Space technology executive Erika Wagner addresses students at annual Women in Engineering dinner at Montana State.
Around 300 attendees convened in the Strand Union Building ballrooms at Montana State University for the 22nd annual Women in Engineering Dinneron April 11.
Engineering professor Chelsea Heveran pursues her passions while helping students discover theirs
The Montana Girls: Four science-loving sisters choose engineering paths at Montana State following summer research experience
Alicia Guerrero‑Gobert arrived at MSU feeling out of place, but a supportive summer research internship helped her gain confidence and see herself as a scientist. Her experience inspired her and three of her sisters — now all engineering students at MSU — to pursue STEM degrees together. Drawing on their family’s resilience and shared values, the sisters support one another as they work toward becoming engineers who can help their community.
Montana State undergrad gives presentation at highly selective conference
Mckennah Thompson, a biomedical engineering student at Montana State University, conducted innovative neuro-engineering research using 3D‑printed hydrogel structures and was one of only 50 students selected to present at a prestigious IEEE conference. Her work showed that organizing neurons improves synchronous communication, with potential applications in personalized medicine. Outside the lab, she’s active on campus and plans to pursue dentistry after graduation.
Montana State junior wins $10,000 scholarship from energy society
Montana State University junior Molly Coonfield, an electrical engineering major with a mechatronics minor, received a $10,000 IEEE Power and Energy Society scholarship recognizing her growing passion for the power and energy field. Actively involved on campus as president of both the Eta Kappa Nu honors society and the swim club, she credits supportive MSU faculty and early research opportunities for her success. After graduating in 2027, she plans to pursue a career in the power and renewable energy sector.
Montana State recent engineering graduate credits women for support
Jeana Marx, a recent MSU graduate, discovered her passion for Industrial & Management Systems Engineering after arriving unsure which STEM field to pursue. Through multiple internships, Honors College involvement, and work as an engineering ambassador, she gained hands-on experience and became an advocate for women in STEM. She credits strong mentorship from female faculty for shaping her success and broad opportunities at Montana State University.
Montana State seniors win ‘best in engineering’ category at medical innovation competition
MSU biomedical engineering seniors Kyra Herronen, Spencer Kayser, Ben Matheson and Kade Strutz won the “Best in Engineering” award at the University of Utah’s Bench-to-Bedside competition for their prototype medical device, OrthoBalance, designed to improve ligament balancing in knee replacement surgery. Their capstone project earned them a $5,000 prize and recognition among 31 teams from six universities, including international competitors. Faculty praised the team’s innovation and impact, highlighting the strength of MSU’s biomedical engineering program.
A grad in CAD: Gallatin College MSU opens doors for alumna on path to civil engineering
Molly Schifferns, a 28-year-old mother of two from Belgrade, completed her drafting and CAD associate’s degree at Gallatin College MSU after overcoming earlier challenges with ADHD and autism, discovering both confidence and talent in technical design. While balancing family, work, and school, she excelled academically, supported classmates, interned at Hyalite Engineers, and contributed to community-focused design projects. Now a 2025 Founder’s Day Award recipient, she plans to continue her engineering education at MSU and sees her drafting skills as a pathway to helping others through meaningful, real-world projects.