Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class: 2012
What is your hometown?
Brookfield, Ill.
Why did you choose MSOE?
I wanted to leave home and take on a challenge that was independent of my comfort zone. The small private school atmosphere was also something that attracted me as a student. I knew MSOE had real potential for being an environment where I could learn to excel on my own.
Why did you choose mechanical engineering as your major?
In high school I excelled in math and science so I researched several careers where I could use such skills. However, it wasn’t until I talked with my AP Physics professor that I had considered studying engineering. He would show us real world examples in class of engineering problems and their effect on people. After taking this class I knew I wanted to study mechanical engineering.
What do you like about the ME program?
Within the ME program there are so many seasoned professors with a wealth of engineering experience. I have had the privilege to work with so many of these professors not only as a student but as a mentee. It is this part of the ME program that is truly invaluable.
What did you like most about your MSOE experience?
Working with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) I would always admire the upperclassmen. They worked on senior design projects, held internships, and would stand in front of the group and give presentations. They were so confident. Now I have the chance to stand in that exact same position and it could not be any more rewarding.
What advice would you give someone who is considering attending MSOE?
Expect a challenge. MSOE is not for the faint-hearted. However, expect to gain a wealth of information, experience, and self-pride. Any student who graduates from MSOE deserves it!
Tell us about your involvement in ASME and/or other activities on campus?
I am the president of ASME. I have been an active participant of this society for three years. While part of ASME, I have written several grants amounting to over $4,000 to help fund ASME sponsored events. These events include the Creative Reach Engineering Workshop (CREW), Dremmel Derby, and traveling to the annual Student Professional Development Conference each year to compete in several design competitions. Aside from ASME, I also worked for the Upward Bound Program for all four years of my student career. The Upward Bound Program is a federally funded program developed to assist low-income first generation high school students to pursue a college career. I worked as both a tutor and mentor teaching both algebra and calculus their after school program.
Beyond academics, what have you learned at MSOE?
It is so important to learn how to interact with people and professionals. But this is something that is only achieved through experience and cannot be taught solely in the classroom. MSOE has taught me how to become an adult.
What's your favorite memory at MSOE?
I really enjoyed the time spent working on my senior design project. I was put in a group with two German exchange students, Johann Possekel and Rolf Schweineberg, as well as Reda Abualsaud who is from Saudi Arabia. It was such a nice experience to work in a team together with people of all different backgrounds.
What is your favorite thing(s) to do outside of MSOE?
Outside of school, I like to spend time working on my art. I have several years of experience reading music and I play in a hand bell choir for St. John’s cathedral. I also enjoy working with ceramics. In high school I spent several hours throwing (making ceramic ware on a potter's wheel) and would like to return to this hobby after graduation.