Ella Niemann

Ella Niemann is a sophomore engineering student at Purdue University, driven by a love for sustainable technology and human spaceflight. Originally from Munich, Germany, and raised in a multicultural family, she brings a global perspective to everything she does. On campus, Ella is active in the Engineering Student Council, helping organize one of the largest student-run career fairs in the country. She also conducts hydrogen drone research at Zucrow Laboratories and is pursuing a minor in electrical and computer engineering to apply advanced systems design toward solving real-world and environmental challenges. Outside of academics, Ella enjoys visiting local cafés and going to the arcade with friends. After graduation, she hopes to work in avionics, developing climate-focused satellites that help track and understand global weather patterns.

Click Here to see Ella’s STEM Project!

Click Here to see Ella’s coding!

Our Interview With Ella

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes. I had seen the contest before, but this was my first time actually entering it.

How did you hear about the contest?
I heard about the contest through scholarships.com.

What inspired your work?
I use MATLAB extensively in school, so I wanted to challenge myself by integrating it into my creative process. My approach was to generate the graph first as a foundation and then revolve the design based on that data-driven model.

What did you learn about the U.S. Constitution while creating your entry?
I gained a deeper appreciation for how each amendment reflects the specific historical challenges and societal needs of its time, showing how responsive the Constitution has been throughout American history.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
I frequently use my social media platforms to highlight constitutional principles — especially topics like separation of powers and the importance of governmental accountability.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
I would like to visit Mt. Rushmore.

What are your career plans?
I plan to become an aerospace engineer, with the goal of working on power systems for climate-focused satellites.

How do you spend your free time?
I love going on random adventures — anything from exploring haunted houses to discovering nearby cafés.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution remains essential because it defines the structure and limits of our government. During times of political division, it serves as a vital reference point for evaluating whether the actions of our leaders uphold the principles of democracy. The separation of powers is especially critical in preserving accountability and preventing abuse of authority.