About me
I’m a Mechanical Engineering Student with over 2 years of experience.
Education
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING B.S.
Iowa State University / 2022 - 2026
Work Experience
Plant Process Engineering Intern
Pella Corp. / May 2025 - Aug. 2025
Developed VBA automation tool to streamline encoder tuning process, improving setup efficiency
Redesigned encoder mount and profile test jigs in Solid Edge, contributing to product validation and iterative desig
Led tooling cost analysis by tracking moulder blade usage to reduce changeover expenses and extend tool life
Renewables Engineering Co-op
Valero Renewables / May 2024 - Dec. 2024
Updated P&ID, electrical loop, and ISO diagrams in AutoCAD to improve system documentation and upgrades
Coordinated and completed 8+ mechanical, piping, and electrical projects under tight 2.5-day turnaround deadlines
Improved plant safety by installing level alarms in chemical sumps and proactively addressing system-wide hazards
Leadership Experience
Honeywell Rocket Team Lead September ‘25 – Present
Built and launched large-scale rockets, including Sequoia and Shake & Bake, with a 10-member student team
Contributed to hands-on fabrication, avionics prep, and recovery integration for multiple rocket builds
Streamlined launch prep by organizing workspace, making checklists, and supporting system assembly under pressure
IREC Recovery Team Lead - Cyclone Rocketry Club May ‘25 - June ‘25
Stepped into the recovery team lead role shortly before launch and ensured recovery system readiness
Created and implemented detailed checklists to guide recovery system preparation and deployment procedures
Troubleshot avionics and assisted in system integration to support reliable parachute deployment during flight
Friley Hall Resident Assistant January ‘25 - Present
Build a welcoming, inclusive community by hosting events, creating bulletin boards, and supporting residents
Collaborate with staff, enforce policies, and assist residents through desk shifts, rounds, and weekly meetings
Sponsor Chair - Cyclone Rocketry Club July ‘24 - August ‘25
Initiated and defined the sponsor chair role to expand club funding and industry connections
Secured ~$3,000 in sponsorships through outreach to 50+ companies, boosting club funding and visibility
Coordinated sponsor placement across our website, apparel, and rocket wraps with the finance and design team
Alumni Volunteer Recruiter - Iowa Academic Decathlon March ‘24 - Present
Revamped the Iowa AD alumni program and built a volunteer database to improve recruitment efforts
Engaged senior competitors and coordinated outreach to increase returning volunteer participation year over year
Hixson Peer Mentor August ‘23 - December ‘23
Guided 15 freshmen through their transition to college by leading retreats, teaching lessons, and offering support
Completed mentor training while co-developing lesson plans and presenting weekly to audiences of 15–100 students
Weightlifting Club August ‘22 - Present
Train and compete in charity lifting events to support St. Jude’s, building camaraderie through shared goals
Honors
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society
Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honors Society
5x Dean's List
Christina Hixson Opportunity Award Recipient