Juliana Danesi Ruiz discovered a passion for robotics in the College of Engineering.

Danesi Ruiz came to Iowa from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she learned about the university almost by chance at a college fair at her school. She knew wanted to be in the engineering program, but not much beyond that. That changed when she took a robotics class taught by Phillip Deierling, lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

“I was able to gain insights into the robotics fundamentals, the Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0, which are concepts I have used in my internship and research,” Danesi Ruiz says.

She joined Deierling’s lab, where she has been working to improve the lab component for the robotics class.

“What I feel is most interesting is seeing how a robot can do as much as a human,” she says. “Robots have a lot of potential to grow into even smarter machines, and I want to be part of that.”

Danesi Ruiz graduates with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and minors in computer science and mathematics, and will stay at Iowa to pursue a doctoral degree. She credits Iowa with opening her eyes to academic and career opportunities.

“If you had asked me four years ago, I would have had no idea that I would be starting my PhD, but all the research experience that Iowa provides to you is exceptional, and every student should take advantage of it.”