Anna Bethke

Anna Bethke was drawn to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University and ASU’s Barrett, The Honors College, for their strong academic reputation and history of excellence in innovation. Positive support from family and friends solidified her decision to select ASU.

In her undergraduate research under the supervision of Ivan Sanchez Esqueda, a Fulton Schools assistant professor of electrical engineering, Bethke worked on projects investigating 2D semiconductor transistors utilizing the ASU NanoFab facility. 

Bethke supplemented her academics with a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates at Duke University. Under the guidance of Aaron Franklin, an alumnus of the Fulton Schools, she studied 3D printing techniques for electronics and investigated materials for use in wireless microrobotic applications. This opportunity also enabled her to collaborate with doctorate student mentors from which she obtained valuable insights about graduate-level research. 

Throughout her undergraduate experience, Bethke committed herself to supplemental academic activities, including Engineering Projects in Community Service, or EPICS, and tutoring her peers at the Fulton Schools Tutoring Center, where she was promoted to the electrical engineering lead tutor role. 

Outside the classroom, Bethke is a member of multiple student organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the ASU women’s club water polo team, serving as team captain.

“I am proud to have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my undergraduate studies, being promoted to electrical engineering lead tutor and competing at the Club National Championships for water polo two consecutive years,” Bethke says. “I truly believe that all these experiences have made a significant impact on my studies, my personal growth and have given me opportunities to contribute back to the ASU and Fulton Schools communities.”

Bethke gained practical industry experience through an internship, serving as a process engineering intern at Microchip Technologies Inc. This experience enabled her to connect coursework in electronics to the production of microelectronics at an industrial-scale manufacturing facility.

After graduating, Bethke is excited to continue her studies at ASU as a student in the electrical engineering master’s degree program through her research assistantship.

“I have learned and seen that engineering ideas, contributions, innovations and progress can come from women who have a strong educational background, training in the field and an incredible amount of passion,” Bethke says. “As a woman, I aspire to showcase these abilities to inspire others.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ fall 2024 class here.