Finding confidence in collaboration: Anna Dalton builds her future in Computer Engineering at Purdue
For Anna Dalton, choosing to become a Boilermaker came down to a mix of practical advantages and personal values. The St. Louis, Missouri, native was drawn to Purdue University for its frozen tuition, strong research opportunities in computer engineering and the excitement of Big Ten athletics. Just as important, though, was something less tangible: a collaborative culture where students support one another rather than compete.
After attending a highly competitive high school, Dalton knew she wanted a university environment that emphasized teamwork. At Purdue, she found exactly that — beginning with her experience in First-Year Engineering and continuing through hands-on, community-focused programs that helped her grow both technically and personally.
One of the most influential experiences in Dalton’s journey has been her involvement with Purdue EPICS. As a member of a team focused on developing assistive technology for people with visual impairments, Dalton gained practical experience in software development, printed circuit board (PCB) design and microcontrollers. The project’s all-women team made the experience even more meaningful.
“It’s been really nice to work with other women in STEM on a project that has real community impact,” Dalton said.
During the summer of 2025, Dalton deepened her technical skills by staying at Purdue as a digital chip design intern with Purdue STARS, a summer research program designed to prepare students for careers in the semiconductor industry. Through STARS, she developed foundational hardware design skills and gained clarity about her career interests — but perhaps most importantly, she gained confidence.
Dalton entered the program wrestling with impostor syndrome. She had not yet taken many electrical or computer engineering courses and worried that her background lagged behind that of her peers. She was also uncertain about pursuing hardware engineering in a field where women remain underrepresented. Support from STARS instructors and teaching assistants made a difference.
“They were really encouraging and kept reminding us to be proud of our work and everything we had learned over the summer,” Dalton said.
Outside the classroom and lab, Dalton has embraced Purdue’s wide range of extracurricular opportunities. She serves as a volunteer tour guide with the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation to strengthen her public speaking skills, works as a project manager with Purdue Solutions Consulting to explore consulting as a possible career path and is a design lead for her EPICS team. While she ultimately decided to pursue engineering rather than consulting, the experience helped her build leadership, presentation and networking skills.
Looking ahead, Dalton plans to earn a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering through Purdue’s 4+1 program before entering industry. Her long-term goal is to work as a hardware engineer contributing to the development of AI-focused hardware.
What began as a search for affordability and opportunity has grown into a journey defined by collaboration, confidence and purpose — one that Dalton is proud to continue as a Boilermaker.