Elise Koltonowski

Who am I

Name: Elise Koltonowski

Email: ekoltonowski@uiowa.edu

Major: Chemical Engineering

Minor/Certificates: Computer Science; Chemistry

Year: Second-year

Hometown: Plymouth, MN

A Little More About Me

What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman?

To reach out! College is something totally new so its really important to try all you can and utilize all the resources offered by the University and by the people around you. 

 

What organizations outside the college of engineering do you belong to?

Circle K [a volunteer organization], Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners

 

Have you had any international experience? If so, where did you go, for how long, and what did you do?

CIMBA Italy Study Abroad Program though the University. I went in the summer of 2022 for 4 weeks and studied Thermodynamics and Italian Culture. I was also able to travel all over Italy on the 4 day weekends. 

 

How are you an "engineer ... and something more"?

I love to volunteer my time to my community though volunteer positions and through being there for the people I am close to.

 

Have you done any research with a professor? If so, what department was the professor and what was your research about?

I have done research in the Chemistry Department in Dr. Shaws Lab. I focused on electrochemical Redox Battery Flow research to work towards better ways to store sustainable energy. 

 

Is there something else you'd like to tell us about yourself?

Something fun about me is that I've paraglided, zip-lined, and cliff jumped and my next 'height-involved' goal is to go skydiving.

 

What is your favorite part about being a student at The University of Iowa?

I love the community that surrounds the University of Iowa. There is so much school spirit here and everyone is so open to new connections, it really is amazing.

 

Who is your favorite professor and why?

H.S. Udaykumar is my favorite professor because he was my Thermodynamics professor during CIMBA Italy and he made Thermodynamics really interesting and got creative with out Italian environment. 

 

What has been your favorite course?

Math 4: Differential Equations. I enjoy the structure and content of that class--it makes problem solving very clear. 

 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time at The University of Iowa?

I love to go on long walks or bike rides with my friends and enjoy the amazing Iowa campus! I always find fun new places to explore. 

 

A fun picture of me.

Elise Koltonowski fun photo