Katie Shilling is the CBE nominee for the College of Engineering’s Scholarly Achievement Award! She is a double major in chemical engineering and biological sciences with biomolecular and human biology concentrations and a minor in biotechnology. She has maintained a perfect 4.00 GPA in her academic career at State, which is extremely impressive given that she also performed undergraduate research, served as a teaching assistant, became certified and worked as an AEMT, gained over 4000 hours of clinical experience, and participated in the Women and Minority Engineering Program and NC Alpha Tau Beta Pi Chapter.

Katie’s understanding of the intersection of biology and engineering is deeply personal. When her mother was diagnosed with leukemia, Katie recognized the value of approaching clinical care with engineering systematic thinking in healthcare. She wanted to be proficient in both, bridging the gap between field sectors, with the hope that engineering applications in medicine would substantially improve patient experience and outcome.

Extracurricular Achievements

Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society

Katie joined Tau Beta Pi in January 2023 and has served as an officer, coordinating the event planning. In her experience, she “believes this to be a remarkable organization as it facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between all engineering majors and celebrates excellence and a commitment to scholarship.”

Women and Minority Engineering Program

Through the Women and Minority Engineering Program, Katie has functioned as counselor, panelist, and active member. Her passion for team building and collaboration started during NC State’s Summer Exploration Experience prior to the start of her freshman year. Since then, she has enjoyed providing insight to incoming engineering students specifically guiding them in how to harness their resources, develop professionally, and learn to self-promote.

Undergraduate Research

In Prof. Rao’s research group, Katie has learned stem cell culture techniques and worked closely with graduate students, John Britt and Mahe Jabeen, on their research projects. According to Katie, “they provided fantastic leadership and guidance” and she is grateful for their mentorship.

Working as an EMT

Katie obtained her EMT certification in August 2022 and began working for Johnson County EMS. Later, she decided to challenge herself and gain her AEMT certification, an advancement of her clinical skills and responsibilities. She has experience with Granville EMS, Franklin County EMS, and the NC State EMT internship program.

“My experience in EMS has been eye-opening, and I am humbled by the human experience…I find it an absolute privilege to have a job that allows you to help others in times of need…EMS has truly reinforced my love for medicine and driven my push to become a doctor.”

What’s Next?

After graduation, Katie plans to apply to medical school and attend an institution through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. She has always felt that medicine is her calling  and believes that the field will present her constant opportunities for growth and innovation. Katie considers it a privilege to pursue a career that encapsulates her passion for science and engineering.

“I take great pride in continuing both of my parents’ legacy at NC State–my mom, Donna Shilling, earned a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, and my dad, James Shilling, earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. We are truly a Wolfpack family! Their love and character shines through in everything I do, and I am endlessly grateful.”