Erin O’Brien’s Lasting Impact

Erin O’Brien, a tech comm major, had an unusual journey to the English department. Even among science enthusiasts like Erin, tech comm is a major that students typically don’t come in knowing they want to pursue. Erin had always loved science, especially astronomy, but knew she would never be happy doing that for a career. Therefore, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and began looking for technical communication programs around the country, which is when she found Iowa State University.

Erin’s interest in science didn’t disappear in her coursework; instead, it flourished. Erin recalls her time in Dr. Linda Shenk’s Communicating Science and Public Engagement (ENGL 3120). She enjoyed learning how to explain science to a general audience and for entertainment. Erin states, “You don’t dumb things down, you take that really big word and split it into what it actually means.” She took her enjoyment of this class and pursued the science communication certificate, which draws on English, journalism, philosophy, and natural sciences to learn how to ethically and effectively communicate scientific principles to a broad range of audiences while contributing to campus life.

Some of Erin’s most crucial work on campus stemmed from her love of student advocacy, particularly for underrepresented students. In the fall of 2024, a new bill was passed, turning the LGBTQIA+ Student Success Center into computer labs and a collaborative space, now rebranded as “The Center.” She was a prominent member of student-led advocacy initiatives and played a significant role in planning and coordinating events.

Erin was also a member of the Between The Lines magazine team and a lead writer. She started in the spring of 2025 and quickly jumped in, playing an essential role in student leadership. She has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for future student writers and helping preserve the magazine’s longevity. Once the previous head editors graduated, she jumped in and took on the magazine’s responsibilities while working toward an early graduation.

As of this spring, Erin has started pursuing her career. She’s currently in Ames and serves as the philanthropy manager at the homeless shelter, using media and outreach skills she gained at Iowa State.