Graduate of Tech’s joint BS/MS program with degrees in electrical engineering and a focus in power and energy systems, Spring 2021 and Spring 2022
Transmission planning engineer, Southern Company
Abi Ivemeyer
Why Georgia Tech:
“I was lucky enough to grow up in a Georgia Tech family with my dad, aunt, and brother all being Georgia Tech graduates. It’s always been a part of who I am — first by birth, then by association, and finally, and most importantly, by choice. Georgia Tech felt like home to me, and I saw the possibility for me to make my own impact at an institution revered for the change and innovation it has brought to the world. I was born into Georgia Tech tradition, but I made sure I wrote my own history during my years as a student.”
Proudest Achievements:
“Outside of the classroom, there was no greater honor than being elected by the Ramblin’ Reck Club as the 2020 driver of the Institute’s beloved and iconic mascot, a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe. I served as the fifth female driver since its arrival on campus in 1961 and the first to navigate a global pandemic. Serving our community during such a turbulent time was one of the hardest things I did, but it was undoubtedly the source of the most powerful and formative experiences I had as a student. I was able to bring all that I am — a plus size, female, engineering major — to such a public, spotlighted role. I will never not be grateful to be one of the women who drove the car, alongside Lisa Volmar (‘84), Evelyn Dale Morgan (‘88), Hillary Degenkolb (‘15), Hannah Todd (‘18), and Evalyn Edwards (‘22).
Academically, I am most proud of being awarded the 2021 Roger P. Webb Undergraduate Research Award in the school of ECE. I never would have explored the research realm without an invitation to work with one of my favorite professors, Dan Molzahn. There is just as much power in the actions of others inviting you into a space you never saw yourself in as there is in taking that first step yourself.”
Advice for the Next Generation:
“Never sell yourself short. Give credit where credit is due and that may often be to yourself. While humility is important, do not ignore or lessen yourself for the sake of appeasing others. Make space for yourself, exist in that space, and thrive in that space without justification, and others like you will have the opportunity to follow.”
