ASU grad finds community and calling through engineering
This May, Katelyn Ely will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Photo courtesy of ASU Alumni Association
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
Originally from Edmonds, Washington, Katelyn Ely never imagined she would one day attend Arizona State University and earn a bachelor’s degree this May in mechanical engineering from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
She didn’t show the typical early signs of an aspiring engineer — no particular fascination with Legos or building kits. Yet, when she was the only student in her third grade class who could successfully complete every addition and subtraction table, she gained a confidence and love for math that would shape her future.
Her advanced math and science courses in high school, combined with inspiration from her computer scientist sister, created the perfect recipe for a driven student who would go on to thrive in STEM.
At ASU, Ely immersed herself in hands-on learning through the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program. She began as a student and eventually took on leadership roles as an undergraduate learning assistant, teaching assistant and grader.
Her first EPICS project focused on developing a prosthetic foot shell for a below-the-knee amputee, carefully creating an exact replica. More recently, during a winter study abroad opportunity in Indonesia, Ely collaborated with students from BINUS University to design a solar-powered aeration system for local fish farmers.
“We met students from BINUS University who I’ve been working with for over a year. We got to do an international design review presentation in front of industry mentors from Indonesia. It was the best experience,” Ely said.
“The biggest thing I learned is how important it is to design with empathy. Human-centered design is so challenging. You really have to ask questions and visit places to see what you’re designing. One of the worst things you can do is design a solution that doesn’t fit the needs of the people.”
A fitting conclusion to her undergraduate journey, Ely recently passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam — an important milestone on the path to becoming a certified professional engineer.
“It was very intense. I spent over two months studying for this exam. I completed over 200 practice exams. Mentally, it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done,” she said. “Pending my graduation, I’ll receive my EIT certification — which stands for engineer in training.”
Despite the rigor of her coursework, Ely credits her sense of community with helping her stay grounded. Her involvement in the Alpha Phi sorority played a particularly meaningful role, offering connection and support both inside and outside the classroom.
“Even though the girls in my classes weren’t in my specific sorority, I knew they were in other sororities, and I was able to create a community with them. To this day, those girls are my best friends,” she said.
In her senior year, Ely also joined the Student Alumni Association, serving as one of the university’s ambassadors for spirit, pride and tradition. Inspired by her parents’ involvement with their own alma mater, she embraced opportunities to take part in signature ASU events, including Echo From the Buttes and Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgates.
“I think school spirit is super fun and really important. I just love the community, traditions and events that we are upholding at ASU.”
After graduation, Ely will begin work as a project engineer for Clark Pacific in Phoenix.
Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
Answer: Get involved in as many student organizations, clubs, activities and research opportunities as possible. This year, I was actually a section leader for an ASU 101 course, so I have 24 incoming first-years. I co-led with a professor from the engineering school. That’s what I would tell them the whole year — get involved. I shared all my commitments at ASU and all the things I got involved with. I got to have one-on-one interviews with every student midway through the semester, and we talked about creating a two-year plan of different ways you can get involved with ASU.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: My go-to spot is 100% Noble Library. I love it because I can always find someone there that I’m friends with. It makes studying a little more social and fun. I also like to go to the Starbucks on the bottom floor — it’ll give me some caffeine for the times I need a bit more motivation! The biggest thing about engineering is that while you’re getting your own individual degree, it really does take a group of people around you to help out.
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