2011 Iowa STATEment Makers

Iowa 'STATEment Makers' is an annual honor that recognizes the early personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to society of Iowa State University's young alumni (graduates under 32 years of age). The 2010 honorees are:

Brad Baer
New Haven, Conn.

Brad Baer (’07 architecture) is an accomplished young architect, currently completing his master of architecture degree at Yale University, who recently worked on the design, fabrication, and assembly of the Cellophane House at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The four-story house was fabricated off-site and assembled in Midtown Manhattan in just under three weeks. Brad, a man of many interests who describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” says his next venture will take him in a different direction, inspired by the Yale Veggie Dinner program with which he has been involved as a student: He is currently in the process of launching Zoko, a subscription-based website to promote and organize dinner co-ops for young professionals.

Brad on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “inside the College of Design at night or on the lawn in front during the day”

…his guilty pleasure: “Facebook”

…what’s on his iPod: “TED talks, Coltrane, Sinatra, Jay-Z, Mumford & Sons, and everything in between”

…what would make the world a better place: “if people understood the tangible and intangible value of good design to improve quality of life and change the world”

Lindsay Compton
Denver, Colo.

Lindsay Compton (’03 zoology & genetics) always knew she wanted to become a dentist, but before attending Iowa State she never expected to discover a passion and talent for research that has led to national recognition and extensive opportunities for innovation. Lindsay’s research on the roles and implications of β-defensins in oral squamous cell carcinoma was supported by grants from the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the National Institutes of Health, for three years. Today she is a practicing dentist who is in the process of relocating from Kansas City, Mo., to Denver, Colo., and loves to share her enthusiasm for careers in dentistry and dental research with young people.

Lindsay on…

…her favorite ISU memory: “Dancing on the pom squad. I loved cheering on the teams, going to bowl games, and going to tournaments – including the Big 12s and NCAAs. Cyclone fans are the best!”

…her guilty pleasure: “Nutella”

…what would make the world a better place: “if everyone flossed!”

…her favorite words to live by: “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm is terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Wei Du
Olathe, Kan.

With a passion for aviation and space exploration, Wei Du (PhD ’10 aerospace engineering) has devoted his graduate studies at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Iowa State University to analysis and design of flight control systems for large flexible launch vehicles. Wei is now employed in the aviation department of Garmin International, tasked with developing new algorithmic approaches for avionics. An invited member of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, his work has led to a nomination from the IEEE Wichita Section for recognition among the 2011 “New Faces of Engineering.” Wei is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the IEEE Control System Society, and the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society.

Wei on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “301 Beyer Hall – the base of the ISU Fencing Club”

…his favorite ISU memory: “On April 10, 2008, astronaut and ISU alum Clayton Anderson came back to ISU and talked about his 152 days on the International Space Station. His speech was really funny and inspirational!”

…his dream job: “astronaut”

…his role model: “Wernher von Braun”

Lyndsey Medders Fennelly
Ames, Iowa

Cyclone women’s basketball fans will remember Lyndsey Medders Fennelly (’07 sports management) for her heroics on the court, but today she is serving as a role model and hero to young athletes through her work with PGC Basketball, which allows her to work with 3,000-5,000 young adults on basketball and life skills every year. Lyndsey is also an AAU basketball coach, television color analyst for women’s college basketball, motivational speaker, author of the book A-Z Manual of the Recruiting Process to assist high school students in navigating the bumpy waters of collegiate athletics recruitment, and founder of the website THEreCREWter.

Lyndsey on…

…the everyday item she can’t live without: “my Blackberry”

…the TV show she is always quoting: “The Office”

…her favorite ISU memory: “walking off the Hilton floor one final time in 2007 with my teammates”

…her favorite words to live by: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi

Sarah Fischer
Washington, D.C. & Istanbul, Turkey

Sarah Fischer (’02 political science) graduated with honors from Iowa State at the age of 20 and has continued to advance her education and exploration of the world ever since. Since starting her Ph.D. program at American University in 2005, she has received nearly $200,000 in grants and fellowships to support her education and research in the field of Middle Eastern politics. She has spent significant time in Turkey and, with multiple publications and presentations to her name, is sought after as an expert on Turkish political and social issues – particularly her dissertation topic, “Democracy, Modernization, and the Headscarf: Women’s Relationship with Secularism in Contemporary Turkey.”

Sarah on…

…her favorite ISU memory: “December 28, 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona: Cheering with thousands of other fans as Iowa State wins the Insight.com Bowl”

…what’s on her iPod: “the soundtrack to Avenue Q”

…the everyday item she can’t live without: “Diet Coke”

…her dream job: “full professor”

Matthew Gleason
San Diego, Calif.

A U.S. Navy Operations Officer on the U.S.S. New Orleans, Matthew Gleason (’01 political science) has been deployed three times to the Persian Gulf and assisted in capturing pirates off the coast of Somalia. He played a transformational role in the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) while serving as the organization’s cross-functional team coordinator, overseeing the implementation of new ONI policies and structures. Matthew has received the Navy’s Meritorious Service Medal for his “exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty” and has attended the Navy’s Department Head Course, which is described as the most demanding and in-depth professional course a Surface Warfare Officer will attend during his or her career.

Matthew on…

…his favorite ISU tradition: “getting an order of summer sausage from Block and Bridle every Christmas (This also might be my favorite holiday tradition!)”

…the movie he’s always quoting: “Anchorman, with Step Brothers and Talladega Nights running second and third”

…his dream job: “Commander, United States Africa Command”

…what’s next for him: “After completing my next sea duty tour, I would like to attend either the French or German War College”

Steve Good
Cincinnati, Ohio

Steve Good (’04 finance & international business) learned the value of service and philanthropy as a student at Iowa State. Today, Steve works for Phi Delta Theta Fraternity’s general headquarters, where he has created and implemented the “Iron Phi” philanthropy program that has raised more than $130,000 for the ALS Association. The charity athlete initiative encourages Phi Delta Theta undergraduate and alumni members to raise funds for the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and ALS Association by pursuing individual athletic goals such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling events. Steve says his goal for the program is to raise $1 million within four years. “Grassroots fundraising is taking off,” he says. “And social media tools are giving every individual the opportunity to do something good for the things that are important to them.”

Steve on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity house”

…what would make the world a better place: “if Fred Hoiberg was president”

…his role models: “my father for his work ethic and intelligence, and my mother for her empathy and compassion for others”

…his dream job: “leading a charity athletics/grassroots fundraising program for a major university”

Kalvin Grabau-Keele
Ankeny, Iowa

Kalvin Grabau-Keele (’06 finance & international business) has worked for the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since graduating from Iowa State. But even as an intern with the company prior to graduation, Kalvin was one of the company’s “Power 10 Qualifiers.” In 2007, he received the Mike Gish Memorial Award – a recognition that honors Northwestern Mutual’s top 10 former interns for first-year success. And in the years since, he has advanced rapidly and earned multiple awards and honors, as well as become a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Kalvin became the Northwestern Mutual Des Moines office’s College Unit director in 2008, and he recently completed certification to become a managing director for the company.

Kalvin on…

…his favorite ISU memory: “eating lunch with the guys at the Union Drive Community Center”

…his favorite ISU tradition: “VEISHEA”

…his dream job: “NCAA basketball coach”

…his favorite piece of advice: “Your success in the next three years will be determined by the books you read the people you surround yourself with.”

Jennifer Hosch
Cascade, Iowa

Jennifer Hosch (’05 animal science, DVM ’09) is making a strong statement as a talented veterinarian with an exceptional commitment to patient and animal owner care. Her strong people skills have allowed her to gain a variety of professional experiences at a young age – working in Iowa State’s Large Animal Intensive Care, Bacteriology Lab, and Swine Production Medicine; serving as an animal keeper at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo; interning in France in the field of dairy management; and working for the National Pork Board, as a feedlot laborer, and as a bovine ultrasound image interpreter. Today she works for Tri-Vet Associates veterinary clinic, where she splits her time 50-50 between large and small animals.

Jennifer on…

…her favorite ISU tradition: “football Saturdays and all of the tailgating that goes with them!”

…her favorite spot on the ISU campus: “central campus in the spring, when the redbuds are blooming”

…what would make the world a better place: “if we were all Cyclone fans!”

…her role model: “John Wooden”

Allison Kempers
Indianapolis, Ind.

As a child Allison Kempers (’06 early childhood special education) channeled the pain of personal adversity, including a struggle with ADHD, into a love for baton twirling that has continued to grow. Although many didn’t believe college was a realistic option for Allison as she graduated from high school, she worked hard and was able to live her dream of becoming a college twirler after transferring to ISU from Des Moines Area Community College. At Iowa State, Allison flourished, becoming the marching band’s feature twirler and finding her career calling as a special education teacher. Today she helps young people with disabilities and teaches baton to children while continuing to pursue her passion as a member of the international cup USA twirling team.

Allison on…

…her favorite spot on the ISU campus: “Jack Trice Stadium”

…her favorite ISU memory: “twirling with the ISUCF’V’MB on game days and meeting the love of my life in the marching band”

…her guilty pleasure: “cheeseburgers and fries”

…what’s in her future: “I want to make the next USA Twirling international competition and never miss twirling with the Alumni Band during Homecoming”

Emily Kinser
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Emily Kinser (’04 political science and materials science & engineering, MS ’05 materials science & engineering) is an engineering superstar who has already filed nine patent applications through her work with IBM. Emily and her mentor won the IBM Women Inventors Patent Challenge grand prize in 2007 for a patent application that improves semiconductor manufacturing to enable the lead-free packaging of chips, and in 2009 she was selected as a participant in the prestigious IBM Corporate Services Corps program. Through the service program, Emily was deployed to Luxor, Egypt, where she worked on agricultural technology issues. Today she is involved in numerous professional organizations – particularly the materials information society ASM International, which selected her as a member of its Emerging Professional Committee’s inaugural class.

Emily on…

…her favorite ISU tradition: “Lancelot & Elaine, despite the fact that they chased me many times!”

…her role models: “Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton”

…what’s on her iPod: “Rise Against, Hole, and lots of great ’90s music”

…what’s next for her: “I’ve been accepted to Yale to pursue my PhD in mechanical engineering & materials science, starting in fall 2011. My long-term career goal is to become an expert in science & technology policy and to influence the national science policy agenda.”

Angela Laury
Lubbock, Texas

Angela Laury (’03 animal science, MS ’06) is an accomplished food scientist as well as a passionate teacher and advocate for food safety issues. For the past five years, she has worked extensively with pre- and post-harvest intervention technologies in the meat and produce industries and completed dissertation work on the subject for the spinach industry. A 2010 graduate of Texas Tech University who has taught upper-level college courses on food microbiology, food safety, and food sanitation, Angela recently participated in TTU’s Teaching Effectiveness and Career Enhancement program. The author of four peer reviewed articles and a book chapter, she was chosen to testify before the Texas Board of Education in support of implementing food science courses into the Texas high school curriculum.

Angela on…

…her favorite spot on the ISU campus: “the Curtiss Hall stairs – I would always study on those stairs”

…her guilty pleasure: “dark chocolate with California Moscato”

…her dream job: “I want to retire early and own my own restaurant so I can cook every day.”

…her role model: “My grandmother is my role model because of her courage and strength through some of the darkest years in American history. She graduated as the first African American woman with a master’s degree in English.”

La Toya Massonburg
Hartford, Conn.

After graduating from Iowa State, La Toya Massonburg (’03 finance) founded the nonprofit organization Destination Destiny Inc., which provides outreach to underserved teens by providing educational, community, and global experience opportunities. The program, which started as a mentoring program for 30 high school students in La Toya’s hometown, has grown and will this year send a group of young adults abroad for a one-of-a-kind global experience. Professionally, La Toya is an educator who espouses the values of Destination Destiny in her everyday work. After spending three years teaching fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in Chicago, she became the campus director of The Sawyer School, a private vocational school in Hartford, Conn., in 2008.

La Toya on…

…her favorite ISU memory: “One of my favorite college memories would have to be the cookouts at the Black Cultural Center – good company, good food, and good memories.”

…the movie she’s always quoting: “The Hangover”

…her favorite words to live by: “A vision without a plan is only a dream, but a plan without a vision is a nightmare.”

…her role model: “One of my role models is Debra Lee, the president and CEO of BET Holdings, Inc. She is a shining example of the determination, ambition, and wisdom that lives within women. It is my sincere hope that I live up to the expectations of the women who’ve come before me and that I do not squander the many opportunities afforded me through their struggles and their triumphs.”

Nick Oullette
Johnston, Iowa

Nick Oullette (PhD ’08 educational administration and policy studies) has served as the principal of Dallas Center-Grimes (Iowa) High School since 2008 with a top priority of improving the safety and security of Dallas Center-Grimes’ students. At the end of only his second year as principal, Nick had achieved a 100% success rate in this endeavor, according to the results of a senior exit survey. In his time at Dallas Center-Grimes, he has added nine new advanced placement courses to the curriculum, implemented a Principal’s Advisory Council to increase faculty collaboration, and worked to develop a plan for implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum. He is committed to a career in education and is a member of both the State of Iowa Evaluator Committee and School Administrators of Iowa.

Nick on…

…his favorite ISU memory: “My favorite memory at ISU was when my committee chair came into the hall to let me know I had just passed my defense of my dissertation and called me Dr. Oullette for the first time.”

…his guilty pleasure: “Netflix. I have started watching entire seasons of shows that I didn’t even know existed when they came out. Sometimes I will even spend a couple of hours after my wife goes to bed to finish a season.”

…the movie he’s always quoting: “Caddyshack”

…his role model: “George W. Bush. Right or wrong, I thought he always led with what he thought was right and was willing to persevere through tough times. Much like the role of any leader, you have to lead with your heart and your head, not just with what will be most popular.”

Amit Pande
Davis, Calif.

Amit Pande (PhD ’10 computer engineering) is committed to education and innovation. He was named a 2010 Computing Innovation Fellow by the National Science Foundation for his work in video encryption and security – an expansion of his ISU thesis, “Algorithms and Architectures for Secure Embedded Multimedia Systems.” Amit’s work has tremendous potential to improve video surveillance technology for police departments and the U.S. military and to improve multimedia communications in portable devices such as mobile phones, iPods, and camcorders. His fellowship began in September 2010 at the University of California, Davis.

Amit on…

…his favorite ISU tradition: “everyone wishing well and greeting each other with a smile and hello”

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “Durham!”

…what would make the world a better place: “if we could live a little simpler”

…what’s next for him: “Consistent efforts for the cause of education. I want to one day become a good teacher.”

Jodi Prosise
DeWitt, Iowa

Jodi Prosise (’03 mechanical engineering) believes in the power of engineering to help those in need and is sharing her passionate belief with the next generation of innovators. In the short time she has worked as an assistant professor of engineering at St. Ambrose University, she has developed a comprehensive educational service program for undergraduate students to design, develop, and build assistive technologies for the underprivileged. The program is providing St. Ambrose students with invaluable experience not only in engineering, but in service and social responsibility. Projects completed by her students will benefit handicapped persons in Brazil who lack access to technology, as well as participants in the Handicapped Development Center and Center for Active Seniors in Davenport, Iowa.

Jodi on…

…the everyday item she can’t live without: “Coffee! I tried to quit, but I don’t think my students appreciated it very much.”

…the movie she’s always quoting: “A League of Their Own. ‘There’s no crying in baseball!’”

…what would make the world a better place: “if we would all learn to understand that our differences are what make the world an interesting place, not a reason for persecution.”

…her favorite ISU memory: “For my senior design project in mechanical engineering, we designed a portable bed for a 3-year-old boy who was born with severe disabilities. On the day we delivered the final product, his parents were delighted to announce he had taken his first steps – something most thought would never be possible for him. While we were there, he got up and walked to his new bed!”

Andrew Riha
El Segundo, Calif.

Andrew Riha (’05 computer engineering, MS ’08) came to ISU in 2001 as a Hixson Opportunity Scholar from a small town. He quickly learned to dream big – in fact, to literally reach for the stars. When he was a sophomore, he set his sights on a job in the space industry. As a senior, Andrew participated in NASA’s undergraduate student research program at the Jet Propulsion Lab, investigating robotic-human communications in deep space, and presented his research at the International Astronautical Congress in Japan. He went on to intern with Boeing’s Satellite Development Center and spent a semester of his graduate studies working on the Delfi-C3 nanosatellite at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Today, he is a telemetry and command systems engineer with Boeing.

Andrew on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “I always enjoyed witnessing the change of seasons on the large sugar maple near the entrance to Physics Hall.”

…what’s on his iPod: “music that will play if you create a ‘Mama Cass’ station on Pandora”

…his guilty pleasure: “During a study abroad in Delft, the Netherlands, I fell in love with stroopwafels. A stroopwafel consists of two small, round waffles with syrup filling in the middle. And they’re even better when they’re dipped in chocolate…”

…his next big adventure: “scuba diving with sharks in Belize”

Curtis J. Tarver III
Chicago, Ill.

While just an undergraduate student, Curtis Tarver (’03 sociology) helped pilot a program to increase the retention rates of minority students at Iowa State that proved a celebrated success and sent Curtis around the country to speak at conferences. While a law student at the University of Iowa, he did research on the acquisition of federal funds for home-access modifications for persons with disabilities and presented free workshops throughout Iowa. Today, he continues to work to create opportunity for others both as an attorney and a community volunteer. Curtis is the principal at Tarver Law Group, P.C., and is active in countless community organizations throughout Chicago. In 2009, Ebony magazine recognized him as one of the nation’s Young Leaders for excelling in his career while giving back to his community.

Curtis on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “Friley Hall”

…what’s on his iPod: “Jay-Z, Miles Davis, Nirvana, and Jim Rohn”

…his favorite words to live by: “Success is not guaranteed. Failure is not an option. Make it happen.”

…what’s next for him: “running for public office in 2012”

Alexis Taylor
Arlington, Va.

At age 17, still a junior in high school, Alexis Taylor (’05 political science) joined the U.S. Army Reserves; she was deployed to Iraq for 12 months during her junior year at Iowa State and served her country at the highest level. Today, she continues to serve her country and especially her fellow veterans on Capitol Hill. As legislative director for U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell for five years, Alexis managed legislative issues for the congressman and has even drafted bills, including the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill that was named for an Iowan who took his own life after suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Alexis recently began a new job in Washington; she is now a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, advising the Montana Democrat on agriculture and telecommunications issues.

Alexis on…

…her favorite ISU tradition: “Yell-Like-Hell. It was one of the first things I did as a freshman at ISU, and I made so many great friends who I’m still friends with today.”

…her guilty pleasure: “red velvet cupcakes”

…her role model: “Eleanor Roosevelt”

…her dream job: “If I was more creative or artistic in any way, I’d be a tattoo artist or hairstylist…something which doesn’t require me to sit at a desk most of my day! But on a serious note, my current job is truly my dream job. I feel lucky to work on issues affecting rural America and love going to work every day.”

Mike Taylor
Adel, Iowa

Mike Taylor (’03 agricultural studies) says entrepreneurship is a way of life in his household. After minoring in entrepreneurship at Iowa State, Mike graduated with a passion for business and a confidence to build Taylor Companies from the ground up. Today he and his wife, Lindsay, are partners in several businesses – including row crop and beef production agriculture, wholesale distribution, commercial real estate, property management, retail pharmacies, and e-commerce retail businesses. And, he says, his 4-year-old daughter runs a mean lemonade stand. Entrepreneurship does run in the family.

Mike on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “The Campanile. It’s the only one like it across all college campuses in the world.”

…his dream job: “starting a boutique investment bank, located in Iowa, with a focus on value-added agricultural investments”

…his favorite words to live by: “When people stop bringing you their problems, you’ve stopped being their leader” and “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less”

…what’s next for him: “My bucket list is pretty ambitious, but one thing that’s just around the corner is training to compete in the Hy-Vee Triathlon in 2012. I’m inspired to get into better shape after watching my friend lose 150+ pounds after graduating from ISU and keep it off!”

Matt Thompson
Creston, Iowa

Matt Thompson (’03 history, PhD ’10 educational leadership) is the dean of student services and director of institutional advancement at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. He oversees such areas as admissions, assessment, athletics, career services, counseling, enrollment services, institutional advancement, marketing, orientation, residence life, student activities, and student support services. During his time at Southwestern Matt has been credited with turning the college’s student life division into a dynamic unit and increasing enrollment to its highest level ever. He has also played a key role in strengthening community college partnerships with Iowa’s universities to make the transfer process more seamless for students.

Matt on…

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “Grant Wood’s mural, ‘Where Tillage Begins,’ in Parks Library. To me, the mural symbolizes determination, hard work, and progress – it was my favorite place to study.”

…his favorite ISU memory: “watching Seneca Wallace make his famous touchdown run against Texas Tech!”

…what would make the world a better place: “if politicians spent less on campaigning and more on funding public higher education”

...his favorite words to live by: “There are those that look at things the way they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not.” – Robert F. Kennedy