Kelsey Hofmeister

• Built a portable biodiesel production unit using a new biodiesel process called the McGyan process.
• Goal was to develop a more efficient and cost-effective system. This included learning about heat transfer concepts, contacting companies for quotes and information on parts, and conducting experiments to understand the chemistry behind the process.
• Favorite part of the project was communicating with a large variety of people and gaining a broad perspective on biodiesel processing.
• Says her most memorable experience at St. Thomas is “being a counselor at an engineering and science camp for young girls called STEPS Camp. I wanted to help others not feel intimidated by math or science like I did.”

What's next for Kelsey?

Kelsey plans to enter the engineering industry after graduation and would love to further her education at some point.