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It’s not a stretch to say that one day, Joanna Van Liew could be working for NASA.

No, the Princeton-bound mechanical engineering and mathematics double major hasn’t set her sights on space travel. Instead, Van Liew has research—particularly running her own research lab—on the mind. Whether it’s ultimately at NASA or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), her goal is to make a contribution to the field of ocean fluid dynamics, which her PhD studies at Princeton will be critical toward making this a reality.

“I want to continue to do research, particularly related to conservation efforts regarding the ocean. What I am studying at Princeton is directly related to the ocean research I want to do long term. Where this will be at, I’m not sure yet,” Van Liew explains. “I might want to take a professor position or work for NOAA, which does a lot of research in this area or at NASA in a research lab. I’d be happy with any of these choices.”

The path to studying engineering and mathematics was not a straight line. Originally when Van Liew was considering a major, she was leaning toward the arts, potentially one in music—she is a classically trained pianist, after all.

Though she didn’t grow up around any engineers, she started to dip her toe into the discipline while taking classes at a local community college. She was aware of 91亚色传媒 as her sister was a student here and ultimately navigated to mechanical engineering when she learned more about the program and its opportunities for research.

“I didn’t know any engineers or mathematicians growing up, but the professors at SU encouraged me to explore possibilities for innovation,” says Van Liew.

As a freshman she started her first foray into research working with Mechanical Engineering Professor Yen-Lin Han, PhD, in developing a soft robotic glove for rehab for stroke patients. Says Van Liew, “It’s a glove that provides a more comfortable way for stroke patients or for those with limited motor skills to practice extending their hand.”

Check out this of Joanna explaining her post-graduation plans.

Van Liew’s research was not limited to mechanical engineering. She was also involved with a mathematics research project with Professor John D. Carter, PhD, modeling the evolution of ocean swells.

“I wrote code to solve equations, compared those models to wave tank data and collaborated with Professor Diane Henderson at Penn State,” she says of research that has been presented at conferences. “I’m working on a publication right now to submit to an international journal.”

Mathematics as a second major entered the equation after she took differential equations with Professor Christine Cole, PhD, her freshman year. As she went through the program, she discovered the different, and unexpected, ways mathematics can be employed beyond the traditional, including how it is applied on a global scale, something she discovered during a study abroad in Chile.

Van Liew is also an award winner for her academics and leadership. She is the recipient of the 2025 Loyola Award, which鈥痳ecognizes鈥痑 graduating senior who has achieved an outstanding academic record and most actively modeled the values of Ignatian spirituality. She is also this year’s recipient of the College of Science and Engineering Scholar Award based on a high GPA within the college and a commitment to leadership.

In addition to her academic prowess, including working as a team on a senior capstone project with industry partners through SU’s Project Center, Van Liew found time for a slew of extracurricular activities and service. She was in the aerospace club, treasurer of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and tutored elementary school children in math at Bailey Gatzert.

“That was a really fun experience. We got to make lesson plans for them, leading 2nd and 3rd graders in math, reading and literature,” says Van Liew of her experience at Bailey Gatzert.

Being active on campus was not only enriching from an educational standpoint but also a way for Van Liew to build community and make herself available to new experiences. And this sense of belonging extends to the professors and all they do to support the academic interests of each student. For Van Liew, she saw this firsthand when she wanted to be part of a research project.

“There was never a time where I didn’t feel like I belonged here. Doors are always open to professors, whether you are asking questions or doing research, they are there to offer guidance. … If you go to a bigger research institution you don’t get that personalized education.”

The belonging and support that Van Liew experienced align with SU’s Jesuit principles and education of the whole person.

“I have 100 percent seen the ‘education of the whole person’ very evident here,” says Van Liew “It would be hard to come here and feel like you weren’t educated beyond your major.”

Some of Joanna’s favorites…
Favorite spot on campus: The library. I work there but there are a bunch of spots to hang out or study.

Favorite spot in Seattle: Down by the waterfront, taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island. (She likes to visit Pike Place, too, when she is down near the waterfront.)

Favorite music or genre: I like 2000’s alternative music. I really like Panic at the Disco, Green Day and Fall Out Boy.

Favorite author or book: I like the classics like Pride and Prejudice and most recently I read Great Expectations.

Favorite restaurant: I really like Thai food at Bai Thong Thai Street Café.

Favorite TV show you recently binged: I just started season 7 of Grey’s Anatomy.