CSE senior takes advantage of opportunities on and off campus

Miller tackled her major, while staying involved in campus activities and research

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/21/2025) — From undergraduate research in the lab to the stands at Minnesota football games, College of Science and Engineering (CSE) senior, Audrey Miller, took advantage of all of the opportunities thrown her way over the past four years. 

Originally from Ohio, Miller chose the University of Minnesota because of the reputation of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the atmosphere of a campus near a large city.

Although her major was challenging at times, she knew it was the right fit after her first chemical engineering course. She loves the potential for exciting applications in industry and finding a career in sustainable energy or improving environmental impact in the world. 

Between undergraduate research and involvement in many student groups, she also was part of the University of Minnesota Marching Band and performed at every home football game. As Miller put it, nothing beats the game day energy!

In both the video and Q&A below, Miller reflects on how CSE helped her prepare for her future and her experiences on and off campus.

What student clubs are you involved in?

I was involved in Engineers Without Borders for a few years and also worked on implementing a community garden here in Minneapolis! Additionally, I was part of the FETCH club with Can Do Canines, where we host service dogs in training for a semester. We give them experience by taking them to class, working on commands or teaching them about city life. In addition to that, I played the trumpet in the band here, where I performed at every single home football game over the past four years.

Tell us about your internship experience.

I have had two impactful internships over the last four years. Between my freshman and sophomore year, I worked for the Andersons Inc. as a research and development intern in their chemistry and biology labs, as well as a chemical plant that produces agricultural fertilizers and chemicals. I learned about analytical chemistry, microbiology and the workings of a large scale chemical plant. Additionally, I completed a project on the effects of chemical fertilizers on the early germination stages of soybean growth. 

Last summer, I worked for the SSOE Group as a Food and Consumer Process Co-Op, where I learned more about engineering consulting. This included the inner workings of Process and Identification Diagrams (P&IDs), AutoCAD, and I even got to visit a cereal plant to see how the work translates to a real plant.

Out of all your experiences in CSE, what are you most proud of?

During my time at CSE, I am most proud of the work I was able to do in Assistant Professor Michelle Calabrese's Research Lab. During my undergraduate research, I was able to work on a project that makes biodegradable microbeads to mitigate microplastics. After my graduate student mentor graduated, I have been independently managing the project with another undergraduate colleague and it has been very rewarding. I have learned a lot about myself, how much I can do on my own, coming up with new questions and leading the research.

How has your time at CSE helped you prepare for your career and beyond? 

Although it wasn't easy, all the hard work I put during my time  in CSE has set me up for a successful career. I've learned so much about communication, problem solving and how to persevere through difficult problems.

What advice would you give to CSE students?

Make connections with other students, professors, and grad students! Having a good network in college can help you get through tough classes, open up opportunities, and make your college experience more fulfilling. 

Story by Kalie Pluchel

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