Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Faculty mentor: Anton Kruger, PhD, professor of electrical and computer engineering, College of Engineering
Degree program and anticipated graduation date: BSE in electrical engineering, May 2025

Sydney Williams designed a sensor to measure the flow of water up and down the stem of a corn plant during its daily water cycle. Her project was part of a joint effort between the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Ohio State University for NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) program. SMAP satellites orbit earth, taking soil moisture readings that help monitor droughts, predict floods, and improve farm productivity. The goal of the sensor is to improve NASA’s soil moisture readings by correcting for the extra water present due to the density of crops.

After graduating in May, Williams will begin her master’s degree through the College of Engineering’s U2G program. She is considering pursuing her PhD to teach at the collegiate level or work in research and development in the telecommunications industry.

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