Addison Sanora

Growing up in Arizona, Addison Sanora developed an appreciation for the natural resources that shape life in the desert. But when she arrived at Arizona State University, she was still figuring out how her interests in chemistry, math and sustainability could become a career.

Chemical engineering gave her room to explore.

“I was good at both chemistry and math, and I knew I wanted to make a difference,” she says. “When I first picked the major, I didn’t really know what engineering was, and, honestly, I am still figuring that out. I think that is part of the beauty of it.” 

Eventually, she chose chemical engineering with a minor in sustainability in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU for the freedom it offers in exploring different career paths. Through her honors thesis, she studied private well water and gaps in monitoring and treatment for individual households, an experience that deepened her interest in water quality and access.

Sanora began applying what she learned in the classroom to real-world challenges through an internship with Layne Christensen, a global water management, construction and drilling company, where she helped design various water treatment systems. She also interned at Freeport-McMoRan, where she gained experience in process optimization, compliance and engineering operations.

The hands-on work helped shape her interest in water and sustainability and inspired her to pursue engineering solutions that protect natural resources. 

As the president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, or AIChE, at ASU, Sanora focused on building stronger industry relationships and creating events that students found valuable. When she joined the club, attendance was as low as five people. By focusing on events with a purpose and building stronger industry relationships, she grew AIChE to over 200 active members, with 20 to 50 or more students attending regularly. 

“The impact has been really meaningful,” she says. “Students have gotten employment directly from the connections made at our events. That’s what makes it the most rewarding for me.”

Sanora was also the founding member and treasurer of Omega Chi Epsilon, ASU’s chemical engineering honor society, where she served as treasurer and helped organize professional and social events to build community within the department.

A first-generation college student, Sanora says donor support made it possible for her to live on campus all four years and fully participate in student organizations, friendships and campus life. Inspired by that support, she volunteered with local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Feed My Starving Children.

“These experiences have allowed me to support my community in meaningful ways, and they reflect my goal of returning the kindness that was given to me,” she says. “I’m really grateful to people like Kathy King, James Lommen and the Ira A. Fulton donors because they made it possible for me to live on campus all four years.”

Sanora is advancing her education through ASU’s Accelerated Master’s degree program in chemical engineering. Long term, she hopes to build a career in water and sustainability.

“I want to contribute to solutions that make clean water more accessible, especially in areas where water quality or availability is a challenge,” she says.

Favorites

Hobby: Crafting
Music style: Country music
TV show: Love on the Spectrum
Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Activity: Cooking
Game: Mario

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by Roger Ndayisaba