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 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.

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

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