Mechanical Engineering
Marshalltown Community College
Iowa State University

Norma Granados is a junior at Iowa State University studying mechanical engineering and a transfer student from Marshalltown Community College. As a first-generation student, whose family emigrated from Mexico, Norma desires to be a good example for her younger siblings, as she is the first in her family to pursue higher education. Norma has been a consistent participant in several undergraduate research opportunities through IINSPIRE LSAMP during the academic year and summer terms.  One of these research experiences resulted in her being listed as co-author of a published paper, “Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Technology for Advancement of Drug Development and Toxicology.” This has only added motivation for her to continue to pursue higher levels of education and to make her family proud for the many sacrifices they have made.