Student commencement speaker embraces community

Lila Branchaw encourages future students to take college one step at a time

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/08/2026) — On May 14, Wisconsin-native Lila Branchaw, will speak on behalf of the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) graduating Class of 2026 and remind her classmates that failure is not something to fear, but something to expect and embrace. 

In high school, Branchaw was torn between chemical and environmental engineering, but then saw a flyer for a bioproducts and biosystems engineering (BBE) major and decided it was the perfect fit for her. She chose the University of Minnesota for its engineering programs, but the people are what stood out the most about her experience. 

“I found my closest friends in CSE,” said Branchaw. “Part of that comes from our shared passion for science and engineering, and part of it comes from the perseverance it takes to get through the program — but most of all, it’s because people here are genuinely willing to help each other. The sense of community is incredible.”

In the midst of classes, internships and undergraduate research, Branchaw also competed for three and half years on the University’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. Branchaw’s excellence earned her the S.I. Marvin Scholarship from the Office of Undergraduate Education at the University of Minnesota.

In the Q&A below, Branchaw shares how college prepared her for her career and why she wanted to be the commencement speaker.

Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?

I knew I wanted to attend a large state school because of the wide range of opportunities it offers. The University of Minnesota was an affordable option for me, since Wisconsin has reciprocity with Minnesota schools. What ultimately sealed my decision was the BBE major — it was a perfect fit for my interests and a rare find, as not many universities offer such a unique program. 

When I visited campus, I could genuinely picture myself here, and that feeling made the decision easy. I loved being so close to the city while still feeling like I had space to myself. The campus in St. Paul, in particular, gave me the sense of a smaller, close-knit college community.

Tell us about any internship experiences.

I completed three internships during my time in CSE. My first was as a Strategic Sourcing Aide at H.B. Fuller, where I created models to predict raw material prices based on historical trends. Through this role, I learned a great deal about statistics and the business side of engineering. It also helped me realize that while business is an important part of the field, my passion lies in engineering itself.

My second internship was at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) in Golden, Colorado, where I worked on bioreactor simulations. I learned extensively from my mentor, who introduced me to Python and the fundamentals of machine learning. Beyond the technical experience, being in Colorado and connecting with other interns and researchers broadened my perspective and helped shape my worldview.

Most recently, I interned at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where I investigated the effects of biofiber size distributions on PLA biocomposites. This experience solidified my interest in polymer chemistry and sustainable materials. It ultimately inspired me to pursue a career focused on sustainable plastics and advancing the circular economy.

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

CSE taught me how to learn. As a freshman, I would panic if I didn’t immediately know how to solve a homework problem. Now, I expect that challenge. Not knowing where to start is no longer intimidating — it’s part of the process. CSE has equipped me with the critical thinking skills and confidence to work through complex problems and figure things out. Because of that, I feel prepared not just for my career, but for whatever life throws at me.

What has been your experience with undergraduate research?

Currently, I am conducting research for my honors thesis with Chemical Engineering Professor Kevin Dorfman, where I explore the effects of multiblock copolymers in mixed plastic waste streams. Through this work, I’ve gained experience in polymer melt thermodynamics, advanced simulation software, and collecting research data through the University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.

It has been incredibly rewarding to work on a problem with real-world impact and to see how what I’ve learned in the classroom translates into meaningful applications.

Why did you want to be the commencement speaker?

First, I wanted to improve my public speaking skills. I once asked Peyton Owens III — Gophers deputy athletics director; a phenomenal speaker — how he became so comfortable in front of a crowd. He told me he actively sought out opportunities to practice, so I decided to do the same. 

Second, I wanted to share a message that matters to me: the importance of community. My major is small and close-knit, and during the most challenging moments of college — and life — it made all the difference knowing I had people who supported me. I hope that after hearing my speech, my audience holds onto their communities just as tightly — leaning on them when needed and giving back whenever they can.

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

I learned the ultimate transferable skill here: how to learn. As a freshman, like many people, I had no idea what I was doing. At one point, I even cried during a professor’s office hours because I couldn’t figure out how to compute a triple integral. But I kept showing up, kept trying, and eventually found the strategies that worked for me. Over time, I gained the confidence to approach unfamiliar problems and learn just about any concept. That ability is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it’s a skill I’ll carry with me far beyond CSE.

What advice would you give to CSE students?

Don't give up! College is hard. Take it one step at a time. You can do this! 

Story by Kalie Pluchel

If you’d like to support students or research at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, visit our CSE giving page.