Hi! I am Madelyn Palmer, a native of the Pittsburgh suburbs and a first-year Swanson School of Engineering student. I intend to major in chemical engineering, minor in chemistry, and complete the Certificate of Sustainability. At Pitt, I am in the Frederick Honors College, the Engineers for a Sustainable World club, and the Resident Student Association as a Program Coordinator for Tower C Hall Council. Next year, I will also be involved in Pitt’s American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) chapter.

Beyond my studies, my hobbies include reading, gardening, exploring, and enjoying the great outdoors. My ideal day includes a nice, long hike while looking at almost every flower, getting ice cream, and visiting local shops. I have a strong passion for sustainability and the environment stemming from my love for nature and Mother Earth. Alongside these interests, I love spending time with my loved ones. I have two sisters, making me the middle child, and we have two adorable dogs, Levi and Pixie. At home, I enjoy baking, cooking, and rewatching my comfort shows. I also work as a cashier at my local grocery store.

This summer, I will embark on Pitt’s Renewable Energy and Sustainability Plus3 Program in the Netherlands! In every type of engineering, sustainability plays a vital role. For my career, I want to apply chemical engineering to help the planet, whether through desalinating salt water, turning waste into usable energy, or improving eco-friendly plastics. The trip to the Netherlands provides me with insights into working towards these goals. I am excited to learn about their water management, energy allocations through windmills, and maximizing land usage. While on the trip, I also want to explore the Dutch culture and learn more about how the Netherlands is combating global issues. Furthermore, I am very excited to visit museums, parks, and little shops while also trying new foods. I am looking forward to visiting the floating farms as they solve a common world problem, and we get to see cows!

Bedankt en tot ziens!