Anna is a senior Chemical Engineering undergraduate at the University of South Florida (USF). After entering college as Finance major, chemical engineering sparked her interest during her freshman year’s chemistry class. It was during her two-year internship at The New Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida, that she found a home in Materials & Processes.
Anna is heavily involved in philanthropic causes, particularly STEM education. She is the current President and the previous inaugural Fundraising Chair of the USF Society of Women Engineers. It was her dream to help the organization grow to a state of prestige and honor at the University while increasing outreach to K-12 students to pursue STEM education. She did this by founding two large fundraising events: the “SWE 5K Fun Run” and “Sampling Science: The Engineering Behind Craft Beer”, which raised over $6000. These funds were used to assist members in their professional growth, academically and socially. In her first few months as President, Anna established two scholarship funds, increased membership by 10%, conducted various workshops including financial success and resume development, and established effective means of communication between board members. Her plan for this term is to conduct technical talks for members directed towards expand their professional knowledge and honing their engineering skills. As reflected in her essay, Anna’s passion is to inspire young minds to pursue STEM education and help our members be the best engineers they can be!
Outside of academics, Anna enjoys the outdoors, as it is her time to unwind. Whether it is running, fishing, hunting or camping, she always manages to find time to take part in the beauty of nature. In 2011, she was a Tough Mudder participant, which raised money for the Wounded Warriors Project. Additionally, she is a Nominee for the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award, which also requires an outdoor expedition in addition to academics, community service and personal development projects.
After graduation, Anna will pursue a Masters Degree in Engineering Management. She plans to earn a degree in Materials Engineering and Beer Science and earn certification as a Professional Engineer/PE. Anna will begin an internship in craft beer processing and would love to open a microbrewery in the near future!
Anna’s excellent essay can be found here.