Katelyn Kline

From clubs and organizations to research and community service, Katelyn Kline has had no shortage of experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student at Arizona State University.

“Although my time in the classroom provided me the information and skills I need to be a capable engineer,” says Kline, who is graduating with a master’s degree in materials science and engineering, “I discovered the type of person I want to be through my involvement beyond the classroom in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.”

As an undergraduate student in chemical engineering, Kline participated in the Engineering Projects in Community Service program, known as EPICS; the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, known as FURI; and the Grand Challenge Scholars Program, known as GCSP.

She was also a member of the Society of Women Engineers; Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society; and Arts for Engineers, a student club providing a creative outlet for engineers.

Kline completed two FURI projects under Mary Laura Lind, an associate professor of chemical engineering. Kline’s first project focused on developing a water purification membrane, while the second, which would evolve into her thesis project, focused on determining a way to construct an amorphous metallic film at room temperature.

“Taking advantage of programs such as EPICS, being involved in outreach projects with the Society of Women Engineers and conducting impactful research through FURI made me realize my passion for helping people and making an impact on the community,” says Kline.

When she started her master’s degree, Kline wanted to continue making a difference and helping others. She served as a graduate teaching assistant for FSE 100, an introductory engineering class for freshman. In spring 2018, she received a fellowship through the NASA Space Grant program to develop a science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based outreach program.

Kline proposed Evening with Engineers, an on-campus event for high school girls to meet female engineering students and women engineers working in industry. The goal, says Kline, is to “encourage more young girls to pursue engineering.”

For the project, Kline partnered with Tirupalavanam Ganesh, assistant dean of engineering education in the Fulton Schools; Hope Parker, associate director engineering K-12 outreach; and Lauren Preble, a K–12 engineering education and outreach coordinator in the Fulton Schools, to make the event a permanent addition to the Young Engineers Shape the World program at ASU.

“I’m confident the program I have developed and supported will lead to increased diversity in the Fulton Schools,” says Kline. “I’m proud Evening with Engineers will be part of the legacy I’ll leave at ASU.”