GPSS Feature Friday: Evan Mellott

Today's GPSS Feature Friday focuses on Agricultural Engineering graduate student Evan Mellott, who is originally from Red Oak, Iowa. This story was written by fellow graduate student Paul Pelech.

Evan Mellott

During the fall of his senior year at Iowa State, Evan Mellott began interviewing for jobs following graduation.

“I talked to companies, but I didn’t feel a spark,” he said.

Until then, he hadn't considered the possibility of pursuing a graduate degree. However, after talking to master's students in his department, he decided to apply to Iowa State’s Master of Science program in Agricultural Engineering, planning to build a greater set of skills as an engineer before joining the private sector. Evan describes his acceptance into Professor Matthew Darr’s research team as his proudest achievement.

“They usually accept only 2 graduate students every semester from all over the world,” he said.

Evan’s research is focused on improving the boom stability on John

Deere sprayers, a challenge he describes as both demanding and rewarding.

“I get to drive $500,000 machinery every day and collect data from it… The most rewarding part is that the decisions from my analysis and my research go directly into the field,” he said.

To maintain a good work-life balance, Evan enjoys spending his spare time restoring tractors.

“You get so sick of doing the same thing, [and] you've got do something different," he said. "I get intrigued by learning something new.” Evan is also a member of the Iowa State Crew Club, usually spending races somewhere in the stern of a racing shell.

Evan just recently defended his thesis, which means he will graduate in May after finishing his courses, earning his master’s degree in only one year. He is headed to Peoria, Ill. to work for Caterpillar as a test engineer at their proving grounds, applying the skills he learned from his research.

Reflecting on his graduate experience, Evan concludes, “This will definitely be a part of my life that I look back on and say, ‘I’m glad I did that.’”

Every Friday, the Graduate College posts new features from the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. These features will focus on the lives of different Iowa State graduate students. Every post is written by another graduate student and edited lightly by Graduate College Communications Specialist Sarah Igram.