College of Engineering scholarship provides student with opportunity to ‘learn and grow’ at UNL

By Noah Johnson

Anna Hadan has always loved working with her hands.

From the time she was a child, the Omaha native worked with her dad and grandfather in the garage on cars. Even at 9 years old, those experiences laid the foundation for her future, Hadan said.

“Growing up, I had to help my grandpa put things into his car or help him figure out how to wire the car and other things like that,” she said. “I always wanted to learn, and learning that stuff just tickled a part of my brain.”

She eventually translated those memories and lessons into her first exposure to robotics in middle school and an engineering program at Omaha North High School. All of these foundational experiences led Hadan to UNL’s College of Engineering in 2021.

Anna Hadan has always loved working with her hands.

From the time she was a child, the Omaha native worked with her dad and grandfather in the garage on cars. Even at 9 years old, those experiences laid the foundation for her future, Hadan said.

“Growing up, I had to help my grandpa put things into his car or help him figure out how to wire the car and other things like that,” she said. “I always wanted to learn, and learning that stuff just tickled a part of my brain.”

She eventually translated those memories and lessons into her first exposure to robotics in middle school and an engineering program at Omaha North High School. All of these foundational experiences led Hadan to UNL’s College of Engineering in 2021.

Today, Hadan is a senior mechanical engineering major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is preparing to enter her final semester of college with her dream job as a robotics and automation specialist already secured.

As she reflects on her time at the university, Hadan said she wouldn’t be where she is today without the scholarship she received through the N Fund – Engineering Scholarships Fund.

Hadan has taken full advantage of the opportunities available to her at the College of Engineering. Hadan was a charter member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a social and professional sorority aimed at promoting women in STEM fields like engineering.

She has also served as president of UNL’s Vex U Robotics Club, a student organization centered around robot design and building competitions.

These experiences have provided Hadan with a strong sense of direction as she prepares to enter the next phase of her life. For Hadan, words aren’t enough to express her gratitude to those who helped fund her scholarship.

“I think it goes to show what can happen when somebody cares about you and wants to see you do well and succeed,” she said. “It means a lot to me.”