Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Ernst R. Behrend Scholarship
Awards: President Walker Award, Dean’s List
Why she chose Behrend: It is close to home and has a great engineering program, a beautiful campus, small class sizes, and is really welcoming.
Why she chose her major: I chose Mechanical Engineering because I have always had a love for math and science. I also love it when problems have answers, even it takes some time to figure it out. Engineering also allows me to be creative.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being elected president of the Behrend Engineering Ambassadors and president of the Society of Women Engineers.
Campus involvement: I was the president of the Society of Women Engineers, president of the Behrend Engineering Ambassadors, a member of Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society), and a member of the Schreyer Honors College. I also did undergraduate research work.
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I was on the women’s basketball team for my first two years at Behrend. In total, I played basketball on school teams for thirteen years.
Welcoming the next gen of women engineers: I am very passionate about inspiring young women to pursue engineering! I loved to volunteer at youth outreach events and connect with them.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved. I have met some of my best friends and found what I am passionate about through joining clubs and organizations.
After her graduation in May, Ellen will work as a Project Engineer at Whiting-Turner in Lexington, Kentucky.