Who are you?

    -Name: Camryn Norton

    -Email: camryn-norton@uiowa.edu
    -Major: Environmental Engineering
    -Minors/Certificates: Minor - Studio Art
    -Year: Junior       
    -Hometown: Pella, Iowa

What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman?
I would encourage freshmen to try something new every day. For me, that was talking to new people in my dorm, finding new places to study, and participating in clubs. These things became the highlights of my first year.

What organizations outside the college of engineering do you belong to?
I’ve participated in a handful of extracurricular activities, including the Rural Scholars Research Program and the Environmental Coalition. My favorite is the Salt Company, a Christian Organization here in Iowa City.

How are you an "engineer ... and something more"?
Outside of engineering, one of my biggest passions and hobbies is horses. My freshman year, I traveled to Indianapolis to compete in the annual FFA National Horse Judging Competition. I had the opportunity to represent my chapter and the state of Iowa and placed 4th out of 200 individuals. I recently earned my horse judging to license to further advance my education in this area. Other interests of mine include spending time outdoors, reading, art in any form, and going on adventures with friends.

Have you done any research with a professor? If so, what department was the professor and what was your research about?
During my first year at the University of Iowa, I participated in the Rural Scholars Research Program with chemistry professor, Scott K. Shaw. During our research, my team investigated the efficiency of ethanol blends in comparison to the fuels’ environmental impact.

What is your favorite part about being a student at The University of Iowa?
My favorite part about being a student at Iowa is the community. Engineering school can be stressful, but the right group of people can bring joy to any situation and I am so grateful to have found that community at Iowa.

Who is your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor so far is Dr. Shaw. I spent my freshman year working in his lab as a member of the Rural Scholars Research Program. He taught me many valuable skills during this time and was a great mentor during my first year of college.

What has been your favorite course?
My favorite class has been Principles of Environmental Engineering. It was fascinating to take concepts I learned in core classes, like physics and chemistry, and apply them to environmental engineering specific problems. I also enjoyed building relationships with people in my major during lab and lecture portions of this course.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time at The University of Iowa?
During my free time, I enjoy getting outside and exploring Iowa City. I love going on walks along the river, hammocking on the Pentacrest with friends, and getting lattes from one of the many coffee shops downtown.