Mechanical Engineering Scholar Karmen Teuscher: Soaring to New Heights

For Karmen Teuscher, Utah State University was the perfect launchpad for an academic and professional career in aerospace engineering. With both parents as USU alumni — her father in mechanical engineering and her mother in graphic design — choosing USU felt like coming home.

“I’ve always loved math and physics, so engineering seemed like a natural path,” she said. “I’m super interested in the aerospace industry, so USU was a perfect fit for me.”

Teuscher packed her bags and moved from Syracuse to Logan, where she decided to study mechanical engineering with an aerospace focus. Since arriving at USU, Teuscher has thrived in the university’s robust engineering program, seizing opportunities to challenge herself and grow through leadership roles and hands-on research.

In 2023, Teuscher served as president of the USU American Society of Mechanical Engineers chapter, where she honed her leadership skills and discovered a passion for guiding teams. ASME is responsible for annual events such as the Pumpkin Toss, Pinewood Derby, Soapbox Derby and many more.

“Leadership experience within ASME taught me that I really enjoy leading a team,” said Teuscher. “I’m hoping that gives me an advantage when I get into the aerospace field.”

Now, her focus has shifted to undergraduate research, where she is gaining invaluable experience presenting her work on a national stage. Recently, Karmen showcased her research poster at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition conference in Portland, Oregon.

Looking to the future, Teuscher plans to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at USU before diving into the aerospace industry. Her ultimate goal? Becoming a program or project manager, a role where she can combine her technical expertise with her love for leadership.

When she’s not in the lab or the classroom, Teuscher can be found enjoying the great outdoors. Fly fishing has become a favorite pastime, particularly along the Blacksmith Fork River and the Logan River. She's even gotten into crafting her own fly-fishing rod and tying her own flies.

But her mechanical prowess doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Teuscher’s love for engineering extends to her 1985 Honda Magna V30 motorcycle, which she bought two summers ago as a non-running project. With determination and skill, she rebuilt the carburetors and brought the classic bike back to life.

“It was one of the most challenging and exciting things I’ve done in a while,” she said.

From the rivers of Cache Valley to the forefront of aerospace innovation, Karmen Teuscher exemplifies the Aggie spirit — embracing challenges, pursuing passions and always looking to the skies.