Emily Stough (Eelkema) Graduated 1995
College: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Career: Spacecraft Operations Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Career Story: Growing up, I always wanted to work in space exploration. During college, I had a few internships at NASA centers, which is where I learned about NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. JPL's main focus is robotic exploration of space. One of my college professors had a contact at JPL, and I was able to interview and get a job. Since joining the lab in 1999, I've worked on Spacecraft Operations for the Mars Exploration Rovers, the Mars Curiosity Rover, the Cassini Mission to Saturn, and the Mars InSight Lander.
While at North, I participated in school plays and musicals, cheerleading, choir, math team, and the German Exchange program. I also took several AP classes at North, and math courses through the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Math Program.
Advice for students: Get involved in extracurricular activities, whether or not they are related to your eventual career field. Some of my best memories from high school are from the various groups that I participated in. If you have the opportunity, take college-level courses in high school. This made the transition to college easier and also freed up some time for other college classes.
Joe Scull Graduated 2015
College: University of Northwestern - St. Paul and the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Career: Mechanical Engineer at KFI Engineers.
Career Story: During high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study in college. Math was always my favorite subject, and so I decided to major in engineering. I had very little knowledge about what an engineer actually did before I started college. I immediately found out that there are a lot of different types of engineers, including: civil, chemical, computer, electrical, mechanical, structural, and many more. I selected mechanical engineering because I wanted to learn about machines and how they operate. I learned that even within mechanical engineering, there are many different industries that you can go into. The summer after my sophomore year, I interned at a construction company where I traveled around the Twin Cities and tested concrete. I enjoyed the construction industry, and so the following summer, I interned at a different construction company called KFI Engineers. At KFI, I learned how to create plans that show the heating, cooling, plumbing, and fire protection systems in buildings. I found it very rewarding to go to a job site to see the system that I designed in an actual building. I really enjoyed interning at KFI, and I was fortunate enough to continue working there full-time after I graduated. The aspect of engineering that I enjoy most is getting the opportunity to solve challenging problems. It is rewarding to provide a solution to the building owner that they are happy about.
Awards/Clubs/Volunteer at North
Football, basketball, track,
NHS, Link Crew
Band
Teacher that inspired me:
Mr. Waeffler always encouraged and pushed me to be the best student that I could be. He gave me the confidence that I could go to college and take high-level math classes. I always appreciated his enthusiasm for teaching and how he treated everyone with such kindness. He is someone who was very influential in helping me get to where I am today.
Advice for students:
It is alright if your college experience doesn’t go exactly according to your plan. I initially went to Northwestern, but had to transfer after two years because they cut their engineering program. At first I was disappointed, but it ended up being really beneficial for me. I loved going to the U of M, and I don’t know if I would’ve found the job I’m working at now if I wouldn’t have transferred. Some of you will change majors, or change schools, or even come to the realization that maybe college isn’t for you, and that’s okay. There are many different routes and possibilities that lead to a happy and rewarding life.
Tori Drake Graduated 2013
College:
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
Major:
B.S. Wildlife Biology w/ GIS and Wetlands Ecology minors
Career:
Waterfowl Biologist
Currently working on different waterfowl/wetland research projects across the country that will further my knowledge for getting either a grad position or permanent job in the future
Awards/Clubs/Volunteer at North
NHS (National Honor Society)
John Glenn Cadet Archery Program
Teachers that inspired me:
Mr. Dean, Mr. Bronson, Mr. Haldorson & Ms. Zwirn (North)
Mr. Stewart (John Glenn)
Advice for students: Choose the things that make you happy and pursue your goals.
Fun Facts
Visit STEM Careers in demand to more careers
Moses Nyakondo Graduated 2019
College/Post Secondary school: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Plans for Major/Minor
Computer Engineering
Current Career or career you are aspiring to get into
I am currently running a 3D Printing and Design business, Zipelabs, and I plan to continue developing my skills in engineering as well as running and growing my business as time goes on!
Story on how you chose this area
I had really great STEM teachers at North and they helped guide me and motivate me to strive to achieve my career path and career goals.
Activities/Clubs
Robotics Club
Teacher that inspired me:
The teacher that inspired me was the tech teacher, Mr. Moran!
Advice for students:
Even if people say no, just do it! You’ll be amazed at how far you go!
Natalie Huntly Graduated 2015
College/Post Secondary school: Minnesota State University Moorhead
Major: Elementary Inclusive Education
Minor: Special Education
Certification: K-8 math
Career: Elementary STEM Specialist (Weaver)
Awards/Clubs/Volunteer at North
NHS (secretary senior year)
Student Council
Band
Swim Team (captain senior year)
STAARS student
AP scholar award
Advice for students:
Explore different career fields throughout high school to find what really interests you. I was set on becoming a patent attorney and thought it was the perfect career for me. It wasn’t until I spent the day shadowing one that I realized it was not the right fit for me.
If you are interested in a specific field, try to get a job or volunteer experience in that area. I knew I liked working with children so I taught swimming lessons and was an education assistant for a summer school class. These two experiences really helped me discover my passion for education
Sarah Warner Graduated 2016
College/Post Secondary school: United States Air Force Academy
Major: Humanities
Minor: German:
Career: USAF Pilot
I am currently working in a Space Electronic Warfare squadron as the commander’s executive officer. In June I will head to initial flight training and then to undergraduate pilot training in August.
Awards/Clubs/Volunteer at North
I played tennis, hockey, and lacrosse while at North. I was also a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and JROTC.Teachers that inspired me: Mr Krueger, Mr Waeffler, Mr Haldorson, Mrs Murphy, and Mrs Liden
Advice for students: Get to know the people around you-you’d be surprised at some of the things you’ll learn. You’ll also thank yourself later because you’ll have connections in all sorts of locations and careers.
Job in demand #1: Civil Engineer Technician
Snapshot:
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Also known as:
Civil Designer, Civil Engineering Assistant, Civil Engineering Technician, Design Technician, Engineer Technician, Engineering Assistant, Engineering Technician, Transportation Engineering Technician
Educational Investment: 2 years
Median Wage: $25.68/hr
Visit Civil Engineer Technician for more detailed career information
Job in demand #2: Chemical Technician
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Also known as:
Chemical Analyst, Chemical Technician, Formulation Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester), Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst), Quality Control Technician (QC Technician), Research Technician, Water Quality Technician
Educational Investment: 1-2 years
Median Wage: $23.68/hr
Visit Chemical Technician for more detailed career information.
Job in demand #3: Conservation Scientist
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Also known as:
Conservationist, Environmental Analyst, Erosion Control Specialist, Land Manager, Land Reclamation Specialist, Land Resource Specialist, Resource Conservation Specialist, Resource Conservationist, Soil Conservationist
Educational Investment: 2-4 years
MEDIAN WAGE: $30.12/hr
Visit Conservation Scientist for more detailed career information
Job in Demand #4: Natural Sciences Manager
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Also known as:
Environmental Program Manager, Laboratory Manager, Natural Science Manager, Research Manager, Research and Development Director, Water Team Leader
Educational Investment: 4 years
MEDIAN WAGE: $62.07/hr
Visit Natural Sciences Manager for more detailed career information
What can I do now in high school if I'm interested in STEM
Classes you can take at North:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- All levels of Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Forensic Science
- Anatomy
- Engineering and Sciences
- 3D design
- Graphic Arts
- Computer Programming
- Robotics
- Electronics
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
