Ashly Cedeno '26
A junior at Illinois College, Ashley Cedeno ’26 is double-majoring in physics and biology with concentrations in engineering and ecology. Cedeno embodies a liberal arts education, having participated in two internships that expand the understanding of her majors and how they intersect in the real world.
Her experiences have been transformative, blending her academic passions with hands-on experience. At Mission Outreach, she worked as a biomedical engineering intern, evaluating and repurposing donated medical equipment for developing countries. This internship sparked her interest in applying engineering skills to humanitarian causes, combining technology with sustainability to help communities in need.
This past summer, Cedeno spent time in Cuba completing an internship that was a unique fusion of art and science. Generously funded by the Charles and Dorothy Frank Travel Award, Cedeno studied botanical illustration and Cuban art, gaining new perspectives on using creative expression to enhance scientific work. This experience deepened her understanding of ecology and art’s role in communicating complex ideas.
These internships have shaped her career aspirations in biomedical engineering, helping her develop practical problem-solving skills and a global perspective. Upon completing course requirements at IC, Cedeno plans to continue her mechanical engineering education at Washington University.