Isabel Dudlyke

Hi, I'm Isabel.

I am a Duke University alum, having graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Cinematic Arts. I’m deeply honored to have received the Walter J. Seeley Scholastic Award, presented to the top engineering student for academic excellence and professional diligence, and the Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Faculty Award for highest scholastic achievement in my department. I am a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa, Tau Beta Pi, and Pi Tau Sigma, recognizing my dedication to both intellectual breadth and technical mastery. I was also featured as the Student Spotlight for the MEMS Department, highlighting my interdisciplinary work.

My creative work has been equally recognized. I was awarded the Cinematic Arts Outstanding Filmmaker Award for my body of work over my time at Duke. My short film Tulips won Best Film and Best Cinematography at the 2025 Cinematic Arts Awards, and my capstone horror-comedy, Éliphas, received the Robert E. Pristo Filmmaking Award and a Creative Arts Grant to fund the project, premiering to wide acclaim at Duke’s senior showcase. I’m also an active member of Freewater Productions, as well as theater groups Duke Players and Hoof ‘n’ Horn, where I frequently take on technical production roles.

I thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments that demand both creative direction and engineering precision. From leading the design and fabrication of a Mario Kart–themed amphibious sculpture for the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race — where we won the top honor, the ACE Award — to crafting narrative-driven short films with custom practical effects, I excel at bridging design and execution. With a passion for blending technical expertise and artistic vision, I bring a hybrid perspective to every challenge, delivering work that is both impactful and imaginative.


Education

Duke University Aug 2021 - May 2025
B.S.E in Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Cinematic Arts
GPA: 4.0, Summa Cum Laude
Honors & Awards
  • Walter J. Seeley Scholastic Award – Highest Scholastic Achievement & dedication to engineering studies
  • MEMS Faculty Award – Top graduating senior in Mechanical Engineering
  • Cinematic Arts Outstanding Filmmaker Award – Recognized for creative excellence
  • Dean’s List with Distinction (7x) – Awarded every eligible semester
  • Phi Beta Kappa – Academic honor society for the liberal arts and sciences
  • Tau Beta Pi – National engineering honor society

Professional Experience

Cinematic Arts Cage Equipment Assistant Dec 2024 - May 2025
Duke University
  • Advised students on equipment selection, setup, and usage, assisting with gear to meet project-specific needs.
  • Maintained cameras, lighting, sound, and other film equipment, troubleshooting issues to ensure functionality.
Research Assistant and Graphics Developer Jan 2024 - May 2025
Duke University
  • Designed 3D models and graphics to optimize research methodologies and improve project outcomes.
  • Collaborated with researchers to visualize data and develop presentations, enhancing communication of complex ideas.
Development Intern June 2024 - Aug 2024
Di Bonaventura Pictures
  • Provided coverage and feedback on scripts, analyzing IP for adaptation opportunities.
  • Conducted market analysis on emerging trends, synthesizing data to shape IP acquisitions for top media projects.
Arts+ Intern May 2024 - June 2024
Duke University
  • Developed a Verbatim Theatre script, conducting in-depth research, coordinating with community actors, and refining through a live table reading.
  • Compiled and edited footage to create a polished video presentation of the table read for a project presentation.
Videography Team Member Feb 2024 - Present
Pitch Story Labs
  • Produced high-quality videos aligning with client objectives, from conceptualization to editing.
  • Managed and operated video and sound equipment and conducted interviews to create compelling video content.
Head Barista & Front of House May 2021 - Aug 2023
Pear Tree Cafe
  • Managed coffee station during peak hours, provided customer service, and assisted with opening/closing the cafe, demonstrating excellent hospitality and time-management skills in high-stress environments.
Social Media Manager & Assistant Sep 2020 - Dec 2020
Cannnonball Cafe
  • Oversaw the cafe's online presence by posting daily on Instagram and Facebook, ensuring the stories and feed are engaging, informative and aligned with the cafe's brand image.
  • Handled the financial records of the Cafe by inputting the invoices and daily sales into Quickbooks, and using Excel to calculate the income from each of the locations and tax.

Skills & Proficiencies

Python Python
MATLAB MATLAB
SolidWorks SolidWorks
Adobe Premiere Adobe Creative Suite
AutoCAD Autodesk

Extracurricular Activities

PBK
Phi Beta Kappa

Selected to be a member of Duke's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's most prestigious academic honor society.

Tau Beta Pi
Tau Beta Pi

Selected to be a member of Duke's chapter of Tau Beta Pi, based on academic achievement and commitment to personal and professional achievement.

Freewater
Freewater Productions

Director, Producer, DP, Sound Crew for Duke’s foremost and only student-run film production company.

ThetaTau
Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity

Member of Social Committee of first pledge class of Duke’s Theta Tau chapter.

Hoof 'n' Horn
Duke Players & Hoof'n'Horn

Tech Crew for Duke Theatre Productions through both “Duke Players” and “Hoof’n’Horn Club”.