Engineering a Future Through Purpose and Support
Cassandra Butler, a Utah State University biological engineering major, is combining hands-on learning, personal experience with type 1 diabetes, and a passion for problem-solving to pursue medical research that improves lives.
For Cassandra Butler, studying biological engineering is deeply personal.
A Utah State University student majoring in biological engineering with a minor in equine science, Cassandra was drawn to USU for its hands-on learning, close-knit campus community, and strong science programs.
“I absolutely fell in love with the campus and location,” Cassandra said. “I prefer smaller classes, in-person interactions, and learning by doing — and USU fit everything I was looking for.”
That fit mattered. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 14 months old, Cassandra has spent most of her life navigating complex medical systems and learning how the human body works. That experience ultimately shaped her academic path.
“I’ve always liked science and trying to understand my own body,” Cassandra shared. “I’m the type who wants to understand why something works and then come up with unique solutions. Biological engineering felt like the perfect field for that.”
Biological engineering allows Cassandra to combine creativity, problem-solving, and science to design solutions that interact with living systems — work she hopes will one day translate into medical research that improves lives. She is expected to earn her bachelor’s degree in fall 2026 and aspires to research type 1 diabetes, whether through improving disease management, advancing a cure, or exploring prevention strategies.
At USU, Cassandra has actively sought opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. Through mentorship programs such as Thrive, she gained leadership experience, learned how to navigate campus resources, and developed skills in resume, scholarship, and grant writing.
“It helped me become more aware of opportunities at USU and more confident in stepping into them,” Cassandra said. “I learned how to take initiative, ask questions, and advocate for myself as a student.”
Cassandra is also gaining hands-on experience through her senior capstone design project, partnering with OsteoCentric Technology to develop an intramedullary stem prosthetic attachment for lower limbs. Her team’s work focuses on the femur and considers not only patient outcomes but also surgical usability and safety.
“You can’t just look at the device — you have to think about how surgeons use it, what happens if something goes wrong, and how the body responds,” Cassandra explained. “It’s fascinating how interconnected everything is.”
While Cassandra is deeply committed to her studies, her path has not been without challenges. Balancing school with financial strain has been a persistent source of stress — one that affected not only her academics, but also her mental health. That changed when she received the Lonnie and Cheryl Smith Scholarship.
“Not having to worry about money really does ease the burden I feel,” she said. “It’s allowed me to focus on understanding each concept instead of just trying to get by. Everything builds on itself, and I know I’ll need this knowledge in real life.”
The scholarship has also given Cassandra something equally important: time. Because she doesn’t need to work as many hours, she can attend TA office hours, fully engage in her courses, and pursue opportunities aligned with her long-term goals.
“It also allowed me to enjoy college,” Cassandra said. “Now, it’s not just stressful — it’s a fun and meaningful experience too.”
When Cassandra learned she had been awarded the scholarship, the moment was overwhelming.
“I actually cried,” Cassandra admitted. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to afford the rest of my tuition. Seeing that someone believed in me and wanted to help me succeed gave me hope to keep going.”
That support has strengthened her resolve — and her confidence — to pursue research labs, internships, and community involvement.
“I take opportunities when they come my way,” Cassandra said. “Even when things don’t work out, I still learn from them. This scholarship has given me flexibility and the mental space to focus on my future.”
Ultimately, Cassandra hopes her education will allow her to give back — to apply what she learns in ways that help others facing their own health challenges.
“I want to help people, and I want to keep learning,” Cassandra said. “Scholarships like this give students like me the chance to keep moving forward.”
She is deeply grateful for the support that has helped make that possible.
“Thank you so much for offering me this scholarship,” Cassandra said. “It has eased the burden more than words can express — and it’s helping me become someone who can make a difference.”
Create Your Aggie Impact by investing in student scholarships and programs that remove barriers and expand opportunities for Aggies working to achieve their dreams. Your support helps students stay focused on learning, discovery, and growth — not financial strain — and empowers them to turn potential into lasting impact. Together, we can accelerate access and opportunity for today’s students and for generations to come.
Contact
David Kunz
Engineering, Senior Development Director
(435) 797-8012
david.kunz@usu.edu
Tony Ahlstrom
Engineering, Development Officer
(435) 797-0769
tony.ahlstrom@usu.edu