Jenna started her college career in SIUE on Chancellor’s Scholarship majoring biology. Very soon, she could not resist her love for math and switch major to mechanical engineering. However, her time spent in biology still serves well: She engaged in the Undergraduate Research Academy program mentored by both Biology and Mechanical Engineering faculty members, and completed an interdisciplinary research project "Comparison of Feeding and Jumping in the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens". The paper will soon be presented in an international conference.

Jenna is very active in the extra-curriculum activities. She is a member of SIUE STARS, Student Leadership and Development Program, Optical Society of America, Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honorary Society), Secretary of Pi Tau Sigma (ME Honorary Society).

Jenna is from Bartelso, IL, and is one of two daughters of Mike and Brenda Toennies. She enjoys running, biking and rollerblading. She also teaches piano.