Edie Bollenbach - She/her
Pursuing a Bachelor of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2026
Where are you from? Describe what your hometown and/or family is like?
I am from Black Earth, WI, a tiny agricultural town about 30 minutes from Madison. I grew up with my parents, my younger sister/best friend, and our dog, Tucker.
Why did you choose this major?
Coming into college, I knew I was interested in physics, math, and Earth science, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I spent a short time in the Civil- Environmental Engineering major before finding BBE through my CSE 1001 TA, who is now a BBE-EEE alumni. After hearing more about the BBE-EEE focus and classes, it sounded like the perfect place for me, and I am definitely happy with my choice!
What has been a favorite course, project, or experience in the SSM/BBE program so far?
My favorite course has probably been Ecological Engineering Design, which I took last Spring. I really enjoyed learning about topics like soils, hydrology, streams, erosion, and biomanipulation, and I was even able to use what I learned in class for a fish passage culvert design project at my internship this past summer.
What student groups or extracurricular activities are you involved in and why?
I am currently serving as President of our BBE Ambassadors organization, a group I joined because I believe that it is important in our small department to know your peers and make friends with your classmates! I have enjoyed working to provide opportunities for students to do activities they might not otherwise be able to do while at college, such as crafts or off-campus excursions, and helping students find others with similar interests. Outside of the department I am involved in the UMN Outdoors Club, which I joined to combat my cabin fever from being stuck in the city with no car at the beginning of my Junior year. I mostly join in for the day hikes, but I hope to attend a camping trip before I graduate!
What are your career goals after graduation?
This past summer, I worked as a Water Resources Engineering Intern with HEI here in the cities, where I completed projects involving hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, stormwater, erosion, and flood control design. I enjoyed the experience immensely, and I felt like I was able to contribute meaningfully to projects that would make a positive impact on bodies of water in the Midwest. Because of this, I hope to continue as a Water Resources Engineer in my future career after graduation.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the BBE/SSM community?
Get involved! The closer you are with your classmates, the easier it will be to do well in classes and enjoy school every day.