Hanna Dyal
Published: Jan 28, 2026 4:00 PM
By Rachel Wingard
Hanna Dyal, a senior in chemical engineering from Auburn, has a lot to balance. She has overcome adversity, conducted undergraduate research, completed co-ops, stayed involved on campus and served the community — all while focusing on giving back to her university and the environment.
Why Auburn
“I knew I wanted to go into engineering, so I applied to Auburn because of its highly esteemed engineering college. I’ve also lived in Auburn since the third grade, so it feels like home now. A lot of people who go to Auburn High School decide to go elsewhere for college, but I knew it was one of the best schools out there, so I decided to stay.”
Why engineering
“I had always been interested in architecture, but I took a chemistry class in high school and I really enjoyed it, which made me think about chemical engineering. I knew I wanted to do something related to the environment, and after talking to some professors, I learned that chemical engineering would provide a wide range of job opportunities after graduation.”
Engineering involvement
“I’ve done undergraduate research with Jin Wang, the Walt and Virginia Woltosz professor of chemical engineering. Her research really interested me because it focuses on methanotrophs, which are methane-eating bacteria. The goal is to use them to combat global warming around animal farms and landfills.
“I also completed a co-op with Keurig Dr Pepper in Vermont. I wanted to work in the New England area, and the opportunity interested me because it was a bit different from the types of companies chemical engineers typically work for. It ended up being an awesome experience.
“I’ve been involved with Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, and I took on a leadership role as service chair which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve gotten to network with a lot of people at and outside of Auburn, as well as participate in different volunteer activities. My favorites were our gameday recycling events where we partnered with the Office of Sustainability to hand out trash and recycling bags at tailgates before the football games.”
Finding the balance
“I’ve gotten better at being able to balance everything. I think that I thrive in the chaos. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment that I get from all that I do. It’s rewarding being involved in my university and trying to get the most out of life. When I was running track and cross country for Auburn, that was sort of my identity. But after getting sick and having to step away, it was a long road to recovery, and I had to build a new identity. I wanted to be known as more than just a smart person — I wanted to be someone others could look up to and someone who gives back to my school and the environment. That’s been my motivation.”
Media Contact: , dzd0065@auburn.edu, 334-844-2326
Why Auburn
“I knew I wanted to go into engineering, so I applied to Auburn because of its highly esteemed engineering college. I’ve also lived in Auburn since the third grade, so it feels like home now. A lot of people who go to Auburn High School decide to go elsewhere for college, but I knew it was one of the best schools out there, so I decided to stay.”
Why engineering
“I had always been interested in architecture, but I took a chemistry class in high school and I really enjoyed it, which made me think about chemical engineering. I knew I wanted to do something related to the environment, and after talking to some professors, I learned that chemical engineering would provide a wide range of job opportunities after graduation.”
Engineering involvement
“I’ve done undergraduate research with Jin Wang, the Walt and Virginia Woltosz professor of chemical engineering. Her research really interested me because it focuses on methanotrophs, which are methane-eating bacteria. The goal is to use them to combat global warming around animal farms and landfills.
“I also completed a co-op with Keurig Dr Pepper in Vermont. I wanted to work in the New England area, and the opportunity interested me because it was a bit different from the types of companies chemical engineers typically work for. It ended up being an awesome experience.
“I’ve been involved with Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, and I took on a leadership role as service chair which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve gotten to network with a lot of people at and outside of Auburn, as well as participate in different volunteer activities. My favorites were our gameday recycling events where we partnered with the Office of Sustainability to hand out trash and recycling bags at tailgates before the football games.”
Finding the balance
“I’ve gotten better at being able to balance everything. I think that I thrive in the chaos. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment that I get from all that I do. It’s rewarding being involved in my university and trying to get the most out of life. When I was running track and cross country for Auburn, that was sort of my identity. But after getting sick and having to step away, it was a long road to recovery, and I had to build a new identity. I wanted to be known as more than just a smart person — I wanted to be someone others could look up to and someone who gives back to my school and the environment. That’s been my motivation.”
Media Contact: , dzd0065@auburn.edu, 334-844-2326
Hanna Dyal