When industrial engineering undergraduate student Zlata Goleva first arrived in Corvallis, Oregon, the transition from her bustling, gray hometown in northern Russia to the green, close-knit community of Oregon State University felt like stepping into another world.
“I’m from a big city, and it’s completely different here,” she said. “I’m living in the wilderness now compared to the concrete jungle.”
Yet, it was this very contrast—and the promise of opportunity and academic fulfillment—that drew her to Oregon State.
With a father in business and a mother in medicine, Goleva grew up immersed in both the analytical and the human sides of problem-solving.
“I knew I didn’t want to narrow my focus to medicine or business,” she said. “But I was always a scientific person at my core, and also very creative.”
Finding industrial engineering and research experience
Her journey at Oregon State began with bioengineering, inspired by a dream to help synthesize artificial organs. But she soon realized she craved a discipline that was both creative and social. After a brief detour into business, Goleva discovered industrial engineering—a field she describes as “the perfect combination of creative thinking, social skills, and engineering.” She dove into systems engineering, a subfield she calls “philosophy plus psychology plus engineering thinking,” and found herself at home.
Goleva’s academic curiosity quickly led her to research. As a research assistant for Ean Ng, assistant professor of industrial engineering, she explored engineering management. This collaboration culminated in the co-authoring of a paper on virtual simulations for safety and productivity, paving the way for more effective virtual training tools in both industry and education.
Later, she joined a group led by Javier Calvo-Amodio, associate professor of industrial engineering, where she delved into the complexities of category theory and systems engineering.
“We explore research, come up with new ideas, and try to develop mathematical models for complex systems,” Goleva said. “Overall, Dr. Calvo opened up a whole new world of industrial and systems engineering to me and led to the establishment of a new perspective on life in general.”
Embracing student clubs and leadership opportunities
Outside the classroom and lab, Goleva has embraced Oregon State’s vibrant student club offerings. She first joined a Russian-speaking community club, then found her stride in Beaver Racing, where she helped lead the business presentation team as part of a top 10 finish overall at a national competition in Arizona. Goleva’s leadership roles include serving as secretary of the Robotics Club and president-elect of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) student chapter. In addition, she’s treasurer and president of Alpha Pi Mu, the industrial engineering honor society, and has participated in the Sales Club, nearly completing a professional sales certificate. Serving her creative side, Goleva also worked as a writer, director of articles, and a model for DAMchic at Orange Media, with three articles published in 2024.
Transformation through the Leadership, Empowerment, and Purpose (LEAP) program
One of her most transformative experiences, though, has been the LEAP (Leadership, Empowerment, and Purpose) program, a year-long project-based initiative that pairs students with industry mentors. Goleva’s project aimed to bridge the gap between engineering and business students, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. Her project was named among the five best at the LEAP annual meeting in April. Her mentor, Seth Wiberg, senior manager for rapid advanced manufacturing at Nike, not only offered invaluable career advice but also invited her to tour Nike’s Innovation Lab—a highlight she never expected.
“LEAP gave me the chance to work on something personal and meaningful, and to see how leadership and engineering intersect in the real world,” she said.
As she approaches graduation, Goleva is weighing her next steps: entering industry to gain hands-on experience in industrial engineering, or pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. in systems engineering with a focus on integrating human factors and technology.
“I want to explore what industrial engineering is in real life, not just in theory,” she said. “And maybe one day, I’ll be an engineer who works on the business side of a company, leading teams and solving problems that matter.”
Reflecting on her time at Oregon State, Goleva is grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and community she’s found.
“These have been the most challenging and exciting years of my life,” she said. “Oregon State gives students the chance to do something outside of classes, to be part of a community, and to grow as people. That’s what makes it special.”
