to ensure that all students learn the most important concepts.  Nonetheless, I also used electives to explore unique areas both in and outside of Mechanical Engineering.  For example:  

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ENGR 408:  Engineering Leadership Principles

This course provided insight into the principles of engineering leadership, an area of great interest to me.  The course revolved around a semester-long assignment to improve airport efficiency.  I led the team in brainstorming and developing solutions that would reduce overall energy consumption in airports.

 

ME 440:  Mechatronics

As a mechanical engineer in an increasingly digital landscape, I wanted to familiarize myself with the field of mechatronics to gain a better understanding of the connection between computer science and mechanical engineering.  I learned the functions and backgrounds of a number of mechatronic components, as well as how to program them using an Arduino microcontroller and its related software.  Through this course, I was able to gain a proficient understanding of how to implement the digital component of programmable mechanical systems.

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General Education Courses

I used some of my general education credits to develop my creative skills and explore the connection between art and engineering.  These courses included Composition, Creative Writing, and Art & Engineering.  I took these courses because, as an engineer, I would like to be able to serve as a bridge between the design and engineering teams.  By doing so, I will hopefully help to ensure projects have a focus on both form and function, rather than having to sacrifice one for the other.  

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International Education

During my college career, I had the opportunity to study abroad through the Engineers Made in Germany program.  This program is based in Pforzheim, Germany at the Hochschule Pforzheim.  The coursework focused on the manufacturing side of engineering, specifically automotive manufacturing.  On this topic, not only did I have the opportunity to learn how to improve manufacturing efficiency, but I had the opportunity to see it in effect at the BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and John Deere manufacturing facilities.  

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While there, I also explored robotics, improving energy efficiency, and the growing influence of smart networks and was introduced to the German language.  

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The whole experience was incredibly eye opening as it afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in an entirely different culture for an extended period of time.  While I had some experience with this when I was younger and living in the Netherlands with my family, this was the first time I was able to explore another country on my own.  I hope to travel as an engineer and continue to learn and experience other parts of the world.

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Relevant Engineering Experience

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Kafka Manufacturing

I am currently employed as a mechanical engineer at Kafka Manufacturing.  I am responsible for designing and drafting cab enclosures, doors and other equipment for elevators.  In this role, I have gained further experience designing and drafting using 3D modelling software, as well as experience working directly with clients and the manufacturing team. This has been hugely beneficial, not only in affording me more experience working in a design capacity, but also in demonstrating my ability to work well with others both in and out of the company. 

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E-Quip Manufacturing

My initial entry point into the engineering field following graduation was as a contract employee at the food processing equipment manufacturer E-Quip Manufacturing.  I performed in the role of a Mechanical Design Engineer and was responsible for designing and drafting pieces of machinery as requested by various clients.  In this position, I gained valuable real-world experience in DFM and DFA, as well as achieved advanced proficiency using 3D modelling software.  Overall, this afforded me a much better understanding of the skills and attitudes necessary to perform in a design and development role beyond the understanding I already had through my education.  This position also furthered my interpersonal and customer service skills through working with others in the company as well as working to meet the requirements of the client to provide the best possible product.

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Penn State Office of Physical Plant

During the Summer following my sophomore year, I worked as an intern for Steve Maruszewski, Vice President of Penn State's Office of Physical Plant.  My role focused mainly on conducting research into improving Penn State's energy efficiency.  During my time at the Office of Physical Plant, I was able to take the lead on several projects including:   researching battery energy storage for Penn State's solar panels, redesigning one building's cooling system to be more efficient, and conducting a cost benefit analysis of incorporating new electric vehicles into Penn State's fleet.  These assignments were critical in providing me real-world engineering experience, as well as familiarizing me with interoffice communication.  During these projects, I contacted and spoke one-on-one with various managers who had relevant information.  This experience was valuable in teaching me the importance of making connections between departments in order to achieve a well informed result.      

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Relevant Creative and Entrepreneurial Experience

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Full Ammo Improv Troupe

As a freshman, I joined Penn State's Full Ammo Improv Troupe and remained with the organization for the rest of my college career.  This turned out to be a very rewarding experience.  Not only was it fun to perform publicly and make people laugh, but it greatly improved my confidence and public speaking skills.  The experience was extremely helpful as I presented ideas in my engineering coursework and made organized, appealing project presentations.  These skills will become increasingly useful as I move into positions of leadership during my professional career.

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TV Dinners (Band)

During my college experience, I was also a founding member of a local band, TV Dinners.  I wrote original music, performed at various venues in State College and elsewhere, and even performed at Penn State's THON.  While being in a band may be somewhat unique for an engineering student, the experience allowed me to develop entrepreneurial, marketing and musical engineering skills.  Of course, we took great care with the quality of our songs and our audio and video recordings.  In addition, we realized that we needed to establish name recognition or a “brand.”  Therefore, we established an online presence, regularly posted new songs on SoundCloud, developed a “look” that incorporated our band’s name, and even chose to use a particular wholesome brand of humor.  Not only did these measures set us apart from other bands, they also served to cement our name, type of music and identity in people's minds.

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Developing and implementing ideas for TV Dinners was a very exciting experience.  It also helped me better understand the business of pursuing creative endeavors and should help me in serving as a bridge between engineers and the business members of any team.