Who are you?
-Name: Gianna Caruso
-Email: gianna-caruso@uiowa.edu
-Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
-Minors/Certificates: None
-Year: Junior
-Hometown: Addison, IL
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman?
I would say learn how to ask for help and say yes to plans for the first two weeks! It helps you make friends and learning how to ask for help with be so beneficial when you really need it. Go to tutoring too, it means you’re a good student.
What organizations outside the college of engineering do you belong to?
Campus Activities Board.
How are you an "engineer ... and something more"?
I am an engineer and something more because I love creative writing and music! I write poetry in my free time and spend almost every waking moment listening to music. My passion for poetry really came to be while taking Creative Writing for New Media for my Be Creative credit for the college!
Have you done any research with a professor? If so, what department was the professor and what was your research about?
Priya Pennathur is in the Industrial Systems department and we are researching the negative impacts on the healthcare systems at the University of Iowa due to telehealth and telemedicine during COVID-19.
Is there something else you'd like to tell us about yourself?
I was heavily involved in band and theatre in high school and I think that’s a big reason I am an engineer today, as silly as it sounds. From being a stage manager to the math so deeply involved in music, they’re all more similar than you think.
What is your favorite part about being a student at The University of Iowa?
My favorite part about being a student at Iowa is how different everyone I know is. It puts into perspective what a BIG10 university really means and who that attracts. I also love the little hidden gem food places! If you need food recommendations, I’m happy to help.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Professor Pennathur because I really look up to her and strive to be like her one day. She did her post-grad research at Johns Hopkins and really taught me I could follow my passion and care for the medical field without being biomedical or pre-med. I also have been considering getting my Phd as well. That’s why I wanted to do research with her!
What has been your favorite course?
Introduction to Problem Solving because of the fun labs or Information Systems Design. I also really enjoy Design for Manufacturing so far!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time at The University of Iowa?
I love to get coffee or food at all the little places around Iowa City and hang out with friends. I also love to roller skate or walk around City Park.