University News

WIU Engineering Alumna Willing to Take on Any Challenge

April 4, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University alumna Justine Kyle has traveled many routes in her journey, but they all led back in the same direction.

"My story went in many different directions, attending school at 30, but I quickly found my passion at WIU," said Kyle.

Kyle, a May 2022 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, was born and raised in the Quad Cities.

"I remember my first day at WIU vividly," said Kyle. "There was a very cool eclipse event happening on campus and it really helped my anxiety about leaving the house for the first day of university."

Kyle credits Western and Electrical Engineering Professor Il-Seop Shin for helping her achieve her goals.

"Through my degree, and WIU's multiple Engineering programs, I was able to establish a focus in robotics, working with advanced technology," said Kyle.

Kyle remains actively involved with WIU through the Society of Women Engineer liaison program and frequently has contact with her professors and other alumni from her class.

"Justine is a feisty young engineer who is not afraid of taking up challenges even if it is outside of her comfort zone," said Shin. "She was a Mechanical Engineering major but worked on robot operating systems, programming and many electronic subsystems required for autonomous vehicle development for her senior design project. I am very happy that she persevered through the tough senior year. The new exciting career path she earned due to her experience with the project is no accident."

Kyle often remembers the anxiety she felt attending school in search of her one true passion, but remembers one piece of advice a professor gave her and her classmates, "School will always be here; take care of yourself."

Kyle now reminds WIU students to take care of themselves and to remain committed to finding their passions.

For more information on WIU's Engineering programs, visit wiu.edu/engineering.

Posted By: Lexi Yoggerst (AJ-Yoggerst@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing