Isabella Mashack, a recent graduate of Georgia Southern University, followed an unconventional path to earning her degree in mechanical engineering. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Mashack’s early interests centered on the arts. She attended an arts-focused high school and was active in theatre, designing costumes and building sets.
After graduation, she enrolled in art school in Savannah. However, the shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic led her to feel disconnected from her creative pursuits. Reflecting on this period, Mashack said, “I realized there were things that I was missing from high school — like math and science classes, which I was always interested in.” This realization prompted her transfer to Georgia Southern University.
At Georgia Southern, Mashack discovered that engineering allowed her to integrate both artistic creativity and scientific rigor. “Engineering allows me to combine art and science, math and creativity,” she explained. “I really enjoy being hands-on with almost all my assignments and being able to utilize manufacturing machinery to turn an idea into an actual product.”
Mashack spent two years at the Armstrong Campus before completing her studies at the Statesboro Campus. She noted that time management was a significant challenge as she balanced a demanding academic schedule with multiple part-time jobs and personal responsibilities—including caring for two adopted cats. She found that staying ahead on assignments helped reduce stress: “I should complete schoolwork almost as soon as I receive it. That way I’m not procrastinating and suddenly have a million things to do at once.”
Support from peers and faculty played a crucial role in Mashack’s academic growth. “I’m constantly met with new challenges and have to figure out varying methods to overcome them,” she said. “With how much I’ve grown, learned, and experienced, I can easily say my expectations were beyond blown away. I’m so grateful to have met everyone I did during my time at Georgia Southern. I’m the person I am today because of these experiences.”
One highlight of her undergraduate experience was working as a research assistant for Professor Bishal Silwal in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. There she studied metallography with a focus on wire arc additive manufacturing. “Dr. Silwal trusted me with a lot of big responsibilities and tasks, and I never felt like I wasn’t appreciated,” Mashack said.
She also participated in organizations such as the American Foundry Society for hands-on learning opportunities related to metal casting techniques: “It provides a fun and hands-on opportunity to learn metal casting and apply those techniques directly to create your own casts,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mashack has accepted a position as a process equipment engineer. She intends to expand her knowledge by exploring areas such as supply chain management, research, maintenance, and leadership within engineering.
Her journey demonstrates how combining creative thinking with technical skills can lead to innovation.
