Engineering student Hannah Vogts
Welcome from Dean McKenna
Greetings, friends and alumni of Iowa Engineering — I am delighted to bring you this year’s issue of Iowa Engineer!
This issue offers a window into the energy and purpose that define our college. It is a place shaped by passionate faculty and staff, motivated and forward-looking students, and a shared dedication to strengthening communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Research Excellence
Simulating the Moon
Iowa INSIGHT: New initiative applies science to Iowa’s health problems
Reimagining portable oxygen therapy
From F1 to Iowa
Scaling light
Engineering against the elements
Green Beret joins academia
Faculty achievements
Colleen Bringman
Colleen Bringman, associate professor of instruction, has received a 2026 President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence, recognizing exceptional and sustained contributions to student learning and success.
Beth Rundlett
Beth Rundlett, professor of practice, was named the Sharon K. Tinker Process Safety Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering for a five-year term, reflecting Rundlett’s dedication to training students in chemical safety and engineering tactics.
Greg LeFevre
Greg LeFevre, associate professor, won the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Award for 2026. His work has shaped national conversations on water quality and earned major recognition, including a National Science Foundation CAREER Award.
Fatima Toor
Fatima Toor, Lowell G. Battershell Chair in Laser Engineering, made the 2026 class of Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors, which recognizes emerging academic inventors with success in patents, licensing, commercialization, and translational research.
Yong Chen
Yong Chen, ISE professor and departmental executive officer, is leading a new $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program to develop nextgeneration manufacturing systems to make Iowa more competitive in the global marketplace.
Fred Stern
Fred Stern, George D. Ashton Professor of Hydroscience and Engineering, won the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence, honoring the internationally recognized leader in ship hydrodynamics for his sustained record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
College News
Four decades of engineering and curiosity
Research staff nab Fulbrights
Turning 100
More than padding the resume
Two pioneers
Student Success
Investments in student success
Students save Iowa community $60,000
PhD student's algorithm becomes global resource
Building rockets — and engineers
Undergrad turned entrepreneur
Always a Hawkeye
Stormwater expert traces success back to Iowa
Molly's Miracles
Honored Alumni Awards
Alumni notes
1990s
- Raymond Richards (93BSE, 94MS, 97PhD, 10MBA) was appointed chief technology officer for RTX BBN Technologies.
- Heather McConnell-Smith (Jewell) (99BSE) was promoted to director of the East Region gas operations with Ameren Corp.
2000s
- Kristina (Kuraitis) Kennedy (00BSE) was recently promoted to professor of practice at The Ohio State University College of Engineering. Kennedy’s expertise focuses on product development drawing upon her career as an automotive engineer with Honda.
- Brooke Slavens (01BSE) received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for her research on the physical impacts of manual wheelchair use — an area of real-world importance, as more than 90% of wheelchair users rely on manual models. Slavens is the Richard and Joanne Grigg Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
- Karen Troy (03PhD) has been named the John Woodman Higgins Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Troy is also head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and specializes in the area of musculoskeletal biomechanics, particularly clinical applications of quantitative imaging and computational modeling.
- Joshua Gersten (04BSE) accepted a position in the quality improvement program at University of Iowa Health Care after working 14 years in various roles at Integrated DNA Technologies.
- Brett Bathel (05BSE, 05BSE, 07MS), a researcher and team lead at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and his colleague, Joshua Weisberger, were named co-winners of NASA’s 2025 Government Invention of the Year for their Compact, Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren (SAFS) system.
2010s
Dave Svac (13BSE) was promoted to senior director of operations at Collins Aerospace.
2020s
Kathryn Garn (22BSE), based in Austin, Texas, was promoted to global project manager in the surgical division at Enovis, a medical technology company. In 2025, Garn launched three new hip implants in the U.S. orthopedic market.
Alan Ramirez (23BSE) is lead engineer at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Jamie Trentz (23BSE, 24MS), based in West Des Moines, was named structural engineer for LeMar Industries, a subsidiary of Brock Grain Systems.
Fall 2025
Fernando Carrillo, civil engineer, Shive Hattery, Iowa City, Iowa. Sofia Espinoza, software engineer, Veeva, Boston, Massachusetts; MS student, University of Michigan. Greg Gerst, systems engineer, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sam Gorman, transmission line designer, ITC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Blake Jones, industrial engineer, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Andrew Kloser, electrical engineer, Design Engineers, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jonathan Kruk, mechanical designer, Stantec, Chicago, Illinois. Matthew Kvistberg, Johnson County Ambulance Service, Iowa City, Iowa; MD student. Rachel Loomis, project engineer, Helm Mechanical, Westmont, Illinois. Joe Manternach, design engineer, Garmin, Olathe, Kansas. Faith Maue, technical solutions engineer, Epic Systems, Verona, Wisconsin. Nola Murhammer, field service engineer, Abbott, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison O'Grady, process engineer, Procter & Gamble, Iowa City, Iowa. Chase Porter, missionary with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), Fargo, North Dakota. Keian Secrist, MS student, University of Iowa. Carrington Stilabower, project manager, Epic Systems, Verona, Wisconsin. David Verastegui, structural engineer, Axiom Consultants, Iowa City, Iowa
Spring 2026
Helena Josephine Abodeely, risk consulting analyst, Marsh McLennan, Chicago, Illinois. Brady Christopher Adams, structural engineer 1, Nelson Engineering, Jackson, Wyoming. Molly Mei Albrecht, supplier engineer, Boston Scientific, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Luke Thomas Alby, field engineer, Mortenson Construction. Mariyah Janel Allen, project engineer, Ajinomoto, Eddyville, Iowa. Adrian Andres Alvarez, software engineer 1, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Brynn Bailey, entry level structural engineer, Stanley Consultants, Des Moines, Iowa. Rose Marie Byersdorfer, civil analyst, Kimley-Horn, Apple Valley, Minnesota. Brianna Nicole Cannoy, MD student, University of Iowa. Jacob Zachary Chay, project engineer, F.E. Moran, Northbrook, Illinois. Meaghan Adair Cone, mechanical engineer, Lockheed Martin, Titusville, Florida. Isabella Pilar Conrad, intelligent controls and automation engineer, Procter & Gamble, Iowa City, Iowa. Nicholas F. Covello, project engineer, Traylor Brothers, Sault St. Marie, Michigan. Evelyn Maria Del Campo, associate product manager, CIVCO Medical Solutions, Coralville, Iowa. Carter Trey DeLanoit, associate engineer, Rite-Hite, Dubuque, Iowa. James Sullivan Derrig, Continental Fire Sprinkler Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Anisa Dominguez, applications/sales engineer, Emerson, Marshalltown, Iowa. Giovanni Scudiero Drosos, project manager, ENGIE North America, Iowa City, Iowa. Lucas Dunlap, piping engineer, Brindley Engineering, Warrenville, Illinois. Tyler Michael Dwinal, MS student, University of Iowa. Kailey Elliott, manufacturing systems engineer, Northrop Grumman, Clearfield, Utah. Jack Thomas Eyrich, structured cabling field engineer, Mortenson Construction. Gabriela Anna Fiedor, wastewater engineer, Strand Associates Inc., Joliet, Illinois. Rhea Ariadne Fisch, PhD student, University of Minnesota. Emily Nicole Formella, MS student, University of Iowa. Marista Emily Fraley, structural engineering intern, CDM Smith, Denver, Colorado; MS student, University of Iowa. Eli Herman Friesen, civil engineer 1, Shoemaker Haaland, Coralville, Iowa. Benjamin Sam Gargani, mechanical engineer, AquaAerobic Systems Inc., Rockford, Illinois. Samuel Edwin Greiner, wastewater engineer, Strand Associates Inc., Ames, Iowa. Andrew Paul Heim, engineer, training 1, Stanley Consultants, Des Moines, Iowa. Braden James Hemann, field engineer, Turner Construction, Des Moines, Iowa. Bailey Herrboldt, applications and sales engineer, Emerson, Marshalltown, Iowa. Klaertje Kiyora Hesselink, PhD student, Stanford University. Tony James Hobart, Air Force Officer 32E. Eric Hou, process safety engineer, Fauske and Associates, Burr Ridge, Illinois. Rebecca Ann Hughes, MS student, Northwestern University. John Henry Hughes, control engineer, IFP Motion Solutions, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Alexis Grace Isenberg, field engineer, Turner Construction Company, Chicago, Illinois. Joshua Zander Jackson, graduate engineer, HBK LLC Engineering, Iowa City, Iowa. Conner Dean Jacobson, project engineer – mechanical, Baker Group, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ethan Timothy Keeney, manufacturing engineer, Brava Roof Tile, Washington, Iowa. Peyton Joseph Kennedy, systems engineer – TAC communications, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Zdan Kent, MS student, University of Iowa. Tyler Kent, machine evaluation engineer, RFA Engineering, Dubuque Iowa. Reece Elana Kracht, technical solutions engineer, Epic Systems, Madison, Wisconsin. Matthew Nolan Krueger, service controls engineer, TruNorth Automation, White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Anna Elaine Larson, MS student, University of South Florida. Emmy Elizabeth Lewis, engineer intern, KC Engineering, Ankeny, Iowa. Tyler Joel Little, articulated dump truck continuous improvement engineer, RFA Engineering, Davenport, Iowa. Emma Kate Mackin, electrical engineer 1 (entry level) – nuclear, Sargent & Lundy LLC, Chicago, Illinois. Ryan Marten, MS student, Baylor College of Medicine. Tyler Jordan McGlasson, MS student, University of Iowa. Thomas James Meltesen, graduate engineering intern, Intel Corporation, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; MS student, University of Iowa. Hope Mickey, MS program, University of Iowa. Alejandro Mirafuentes, process/manufacturing engineer, Marmon Holdings, Louisville, Kentucky. Mishka Mohamed Nour, design professional – electrical, Shive-Hattery, Iowa City, Iowa. Zack Roderick Mulholland, software developer, Epic Systems, Verona, Wisconsin. Jack Muller, assistant civil engineer, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, Missouri. Ella Kate Nail, manufacturing engineer, Boston Scientific, Arden Hills, Minnesota. Palin Rajesh Narsian, MD student, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Jacob Andrew Oke, mechanical design engineer 1, IMEG, Naperville, Illinois. Tyler Christian Orme, software engineer 1, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Tara Jo Pas, MS student, University of Iowa. Lydia Christine Pauley, manufacturing engineer, Boston Scientific, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kaitlin Michelle Pavletich, project engineer, Xiogneix, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Juliann Pawlowski, process engineer, Procter & Gamble, Iowa City, Iowa. Scott C. Pearson, software engineer, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Isabelle Anne Pfeiffer, process engineer, Procter & Gamble, Iowa City, Iowa. Benjamin Isaiah Phillips, integration solutions engineer, Epic Systems, Madison, Wisconsin. Kenneth Porter, civil engineer, Delta 3 Engineering, Platteville, Wisconsin. Atif Uddin Qureshi, MD student, University of Iowa. Kristen Ava Remley, clinical specialist – EP, Abbott, Iowa City, Iowa. Joe Renquist, industrial engineer (level 1), Boeing, Everett, Washington. Diego J. Robles Mansilla, industrial engineer co-op, Disney, Anaheim, California; MS student, University of Iowa. Grace Elizabeth Rodriguez, process engineer, Boston Scientific, Arden Hills, Minnesota. Zachary Thomas Schultz, manufacturing engineer, Parker-Hannifin, Machesney Park, Illinois. Alexandria Rene Sigman, associate specialist – engineering, Merck & Co., Elkton, Virginia. Nicholas Alan Simpson, civil engineer, Atwell, Lombard, Illinois. Theodore James Golden Smith, electrical engineer, Mortenson Construction, Arizona. Jacob Dariusz Staniek, technical sales and applications engineer, American Water Chemicals, Plant City, Florida. Michael Anthony Strahanoski, designer, Hill Group (Hill Fire), Franklin Park, Illinois. Ashley Streck, MS student, Eastern Michigan University. Ella Maris Thompson, wastewater engineering consultant, Strand Associates, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin. Thomas Tsilimigras, software engineer associate, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Xavier James Uhrmacher, design certification engineer intern, Garmin, Olathe, Kansas. Mia Vekich, process engineer, Procter & Gamble, Iowa City, Iowa. Alexa Vekich, assistant civil engineer – aviation and federal group, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, Missouri. Samuel James Vis, civil engineer, CAGE Engineering, Chicago, Illinois. Adam Edward Wagner, designer 1, IMEG, Rock Island, Illinois. Eleanor Grace Willey, project engineer, Xylem, Chaska, Minnesota. Mya Grace Williamson, assistant project manager, Interstates, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska. Kalyn Zitsch, manufacturing equipment engineer, Honda, Russells Point, Ohio.
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Alumni highlights
Beth Westlake Blanco (07BSE, 09MS, 10MS, 16MS)
Blanco explored Antarctica on her quest to visit all seven continents. Beyond a polar plunge, seeing a leopard seal lazing on an iceberg, and surviving a hungry whale gliding under her kayak, Blanco had two takeaways for young engineers.
- You’re allowed to have many once-in-a-lifetime moments; don’t save them all for retirement!
- Visiting the Brown research station (one of the few human-made structures on the continent) gave her a new appreciation for the engineering required to design and maintain facilities in such an extreme environment.
Blanco is currently pursuing a PhD in industrial and systems engineering (ISE) and serves on the ISE advisory board
Addison O'Grady (25BSE)
At Iowa, O'Grady was known for being a key player on the women’s basketball team, including in two NCAA Final Four appearances. She is now a process engineer at Procter & Gamble in Iowa City, Iowa.
Taylor McCabe (26BSE)
McCabe, a civil engineering graduate, was selected for the ceremonial puck drop at the Iowa Heartlanders hockey game on April 11. McCabe played a part in the most storied years in Hawkeye women’s basketball history. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Heartlanders.)
In memoriam
1950s
Charles Hanson (50BSE)
George Latch (50BSEE)
John Baum (53BSEE)
J. Keith Hultquist (55BSCE, 68MBA)
John Kemp (55BSCE)
Clyde Bradley (58BSE)
Francis Jeffries (58BSEE, 64MBA)
Roger Stoughton (58BSCE)
Carl Anglin (59BSME)
Richard Covert (59MS, 64PhD)
Leon Lammers (59BSME, 68MS)
Alan Leff (59BSEE, 63JD)
Richard Morningstar (59BSME)
Paul Olsen (59BSEE)
Jerry Stringfellow (59BSME)
1960s
Ronald Brown (60BSEE)
Garnett Held (60BSME)
George Seaberg (60BSME)
James Skog (60BSE)
Dale Smith (60BSCE)
Darrel Thomsen (60BSME, 66MS)
Joseph Maerschalk (61BSME, 65MS)
Joseph Rappuchi (61BSCHE)
Richard Riley (61BSME, 65MS)
John Welch (61BSME)
Larry Bailey (62BSCHE)
Arthur Carlson (62BSEE, 64MS, 66PhD)
Richard Fleischman (62BSCE)
James McIntosh (62BSCHE, 63MS, 66PhD)
Francis Kurrie (63BSME)
Gerald Finzel (64BSME)
Hugh Fisher (64BSCE)
Larry Gibson (64BA, 64BSCHE)
Gene Sweeney (64BSEE)
William Simpson (67MS)
James Longstreth (68BSCHE)
Richard Marr (68MS)
1970s
Stanley Meyer (70BSCHE)
Rick Naber (70BSCE)
Frank Swenson (70PhD)
Robert Beneda (76MS)
William Park (76MS)
James Bartlett (77BSCE, 79MS)
Paul Waytenick (78MS)
1980s
Charles Schmadeke (80BSCE)
Dwight Iles (81BSME)
Gary Biderman (82BSME)
Warren Tunwall (83BSME, 93MBA)
Paul Hammerschmidt (86BSE)
1990s
William Farmer (90BSE)
Martin Swanson (92BSE)
Nick Schaub (98BA, 02BSE)
2000s
Paul Kucera (02PhD)
Remembering John Paul Robinson
Remembering John Forys
Did you know?
Order of the Engineer
For the first time since 2017, the College of Engineering hosted the Order of the Engineer, where graduating seniors, including Evie Del Campo (right) pledged to uphold their devotion to the standards and dignity of the engineering profession.
Library Events
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library hosts events and activities throughout the year, including a soldering workshop in the spring.
World Flags Project
The World Flags Project was created by the Engineering Staff Advisory Council (ESAC) in 2010. The display of flags to represent all current staff, students, and faculty can be found just outside the Lichtenberger Engineering Library in the Student Commons.
Graduation by the Numbers 2025–2026
From local to global
41 Iowa counties • 22 states and territories • 25 countries
Success in numbers
357 BSE • 70 MS • 29 PhD • 35 candidates graduating with a minor • 147 candidates graduating with a certificate • 46 candidates graduating with university honors • 88 candidates graduating with distinction