Ethan McClintic

Ethan McClintic has always been drawn to solving complex problems — especially when chemistry is involved.

Growing up in Casa Grande, Arizona, he discovered his passion early and knew by the time he began high school that engineering would be the focus of his career path.

“I loved chemistry, and I always wanted to become an engineer,” McClintic says. “Putting the two together just made perfect sense.”

That interest led him to pursue a degree in chemical engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Staying close to home while gaining access to a wide range of academic and professional opportunities made ASU an easy choice.

During his time at ASU, McClintic explored the many dimensions of chemical engineering, from research to industry applications. In the lab of Nick Rolston, an assistant professor of chemical engineering, he conducted research on the uptake of rare earth elements in agarose and alginate seaweed through programs such as the Grand Challenges Scholars Program and the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, or FURI. The experience introduced him to the world of research and opened doors to presenting his work and contributing to ongoing projects.

“Being able to finish a project, present your findings and see the value it creates is truly amazing,” McClintic says. “Seeing the cost savings from my work was incredibly rewarding.”

McClintic was the recipient of multiple scholarships during his time at ASU, including the W.L. Gore Undergraduate Scholarship and the Pinal 40 Scholarship.

“Gore is an amazing company that puts a lot of money into future engineers,” he says. “Pinal 40 is a scholarship from my hometown that takes pride in future STEM students. I am forever grateful for both of their contributions to my engineering career. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Becoming a Grand Challenges Scholar is an accomplishment McClintic is especially proud of achieving.

“I never thought I would be as involved and outgoing as I am today when I was starting college,” he says. “This program helped me come out of my shell, try new experiences and become my best engineering self both socially and professionally.”

After graduation, McClintic will continue studies at ASU to pursue his master’s degree while working as an engineering intern at Intel, where he supports semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Looking ahead, he hopes to improve sustainability in engineering and contribute to innovations that benefit society.

“We are problem solvers,” he says. “By solving these problems, we slowly make the world better, one step at a time.”

Favorites

Hobby: Music
TV show: Stranger Things
Movie: The Little Prince
Activity: Pickleball
Sport: Hockey

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

Written by Erik Wirtanen