Madison Walker

Fun, creativity and love come up frequently when Madison Walker describes her experiences at Arizona State University.

Walker chose to seek a degree in mechanical engineering because “I love math and physics,” she says, and wants to use them “in a fun and creative way.”

Whether it’s using nature to power a wind mill or creating a robotic hand that mimics human movement, she says, “It’s so fun to see how mechanical engineers create movement. It’s truly extraordinary.”

Walker’s undergraduate achievements can also be called extraordinary. Beyond her academic performance, she has made numerous contributions to community-building efforts outside of the classroom.

Walker has served as tour director, vice president and president of the Fulton Ambassadors, led a team in the Engineering Projects in Community Service program, was an officer in the ASU student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Next Generation Service Corps, or NGSC, at ASU.

“I have had opportunities to volunteer at food shelters, help in the construction of a play center in an inner-city school and work toward educating the community on what we can do to better our planet,” Walker says.

In addition, she worked as a student recruitment assistant for the Fulton Schools.

Walker’s pursuits earned her a scholarship and a Selflessness Award from the NGSC, a scholarship from the Recycling Research Foundation, the Most Dedicated Ambassador and the ASU Spirit Award from the Fulton Ambassadors, and nomination as an Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader for the ASU Pitchfork Awards.

Classwork and outreach activities have taught Walker that “engineering allows you to be creative in the coolest and most innovative ways possible,” she says, adding that she has “fallen in love” with the ways engineers can have positive impacts on the world.

Walker wants to apply her skills to a career in environmental engineering or renewable energy ventures, hoping to build on experiences in the Fulton Schools that have been “more than just educational,” she says. “They’ve had a profound impact on my relationships and the ways in which I can connect with others to thrive in this profession.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2020 class here.