The Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics department is proud to feature students and other community members in Women in STEM Wednesday. This week we take a look into the life of student Rachel Reiz.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Northville, Michigan
DEGREE | WHAT YEAR?
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Mathematical Sciences and Manufacturing, 4th year
WHAT GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
Society of Women Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Copper Country Robotics, MTU E-Sports (Rainbow 6)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?
I love to be outdoors mountain biking, explore the Keweenaw, play video games, and spend time with friends!
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE AREA?
Definitely Gratiot beach, it’s absolutely the best place to watch the sunset, go hunting for yooper lights, and see the stars on a clear night!
PETS / FUN FACTS
I have two cats at home named Squishy and Collie, I’m working on getting a motorcycle, and I played Sousaphone in high school.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TECH?
I came and visited Tech twice the fall before I came in as a freshman and just fell in love with the campus. Between the scenery and the people here, I had a fantastic time and just knew I had to come. Getting to stay overnight in Wads when I visited as a leading scholar was great too!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT TECH?
As I mentioned a bit, I love the people. The friends and peers that I have met and worked with throughout my time at Tech have had such a positive impact on my life. Every professor I’ve talked to has been more than friendly, and the community around Tech is warm and welcoming, even in the darkest of winters.
HOW HAS TECH IMPACTED YOUR VIEW OF STEM?
Tech has opened my eyes to the multitude of possibilities of what I can do after college. The job fairs have been fantastic for talking to companies about real-world applications of what I’m learning about, and, specifically for mechanical engineering, the wide variety of positions that would work fantastic with my degree.
WHAT ORIGINALLY INTERESTED YOU IN STEM?
I’ve loved LEGO for as long as I can remember and knew that I wanted to do LEGO robotics (FLL) as soon as I could. I joined a team in elementary school, setting my sights on the FRC team at my high school, 548, the Robostangs. I joined my freshman year and eventually became the captain of the team, solidifying my love for STEM.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Keep following your dreams! As long as you work hard and persevere, you’ll be able to do anything you put your mind to. And buy some Bitcoin.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO STUDENTS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN STUDYING STEM?
STEM is definitely a challenge at times, but if you love problem solving and math, it’ll definitely be enjoyable. Go to the career fair your first year and talk to companies you’re interested in as well, discuss what majors they look for if you are unsure, and then you’ll have a better idea of what you might be interested in!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
I have always loved space, especially the rockets that take people and cargo to space. I’d love to revolutionize space travel through developing new, more efficient rockets to help us explore the Moon, Mars, and the rest of the solar system throughout my lifetime.
If you would like to nominate a student, graduate, or community member for Women in STEM Wednesday, please email Donna Jeno-Amici (djenoami@mtu.edu) or Meg Raasakka (mraasakk@mtu.edu).