Grace Kester
Bio
Grace Kester is an NC State industrial and systems engineering student who plans to pursue the Healthcare Systems concentration. She grew up in Apex, North Carolina. Kester chose NC State after speaking with an ISE ambassador during an Engineering Open House.
Kester now serves as an ISE Ambassador and is a member of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. During her sophomore year, she studied abroad in South Korea while completing requirements for the Honors College. More recently, she worked as an industrial engineering intern at Dauch through NC State’s Rural Works! program. There, she conducted time studies and supported production planning and efficiency improvements.
Additionally, Kester spent two summers as a counselor with Camp Kesem. She also serves on its coordinator board. In these roles, she recruited volunteer counselors, coordinated camp logistics and supported children impacted by a parent’s cancer. In 2025, she also attended the National Youth Leadership Summit.
Why ISE?
Kester chose ISE because its interdisciplinary approach allows her to explore different interests while solving complex problems. She enjoys applying classroom knowledge to develop engineering solutions that can improve systems and help people.
Additionally, Kester values the wide range of career opportunities available to ISE graduates. She appreciates the department’s faculty and their commitment to helping students succeed. As she continues her studies, Kester looks forward to exploring healthcare systems and completing her remaining ISE courses.
Why be an Ambassador?
An ISE Ambassador helped Kester discover the field during an NC State Engineering Open House. That conversation introduced her to a career path that matched her interests and goals.
As a result, Kester wanted to provide that same experience for other students. As an ISE Ambassador, she helps prospective and current students learn more about the major. She also helps them explore career possibilities and discover how ISE can connect with their interests and goals.