The Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics department is proud to feature students and other members of our community for Women in STEM Wednesday. This week we take a look into the life of student Tylore Baker.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Lapeer, MI
DEGREE | WHAT YEAR?
Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Manufacturing 5th year
WHAT GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
Theta Chi Epsilon Sorority, Mont Ripley Ski Patrol, Mont Ripley Instructors, & MTU 4X4
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?
I enjoy backpacking, cooking/baking, reading, and being around friends.
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE AREA?
My favorite place in the area is either Lac La Belle, or the top of Ripley at night so you can see all the lights of Houghton.
FUN FACTS / PETS / FAVORITE QUOTE
Fun Fact: I am forklift certified and while volunteering with the Exercise Physiology Lab I found out I have above average bone density.
Pets: My family has a Newfoundland named Leo, and a Black Lab/ Blue Heeler mix named Angus.
Favorite Quote: “That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly” – Thomas Paine
Or “You’re not too late. You’re not too early. You are right on time”
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TECH?
I chose Tech because of Mont Ripley, the fact that Tech is a respected STEM school also helped a lot.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT TECH?
I love the people at Tech. The faculty, staff and students are always looking out for each other; it very much feels like a giant family.
HOW HAS TECH IMPACTED YOUR VIEW OF STEM?
Tech has impacted my view on STEM in an odd way. It has made me appreciate STEM because of its rigor, but has also made me realize how important other fields of study are. You can have a great product or manufacturing process but without other fields of study there is no way that your product will be successful.
WHAT ORIGINALLY INTERESTED YOU IN STEM?
Going to Astronomy Nights with my late uncle at the local nature center. Being able to learn about stars and constellations, while also being able to look at them through a telescope was monumental for me. He also gifted me his old telescope, which I was able to deconstruct to learn how telescopes worked and how to maintain them.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Your path will look different than others and that is OKAY. It will be difficult, and that’s what makes it so worth it in the long run; but no matter what just keep going and enjoy yourself along the way.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO STUDENTS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN STUDYING STEM?
Do it! STEM has so many opportunities, and different topics that you will always be able to find something that you are interested in. As long as you are willing to put in the work, and you enjoy what you are studying; the learning will be the easy part.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
I want to be able to make as many small changes to things as possible, because I know the smallest change can lead to drastic changes. I want to project as much positivity, and goodwill into the universe as possible. Even if I do not make positive changes to the entire world, I want to positively impact as many people’s lives as possible.
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).