Montana State University junior Molly Coonfield, who is studying electrical engineering with a minor in mechatronics, recently received a $10,000 scholarship from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Power and Energy Society. The society provides up to 20 scholarships and real-world experiences annually to undergraduates who are interested in building a career in power and energy engineering.
Coonfield, who has received eight other awards and scholarships, including the Hambly Women in Engineering Scholarship, remembers precisely when she decided to attend MSU.
“I visited MSU my senior year at an MSU Friday,” said Coonfield, referring to one of the many campus preview days offered by the university’s Office of Admissions. “The ability to easily transfer credits from my high school – I have my Associate of Science degree – and the friendly professors and staff made me feel at home. As soon as the day was over, I knew I wanted to be a Bobcat.”
After she arrived on campus, she became involved in extracurricular activities and Greek life, eventually becoming president of MSU’s Eta Kappa Nu honors society chapter, which is for electrical and computer engineering students and professionals. Coonfield said she’s also president of the swim club.
“I feel very honored to have received so many honors here at MSU,” said Coonfield, who is from Wenatchee, Washington. “Without these amazing people and opportunities, I would be nowhere near where I am today.”
She named several people who have helped her along the way, including Stephan Warnat, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering.
Warnat, she said, “trusted me to do research my freshman year.”
She also credited Michael Neubauer, a postdoctoral researcher at MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering, for “helping me learn how to research,” and Cory Mettler, senior lecturer in electrical and computer engineering, for helping her with her first 300-level class during her first semester.
“He also helped me find part of my passion in electrical engineering, which was in controls,” she said.
Coonfield also pointed to Jim Becker, professor of electrical and computer engineering; and Jennifer Clark, assistant dean for student success and retention in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, as being particularly helpful.
“Molly is one of the most enthusiastic students I know in our department,” Becker said. “As her academic adviser, I have witnessed her enthusiasm over the years take focus, and it is very clear that she has developed a true passion for making contributions in the area of power and energy. I can think of no one more deserving of the IEEE PES scholarship.”
Coonfield said she is grateful for the support she has received at MSU.
“All of them are determined to make the student experience the best that they can,” Coonfield said. “They truly care about the students and our success.”
After she graduates in the spring of 2027, Coonfield plans to work within the power and energy sector.
“I am passionate about the bulk electric system and renewable energy,” she said.