But as she prepares to graduate with a degree in biomedical engineering, Steele is being recognized for something even broader: her leadership, personal growth and impact within the Purdue Engineering community — qualities that earned her the Zimmerman Family Award, one of the College of Engineering’s highest student honors.

Presented annually to a graduating senior in Purdue’s College of Engineering, the Zimmerman Family Award honors students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional development and service. For Steele, who is graduating with a degree in biomedical engineering, the award reflects not only her academic and industry accomplishments but also the personal journey she’s taken during her five years at Purdue.

“Receiving the Zimmerman Family Award is such an incredible honor,” Steele said. “It feels like a full-circle moment, recognizing all of the growth, hard work and community that shaped my time at Purdue.”

While Steele built her technical expertise through real-world experiences — including a co-op with DePuy Synthes and a GEARE study abroad in Ireland — it was her deep involvement in the Women in Engineering Program (WiE) that provided a consistent foundation.

She joined WiE’s Learning Community during her first year and found lasting friendships, mentorship and a sense of belonging that continued even as she stepped off campus for co-op semesters.

“As a co-op student who spent semesters away from campus, it meant so much to know that WiE would always be there when I returned,” she said. “In a time that often felt like everything around me was changing, the Women in Engineering Program was a rock — a steady and welcoming community I could rely on, no matter where my path was taking me.”

That support helped Steele grow into the engineer and leader she is today. After graduation, she will return to Ireland to pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Galway.

“Honestly, my freshman-year self would be amazed to see how far I've come five years later, nearing graduation,” Steele said. “I’m especially grateful to the Women in Engineering Program for being a steady source of encouragement and belonging throughout that journey.”

BME Student Steele becomes first Purdue student honored as CEED's Intern of the Year. 

Galway Inspiring Ali Steele's Journey in Biomedical Engineering

Read more about the other five recipients of the Zimmerman Family Award.