’s about honing in on skills that sets you apart, finding a career path and joining a community of Cyclones that makes Iowa and the world a better place. I can’t wait for what the future holds, but I know I’ll be just fine with the endless support and opportunities that Iowa State has to offer. Let me hear your go Cyclones, Alex!
– Go, Cyclones! Laura, what comes after college is so important. Having a network of over a quarter million living alumni is an incredible resource. Clearly Iowa State has prepared you to be a business leader of tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing.