Empower Alumni

I work in Denver, CO as a Transmission & Distribution EIT at HDR which is an engineering consulting firm. I design transmission and distribution power lines for clients all over the US. At HDR I am part of the board for a club called Young Professionals (YP). We help mentor new/young employees at HDR and help them develop their corporate/professional lives. I specifically hold the out of office culture chair and help plan events outside of the work office to help promote unity and a welcoming environment among all young professionals. YP really helped me in my transition from school life to corporate life and I hope to give back and help others in the same way.

The Empower Program was everything for me. It helped me make friends, make lasting memories, employed me, helped me get scholarships, attend conferences, get an internship, and ultimately get my current job. Without empower my time at MSU would’ve been vastly different and I don’t think would’ve achieved half the things I have. I love the Empower program!

The faculty in the engineering school gave me a great expierience and the capstone program helped me learn a lot!

Say yes and figure out the details later. Keep an open mind because everything in school is an opportunity, make the most of it!

Caleb's LinkedIn

I am a Design Engineer at a Civil Engineering firm in Southwestern Washington. I get to work on a large range of projects from roadways to industrial development sites. In my free time I enjoy exploring the PNW, whether that be fishing, hiking, or camping.

The Empower Center was indeed the center of my MSU experience. If I was not in classes, I was in the Empower Center studying or tutoring. It really was (and is) the place to be. The Empower community is the heart of the center. You will find people who
support, encourage, and root for your success in all aspects of life.

Join a club! I was a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Get to know people who are passionate about the same things you are. Networking is super crucial to finding success during and after University.

Go to office hours. It’s okay to not know everything. Those one-on-one sessions are super helpful and making connections outside the classroom goes a long way.

Chloe's LinkedIn

I am currently pursuing my master's in Civil engineering with a focus on water resources and ecohydraulics. I will graduate from MSU in the spring of 2027. I teach two undergraduate laboratory courses: EENV 341 (Physical and Chemical Treatment Processes) and EENV 342 (Biological Treatment Processes). I research ammonium adsorption and biocemenation methods using bacterial cellulose at our Center for Biofilm Engineering (CBE). I also do research for Bridger Bowl, our local ski area, through the Geospatial Core Facility on campus. We are quantifying stream flow coming out of the snowmaking pond to obtain a water right and expand our snowmaking operations. 

I found the Empower Program after taking a medical leave from school. I struggled to return to campus after my hiatus while still dealing with health issues and safety concerns on campus. The Empower Program changed my life and is a major reason I was able to complete my degree. It provided me with community, offered a safe place to land when I wasn't feeling well both physically and mentally, and truly became the highlight of my school experience. Every ounce of free time I had was spent in the Empower Center, and it was well worth it. I was not only able to tutor in the center but also receive tutoring from my peers in classes where I was struggling. It became the place where I felt safest, got the most work done, had the most laughs, and made my favorite memories from my undergrad. Susan Kelly, the center's director, was my closest mentor throughout my degree, continuously championing my success and providing me opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I feel proud to be a Bobcat because of resources like the Empower Center, and I wouldn't be able to pursue further education without this program. 

The female faculty in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department were also very impactful on my academic career and who I am as a student and individual today. Adie Phillips offered me a research position after I returned from my medical leave, hoping her laboratory could be a safe space for me on campus. This led to my work in the CBE, which directly enabled me to pursue a master's degree. The other female faculty and staff—Dr. Amanda Hohner, Dr. Kathryn Plymesser, Dr. Catherine Kirkland, and Naomi Klockmann—supported me enthusiastically and gave me the confidence to not only finish my undergrad but also pursue my master's. 

It's okay if you don't find your community right away! I didn't experience my freshman year on campus because of COVID, so I didn't have many friends for the majority of sophomore year because I missed out on the community experience of a dorm and campus life. It was well worth the wait to find people with whom I aligned morally and who shared similar interests. My patience paid off, and my first close friend group are still my best friends, and some of them are even my roommates! While it may be lonely initially, being selective about the people you spend time with benefits you more in the end. 

I'm working with Salish Kootenai College Extension on the Flathead Indian Reservation, where my work involves restoration ecology, agricultural education, research, and community-based projects. I get to work on everything from invasive species management and soil ecology to food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and helping young people gain hands-on experience in science.

One of the things I enjoy most is connecting scientific research with the communities and landscapes it is meant to serve. I spend a lot of time developing projects, working with students and community partners, and finding ways to make science more accessible and useful.

Empower gave me a sense of community and support at a time when I was figuring out my place in higher education. Having people who believed in me and were genuinely invested in my success made a difference. It reminded me that success in college isn't just about academic ability. It's also about having opportunities, encouragement, and people willing to help you find your way.

Dr. Jane Mangold and Dean Matt Caires were instrumental in my success at MSU. Serving as student vice president of Phi Kappa Phi for two years was also a meaningful experience. The American Indian Center, Plant Growth Center, and my involvement with AISES and SACNAS provided opportunities for learning, leadership, and community that helped shape who I am today.

Don't underestimate yourself, and don't be afraid to take opportunities just because you don't feel completely prepared. You don't have to know everything when you start. Be curious, work hard, ask questions, and follow through on what you begin. Some of the most important things you'll learn won't happen in a classroom.

I never imagined how much of my career would involve bringing people together. I went into science because I was interested in understanding the natural world, but I've learned that much of the important work happens when you connect science, education, community needs, and people who have different kinds of knowledge and experience.

Ian's LinkedIn

I am a Ph.D. student at Ohio State University with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2027. I am also a current intern at NASA Glenn Research Center as a cryogenic fluid analyst. Outside of a professional setting, I very much enjoy rock climbing, hiking, baseball, and tennis. 

The Empower Center was a welcoming environment that I cherished. Susan helped me through so much. I truly believe that I would not be where I am today without the guidance of Susan and the Empower Program (professionally and emotionally).

Generally speaking, my graduating class (ChemE/BioE 2023), both students and faculty, were such a formative group of people that helped me so much technically as an engineer. I also formed lots of personal relationships that will last a lifetime.

As scary as it is, ask questions all the time. I believe there isn't such a thing as a dumb question, and it should be encouraged to ask your peers and mentors as many questions as possible (even if they seem like a simple question). You are a sponge, so absorb the knowledge.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-naudet/

I am pursuing a masters in Optics and Photonics at MSU (2027) while playing on several local and out of state roller derby teams!

Empower offered community, assistance with studying, and a chill place to relax when things got hectic (also snacks). I am thankful for this space and those that make it happen.

Undergraduate research rocks! Spectrum Lab allowed me to understand the type of industry I am excited to continue in.

Make time to go outside and call friends or family.

I work in Andover, MA as a Systems Engineer at Raytheon. In my free time I enjoy hiking, fishing, and playing softball with my coworkers.

The Empower Program provided an amazing community where I was able to make many friends, spend time studying with classmates, enjoy great snacks, and help other students through tutoring. From the moment I walked in, Susan welcomed me into the community with open arms. She helped me in so many ways, including getting scholarships, attending conferences, getting internships, and always pushing me to challenge myself.  I don't think I would be the person I am today without meeting Susan and the Empower Community. 

Another program at MSU that was formative to my development was AISES. I got the opportunity to attend club meetings, several conferences, and presented at STEM outreach events at the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Reservations. During my time at AISES conferences I was able to make several connections that ultimately aided in my internship offers at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and NASA Ames Research Center. I would not have been able to attend these conferences without the help of Susan and the Empower Program. Susan helped me find flights and hotel rooms, while also hosting workshops at MSU to prepare for conferences, such as LinkedIn and resume help sessions. 

Don't be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone, one day I walked into a room where I knew nobody and I ended up leaving MSU as part of a wonderful community.

Liam's LinkedIn

I am a second-year master's student in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University, where I conduct research focused on developing new methods to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapies to the brain.

The Empower Program provided a supportive community that helped me grow both academically and personally during my time at MSU. Through the program, I had the opportunity to become more involved on campus, including working as a tutor and supporting other students. Being part of Empower helped me build confidence in my abilities, develop meaningful connections, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities beyond what I initially imagined for myself.

Two programs that had a significant impact on my time at MSU were the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and Engineering Ambassadors. Through SACNAS, I was able to connect with a supportive community of students who shared similar backgrounds and interests in STEM, while also learning about opportunities for research and professional development. Engineering Ambassadors gave me the opportunity to share my passion for engineering with others while developing my communication and leadership skills. Both programs helped me grow personally and professionally, build confidence in my abilities, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities beyond my undergraduate education.

Don't be afraid to explore opportunities outside of your comfort zone or take a path that looks different from what you originally imagined. It's okay not to know exactly how you'll reach your goals, and sometimes the experiences you least expect can have the biggest impact on your future.

Payton's LinkedIn

Working as the director of the MSU Makerspace!

Getting connected with Empower and Susan meant the world to me. The community provided by the Empower center helped me feel like I belonged in engineering spaces!

I would like to shout out all of the folks in the CHBE department. Without my professors' help, I wouldn't have finished my degree. The library has fantastic resources and workshops to attend, as well as the Math and Stats Center. Take advantage of all of the things MSU has to offer, including the wellness center, research opportunities (MSU has a lot of them), and of course, the Makerspace. 

Talk to faculty and professors! People want to help, give them a chance! Don't be afraid to reach out if you're struggling with something, whether it be life stuff or even just "I don't understand a certain concept in this class". You are here to learn and connect with others; getting a degree alone cannot be done. 

http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fermon-6a485a256

After graduation I moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). I research infrastructure security across the United States, focusing on electric power transmission and distribution. 

The Empower Center was like a home away from home for me at MSU. I loved having a safe, comfortable, quiet space that I enjoyed being in. 

I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Brad Whitaker in the electrical engineering department on an undergraduate research project. This gave me a lot of great background knowledge that has since helped me in my career. I am also thankful to have had great experiences with Dr. Maher and Dr. Repasky in the EE department, in addition to (of course) Susan in the Empower Program. 

Don’t pass up any of the professional development opportunities at MSU! I wish I had gone to more conferences and events, since we have many of those at LANL and they are always great opportunities. 

Skyler's LinkedIn

I am reading, running, and relearning where and how to find whimsy in my life. 

Working with Susan and the entire Empower community was a defining experience of my undergrad. From the long nights studying in the center to the people who taught me more than I could have ever learned in the classroom alone, I can honestly say my undergrad experience would not have been the same without this program. I always knew where I could find help, community, and snacks to keep me going. 

I was fortunate enough to have been able to spend my time at MSU with many different groups (The VOICE Center, The Women’s Center, The Loveday Lab, Boardroom Bobcats, etc.) I learned so much from each program and honestly think being involved with different kinds of organizations was fundamental in developing myself as a whole person. Regardless of what you study, I believe your undergrad is such a great time to explore all of your interests!

No need to perform for an audience that doesn’t exist. 

www.linkedin.com/in/sophiakoukoadams