Cumulative Reflection

Over the four years at Iowa State University, I have been able to experience more than I

originally thought. I had to opportunity to work on many labs that were hands on. With many of

these labs we formed groups where I learned how to work effectively with the group members. I

have even had the opportunity to get industry experience at Rockwell Collins. At my time at ISU

I have had lots of experience with working in teams and using my classroom knowledge on

engineering related problems.

Many of our engineering courses have labs where we get to use what we have learned in

lecture. This hands-on experience has helped me learn how to troubleshoot problems with my

own work and lab equipment deepening my understanding. In labs I have had to opportunity of

working with a partner or groups on final projects. Having lab partners not only helped me make

friendships but, also has helped me become a better communicator. Working in labs has allowed

me to become a better learner and problem solver. Taking the Cpre 288 lab I learned how to

troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

While general education courses I have learned about the social and environmental

impacts and consequences of electrical engineering. In my energy and the environment class I

have learned the consequences of burning fossil fuels for electricity and the cleaner solutions that

are available. It will be our goal to solve these problems and make the cleaner solutions more

economical in the field. My other general education classes has taught me how to sympathize

with clients or coworkers by understanding their background.

When I took my co-op at Rockwell I was able to apply my knowledge from school and

see how it is used in the manufacturing environment. While there I had the opportunity to
network and talk to the employees, increasing my desire for electrical engineering. I learned how

to troubleshoot circuits where I drew from my previous knowledge from EE 201 and EE 230.

This experience was better than what Iowa State could provide because, no lab can simulate this

experience of troubleshooting an unknown problem.

Overall my experience at Iowa State has been better than I could imagine. I have had to

opportunity to learn more in my classes with the labs and also improve my communication skills.

Iowa State has even allowed me to get irreplaceable experience with industry experience with a

co-op.