Montana State University

Women in Engineering Student Advisory Council biographies

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Virginia Cosgriff with kindergartners  

Virginia Cosgriff, master's candidate in Industrial Engineering

Hi, my name is Virginia Cosgriff and I am currently working toward a master's in industrial engineering. I knew I wanted to be an industrial engineer from the time I was in high school. My tech class was entered into a Rube-Goldberg competition which required a minimum of 20 steps to select, wash and peel an apple. All of the extra steps to do the three required steps drove me crazy! My undergraduate degree is also from MSU in industrial engineering. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in 2007, I lived in Japan for a year teaching English to kids K-9 in a small city called Kawakami. I learned a lot while living by myself, immersed in a different culture, while also being the only English speaking person in my town. It was a fantastic experience, and I would encourage others to study or work abroad if given the opportunity. I also volunteer for FIRST, which is a program that puts on robotic tournaments every year for fourth through eighth graders and high school students.
 
Melissa Dale  

Melissa Dale, Computer Science

My name is Melissa Dale and I come from Glasgow, Montana. Despite having juvenile diabetes, I manage to work, study, and be active in multiple student organizations, thanks largely to the supportive environment here at Montana State. I am currently the president of the Association for Women in Computing, involved in the Mortar Board honor society, Women in Engineering Advisory Board, and Engineering Ambassadors. I decided on Computer Science after a few discussions with the awesome computer science faculty. I realized a degree in computer science would allow me to work in almost any field I could ever dream of working. I am so grateful I discovered my place in the university, surrounded by brilliant people who share in my interests and my achievements.

     
   

Camille Horton, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Cami Horton is a junior in mechanical engineering technology with a minor in Aerospace. The passion of engineering was sparked through her years of involvement in the family’s fluid power business in Boise, Idaho. Her research interests include the applications of fluid power in alternative energy solutions as well as aerospace and efficiency advancements. A current side research project with friends is analyzing the possibilities of heat capture on transformers. She is honored to be the current president of the Society of Women Engineers chapter of Montana State University, a Member of the Women in Engineering Advisory Board as well as a tutor for the TRIO Institute. In her free time, Cami enjoys swing and ballroom dancing, playing the flute, middle distance running, reading as well as most any activity having to do with the outdoors.
 
Camille Horton
 
Kelli Lemke  

Kelli Lemke, Chemical Engineering

I'm a junior from Billings, Montana. Kindergarten through high school graduation (with a senior class of ten), I attended Billings Christian School. When it was time to decide what next, I had no idea. I considered education, high school math or science maybe, or even biology or medicine. It wasn't until February of my senior year when I explored the College of Engineering on the Society of Women Engineers' Shadow an Engineer Day that I discovered what I was meant to do. I love the opportunities of engineering to not only learn about math and science but also apply them to make a difference. A degree in engineering allows me to funnel my passion for earth and people into a platform to literally change the world. 

     
Sarah Lukes  

Sarah Lukes, master's candidate in Electrical Engineering

I’m a Wyoming native who participated in a fun electrical engineering internship in high school. I spent the summer designing and building a model of a flight simulator and making friendships that I still maintain. This experience sparked my interest in mechanical and electrical engineering, which I pursued as an undergraduate. I enjoyed the challenges associated with engineering and the hands-on nature of the work. While attaining my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, I interned for Dr. Cairns at MSU doing composite materials research, the Mayo Clinic writing a program to analyze x-rays, and Boston Scientific in Research and Development on stents to open up people’s clogged arteries. The Mayo Clinic was an awesome experience where I worked with the chief radiologist and shadowed an orthopedic surgeon. After graduating, I worked for a laser company in Bozeman, Mont., called S2 Corporation. I worked as a mechanical engineer on new designs for cryogenic applications (using liquid helium and nitrogen). After two years of working there, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in electrical engineering and am currently working under Dr. Dickensheets doing MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) research.

     
Natasha Mallette  

Natasha Mallette, PhD candidate in Chemical and Biological Engineering

Current research is determining engineering parameters for future feasibility of biofuel production from the fungus Gliocladium roseum. Employment background includes nuclear power, fuel cell and photovoltaic manufacturing, and nanotechnology. Currently volunteers at Eagle Mount and is happy to be on the Women in Engineering Advisory Board.

     
Kate Morrissey  

Kate Morrissey, Chemical Engineering

My name is Kate Morrissey, I am a junior in Chemical Engineering and originally from Colorado Springs, Colo. I chose Chemical Engineering because I truly love math and science, and this particular degree in engineering appealed to me because of its versatility. The university has a great program, and that is what prompted me to look into the school. I also love to ski, so MSU was an easy choice for me! Besides skiing, I love to paint, read, and I cannot go a day without music. I enjoy camping, hiking, and biking as well and Bozeman is the perfect place for all of my outdoor interests.
Through Chemical Engineering I have had some incredible opportunities. I participated in an internship in Bergen, Norway, last summer doing research at the local university. The experience was amazing; I learned so much more about applications of my degree and was in such a beautiful place to do so. The College of Engineering gives students the chance to experience things like that, and that is what keeps me passionate about engineering; all of the possibilities. I cannot wait to see what I can do one day.

     
Elle Pankratz  

Elle Pankratz, Bioengineering

Hey! My name is Elle Pankratz and I am from Helena, MT. I’m a sophomore in Bioengineering and I love every minute of it. As both a woman and a Native American in engineering, I strive to be a strong and positive role model for young girls who wish to pursue a career in math and science. In addition to my studies, I assist Ph.D. candidate, Natasha Mallette, in the research of the biofuel production from the fungus, Gliocladium roseum, and I am a member of Society of Women in Engineering and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.  I love to work out and run and I am currently training for a marathon. With a degree in Biological Engineering, I hope to one day work for a pharmaceutical company, engineering and developing better medicine for the rest of the world.

     
Katey Plymesser  

Katey Plymesser, PhD candidate in Civil Engineering-Water Resources

Katey Plymesser received her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. After working as a consulting engineer for six years, she decided to return to school to pursue a career in academia. She is currently a PhD Candidate in the Civil Engineering Department (Water Resources) and is working as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate hydraulics lab.
     
Christine Savage  

Christine Savage, Civil Engineering

My name is Christine Savage and I am from Monument, Colo. I am a senior in Civil Engineering here at Montana State University. The reason I decided to travel so far from home was because of the great environment here in Bozeman, Mont. I love the mountains, the people, and the town. During my freshman year, I decided to go into the architecture program here, I found out that I wasn't as artsy as I thought I was. :)  However, during the fall semester of my second year I decided to take the intro class to civil engineering and I LOVED IT! Something about dirt and large structures kind of hit the spot. Ever since then, I have found an interest in geotechnical and structural engineering and hope to continue my education into grad school with these interests. Whenever I'm not at school or work, I'm either out in the mountains with my two dogs, Jimmy and Wags, or playing some soccer with the co-ed league here in town. 

     
Karla Vowell  

Karla Vowell, Chemical Engineering

My name is Karla Vowell and I am a senior in Chemical Engineering from Billings, Mont. After graduation, I will begin working for ConocoPhillips as an exploration and production engineer in Midland, TX. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many talented students in my classes who have become some of my best friends. The faculty and staff here at MSU are excellent and they truly care about helping students succeed, something that has made me love being where I am. During the school year I also enjoy intramural volleyball, reading (stuff besides textbooks), baking and Bobcat football games.

 
Brie Webber  

Brie Webber, Civil Engineering-BREN

My name is Brie Webber and I am from Kalispell, Mont. I am currently studying Bio Resources Engineering, an option of Civil Engineering. I love the mountains and being outside, so Bozeman seemed like the perfect place to study engineering. Skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain climbing are a few of the activities that I enjoy in the Bozeman area. My passion for the outdoors has led me to be an engineer because I hope to make a difference some day for the preservation of the planet.

     
Jylissa Whisenhunt  

Jylissa Whisenhunt, Computer Engineering

My name is Jylissa Whisenhunt and I am currently a junior in Computer Engineering at MSU. I originally grew up in Billings, Mont., but have not been able to leave beautiful Bozeman since college started and have spent my summers here as well. When first looking into college, I wanted to go into accounting or business of some sort. However, I come from a family full of engineers and it was my older brother who finally talked me into Computer Engineering, and I am so glad he did. It has been a challenge for me, but one I have enjoyed greatly and have learned much from. I was afraid that I would not be able to connect with people very well in my major since women are a minority, but in actuality, I have made many great female friends in engineering that I will share a lifetime friendship with. I also hope to finish a minor in French during my time in college. In addition to school, I love spending time outdoors- fishing and hiking, and also enjoy traveling, yoga, reading, and going to movies.