Kayla Hillig, PresidentMajor: Geological Engineering
Year: Senior
Hometown: San Jose, California
Email: khillig@mtech.edu
Kayla is originally from San Jose, California and moved to Butte, Montana two years ago to pursue her degree in Geological Engineering. She is a part of many groups on campus including being Resident Assistant Director for residence life and treasurer for Engineers Without Borders. In her little amount of free time, she enjoys laughing and creating memories with her friends, listening to music, or reading a book. Kayla joined the ASMT Senate to be an advocate for the whole campus, rather than just in the halls. Her goal is to listen, implement, and help improve Tech not only for now, but for the future generations to come!
Brynlee Nielsen, Vice PresidentMajor: Nursing
Year: Junior
Hometown: Butte, MT
Email: bnielsen@mtech.edu
Brynlee Nielsen grew up in Butte Montana and graduated from Butte High school. She aspires to help heal people by being a surgical nurse. Some of her hobbies include dancing, singing her heart out in the car, binge watch Netflix, and take many adventures. She grew up on Tech’s campus from either going to the sporting events or different camps going on, so it was a no brained when she chose Montana Tech. By being an ASMT senator, she holds the power to make a change and hear what the students really want on campus. She is open to all discussions and hopes to make a difference at Montana Tech.
Jaden ClevelandMajor: Civil Engineering
Year: Junior
Hometown: Butte, MT
Email: jcleveland@mtech.edu
Jaden is a Montana native who graduated from Butte High School. She is currently a sophomore pursuing a Civil Engineering degree with a minor in Occupational Safety and Health. She enjoys sports, dancing, hanging out with her friends, and being creative. She is really happy to be at Montana Tech, and enjoys all of the opportunities and experiences the campus has to offer. As a sophomore senator, Jaden is excited to continue making a difference on campus with ASMT!
Major: Civil Engineering
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Whittier, Alaska
Email: mburke1@mtech.edu
Maria Burke grew up in the Philippines and moved to Alaska when she was 9 years old. She attended college for a year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks before recently transferring to Montana Tech to continue pursuing her degree in Civil Engineering. She enjoys snowboarding, playing her guitar, and hiking in her free time. Maria joined the ASMT Senate in order to get involved in campus and student life. She understands that college can be a difficult for people and want to provide students a way to have fun and to become successful.
Isaac GilfeatherMajor: Mechanical Engineering
Year: Graduate student
Hometown: Helena, Montana
Email: igilfeather@mtech.edu
Isaac Gilfeather received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Montana Technological University in spring 2020. Currently working towards a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, his research interests include nanomaterials, multiphysics modeling, and control systems. When he is not working in the laboratory, he enjoys video games, chess, and watching movies. As an ASMT senator, he is passionate about creating an environment of acceptance and culture of academic excellence at Montana Tech.
Taylor LivaMajor: Biological Science
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Butte, MT
Email: tliva@mtech.edu
Taylor was raised in Butte Montana. She is attending Montana Tech in order to pursue a degree in Biological Science on the cellular molecular track. After undergrad, she hopes to attend medical school. Taylor enjoys dancing, listening to music, reading, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends. As an ASMT senator, Taylor hopes to become more involved around campus and make a difference for the students of Montana Tech.
Andrea Gonzalez McCordMajors: Data Science; Mathematics, Statistics Option
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Bozeman, MT
Email: agonzalezmccord@mtech.edu
Andrea Gonzalez McCord is a non-traditional student who transferred to Tech after a decade-long hiatus from college. They enjoy video games, crafting, and logic puzzles. They are honored to have been elected as the inaugural Senate Parliamentarian.
Evan GuengerichMajor: Mechanical Engineering
Year: Freshman
Email: eguengerich@mtech.edu
Evan Guengerich was born and raised in Gardiner, MT the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. He is a freshman at Montana Tech pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Some of his hobbies include mountain biking, working on cars, and listening to loud music. Evan is really glad to be at Montana Tech. He loves the mountains, campus, and everything in between. He is excited to be in ASMT so that he can actively help the college community and make it a better place for everyone.
Maggee NielsenMajor: Nursing
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Butte, Montana
Email: mnielsen@mtech.edu
Maggee is born and raised in Butte, Montana. She is looking to pursue a degree in Nursing. She enjoys spending weekends with her family, reading books, and listening to different podcasts while doing homework. As a first-year senator, Maggee is looking forward to helping improve the campus of Montana Tech and hearing what students and staff want to see changed around campus.
Baylie PhillipsMajor: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Year: Junior
Hometown: Butte, Montana
Email: bphillips@mtech.edu
My name is Baylie Phillips. I am a Butte native and graduated from Butte High School. I am majoring in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. My goal is to find more environmentally sustainable ways to process materials. I enjoy painting, volunteering, reading, and anything to do with the lake. I am happy to be furthering my education at Montana Tech. I am excited to be a part of the events Tech puts on. I am looking forward to being a member of the ASMT Senate at Tech.
Liam RuoffMajor: Geological Engineering
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Email: lruoff@mtech.edu
Liam Ruoff is an out-of-state student from Washington State who graduated from Puyallup High School and the came to Tech for the following school year. He is a Geological Engineering student pursuing the Geotechnical Option intending upon becoming a Geotechnical Engineer. His hobbies include video games, DnD, and Mathematics. He would be interested in hearing any changes to campus that students may desire.
Kevin SabelMajor: Mechanical Engineering
Class Standing: Senior
Email: ksabel@mtech.edu
Major: Chemistry
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Butte, Montana
Email: mskeel@mtech.edu
Madison is a born and grown Butte native who is looking to obtain her degree in Chemistry. She loves reading, athletics, and outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing. This year, Maddie is hoping to get a lot of interaction throughout the Tech community as a first-time senator and member of ASMT. She is also hoping to bring about some positive changes to the campus that will benefit everyone.
Caleb YgnatowizMajor: Associate of Science
Class Standing: Sophomore
Hometown: Butte, Montana
Email: cygnatowiz@mtech.edu
Caleb Ygnatowiz is a Montana Veteran of the U.S Army and graduated with a G.E.D. After working a number of years in the private sector, he decided to further his education with an Associate of Science degree emphasizing on Geological Engineering. Caleb’s hobbies include guitar playing, learning, video games, and spending time with family and friends. Caleb joined ASMT to represent students and learn about student government. As an ASMT Senator, Caleb hopes to provide a lasting Food Pantry for students in need.
This seat is currently open to all members of the Associated Students of Montana Tech. Preference will be given toward Highlands College students.
Inquiries: asmt.vicepresident@mtech.edu.