Adam Runde

Iowa State University

Cumulative Reflection
My name is Adam Runde, and I am currently a senior in electrical Engineering. I started
at Iowa state as a freshman the fall of 2019. During my first semester I was drawn deeper into
the electrical discipline by EE 185 Taught by Dr. Mani Mina. This class challenged me to think
deeper on mathematical and engineering concepts that ultimately became my steppingstone to
changing the way I learn going forward through my career as an undergraduate. This course
introduced me to many different concepts in electrical engineering before I had dedicated
courses for them from circuit theory to electromagnetics and power distribution. This exposure
to the discipline only made me grow more curious and hungrier to learn more knowledge on
electrical power systems.
I chose Electrical Engineering as a discipline in Highschool when I took a circuit design
class that was offered as an elective. Going into this class I was clueless as to how hardware in a
circuit came together to function as an electrical system. The majority of the courses content
was spent teaching the basics of electrical components and circuit theory that culminated in a
final project of creating a band pass filter that would be powered by a nine-volt battery and
output a variable volume siren through a hardwired speaker. This class was the definite spark
that led me on this journey that is electrical Engineering. From then on, I leaned into the Power
system emphasis in the electrical discipline. Power generation transition and distribution are
what I gravitate towards in my studies. I have a strong desire to solve issues and create a more
efficient power grid through cleaner generation methods to less invasive construction practices
to create a more sustainable way to keep the lights on in the common household. This
fascination led me to accept an internship with The IMEG corporation. In this role I was given
several projects throughout the summer including Arc flash calculations on medium voltage
substations as well as Lighting studies for emergency lighting in Manufacturing facilities. The
Main Project of my summer came in the form of taking the lead deign role for a unit substation
that took utility 13.8kv and stepped down to 480 volts to then be distributed on cable tray to
different equipment and bus ducts in the facility. This project taught me how engineering
happens in industry. By going through this experience, I was given the opportunity to use my
skills that were learned in the classroom and turn theoretical into a physical product sold to the
client in the form of construction documents.
Outside of the classroom I joined the fraternity Phi Gamma Delta in the fall semester of
my freshman year. This organization has given me the chance to be a part of something bigger
than myself through community service and philanthropy. The group of gentlemen that joined
in the past four years are some of the most genuine and persistently handworkers that I have
ever had the chance to meet. I knew these were the people that I wanted to surround myself
with because hard work and persistence through studies breeds more hard work. I took the role
of Vice President and Treasurer my sophomore year to grow my Interpersonal skills and
challenge myself to become a leader of 100+ members. This role showed me that being a
 Adam Runde
Iowa State University

leader comes with sacrifice and humility to make the decisions that are best for the longevity
and growth of the fraternity in the long term.
My experience at Iowa State has given me greater perspective on how to be a great
engineer with technical and ethical practices. This also molded me into becoming a better
person and grow though challenging myself to take on difficult projects and tasks that other
individuals typically wouldn’t. This is the factor that would separate me from the pack by my
determination and persistence in search of constantly learning and continuing my education
outside of the classroom.