Program: BS, University of Utah, Mechanical Engineering, Physics Minor
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Previous degrees/Institutions: Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, to be completed in Spring 2014
Research Interests/Project: Characterization of material properties of biological tissue
Honors/Awards: Herschede Engineering Graduate Scholarship 2013-2014 Kennecott Scholar, 2011-2012, 2012-2013 National Tau Beta Pi Scholarship, 2012-2013 National Sigma Chi Scholarship, 2012-2013 Clair Coleman Mechanical Engineering Scholarship, 2010-2011 Clyde Christensen Mechanical Engineering Scholarship, 2009-2010 University of Utah Leadership Scholarship, 2009-2011 University of Utah Greek Council Scholarship 2009-2010 Tau Beta Pi Activities Coordinator, 2012-2013 ASUU Engineering Assembly, 2011–2012, 2012-2013 National Society of Leadership & Success Membership Outreach Coordinator, 2012-2013 Order of Omega Historian, 2012-2013 Golden Key Historian, 2011-2012 Sigma Chi Historian, 2011, 2012
Interests outside of research: Swimming, Water Polo, Skiing, Biking, Snowboarding, Fly Tying, Tennis, Hiking, Camping, Piano, Golfing, Ballroom Dancing, Photography, the great outdoors!
Little known fact about Kiffer:: I have a ten year old lemon tree that has produced three lemons that I started from a seed!
15 minutes of fame: In junior high school I had my picture in the newspaper for the physics day egg-drop competition at Lagoon.
What can’t you live without: The changing seasons.
Favorite place to eat in SLC: Mocha Salsa– : Mocha Salsa’s breakfast burrito and horchata.
Favorite activity in SLC or surrounding area: Skiing in the mountains
I’ve always wanted to: Travel to Europe
Best kept hidden secret about Utah: The best time to ski is Sunday morning. Backpacking in the Uinta’s is amazing.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received or given: Be a friend to all, live life to the fullest, and keep smiling!