Juliana Gudmundson - 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?
Vernon Hills, Illinois (a northern suburb of Chicago).
Why did you choose this major?
I have always had a passion for the planet, and coming out of high school, I knew I wanted to go into something that would have a positive impact. I actually applied to colleges, planning on majoring in Environmental Science. When I decided on the U and met with my advisor, he encouraged me to look at BBE since I indicated having an interest in the engineering world as well! I switched to BBE before I even started freshman year and have not regretted it since!
What has been a favorite course, project, or experience in the SSM/BBE program so far?
My favorite courses have probably been BBE 3043 (Biological and Environmental Thermodynamics) and BBE 3013 (Engineering Principles of Molecular and Cellular Processes). I also completed a minor in Sustainable Studies and completed a majority of these classes when I studied abroad in Sicily for a summer. I was able to take a marine biology course, as well as a course that discussed environmental conflicts in the Mediterranean. I was able to learn concepts in a classroom setting, and then go on trips and experience what we learned firsthand.
What student groups or extracurricular activities are you involved in and why?
I am a Co-director of the Sustainability Committee in the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I heard about SWE freshman year and was always very intimidated by the group since it has so many members, but once I started going to events, I realized how amazing a community it is. As a co-director of a committee, I help plan and schedule our committee's events as well as keep members informed about current issues surrounding the environment and sustainability! There are so many people that I have met through SWE that I would not have met otherwise. It has been an amazing community to be a part of, and I would recommend it to anyone who should join (you don't have to be a woman OR in engineering to be a member!) I am also a member of FaBEO, and this is where I have been able to grow closer with my classmates. It is a good way to work on interesting projects while also taking a couple of hours each week to focus on something other than school work! It also allows you to get to know other BBE students who are in different years from you, introducing you to more people than you would have met in your classes!)
What are your career goals after graduation?
Ideally, I would like to work in the industry for a few years and then maybe go back to school to get an MS or PHD but we will see! Currently, I am just applying to as many places as I can and hoping to get some interviews. I am excited to see where I will end up in just a few months!
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the BBE/SSM community?
Utilize the Makerspace!!! There are so many cool machines and tools down there that are untouched. Make it a goal to make at least one project down there in your 4 years here! Everything down there is for us, and David is always very excited to assist with projects, so find something cool online and make it!