Category: Students

A group of recent Michigan Tech ME-EM graduates will compete against seven other finalists at the 2023 Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (MSEC) on June 13, 2023.

A forum for students to share ideas, this competition supports interest in manufacturing and provides the manufacturing community with fresh perspectives on design. The Michigan Tech team competed against universities including Harvard, Northwestern, UC – Davis and University of Michigan to advance to the finals.

Competition faculty advisor Vinh Nguyen notes, “This is an impressive feat for our students to make it this far into the competition. I have no doubt that our students will perform well at the finals given their experience working in real-world environments from their time at Michigan Tech.”

The team’s project for an improved camshaft delivery system was created as part of ME-EM’s Senior Design program, a capstone option connecting students and industry through challenging projects that have an open-ended design solution. The industry customer, CWC-Textron, requested the assistance of Senior Capstone Design (SCD) Team 11 to improve the safety and efficiency of their Hemi camshaft line.

Due to the extreme conditions in which these camshafts are subjected during use, they endure the Selectively Austempered Ductile Iron (SADI) process to increase their mechanical properties. SADI castings are treated in a quick quench bath of molten salt, which can cause buildup that impacts the reliability of the hatch.

The team developed a solution for a reliable opening system with reduced risk to operators. The customer can expect a reduction in downtime resulting from the basket door being unable to open, with increases in worker safety.

Team members participating in the competition are:

Dante Cardinali: Currently doing a manufacturing engineering internship in Muskegon. “I Intend to obtain a MBA at the University of Madonna along with continuing my athletic collegiate career. I either want to focus on leading an engineering team or hold a position in supply chain management on the administrative side.”

Jake Holwerda: “Having recently concluded my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills at JOST International as a newly appointed product engineer. In my position, I will be primarily focused on manufacturing as a member of the design team.”

Jack Pluta: “I’m transitioning into a full-time position as a process engineer at Excel Engineering in Fond du Lac, WI while pursuing my master’s in engineering management at Michigan Tech.”

Connar Christensen: “I am a Quality Engineer for Kohler Co., in Dallas, TX.”

The team will pitch their idea on June 13^th along with seven other finalists. The finalist competition will take place at Rutgers University, this year’s host of the Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference. The top team will be awarded $1,000 followed by $750 and $500 for second and third place, respectively. We wish them the best of luck as they represent Michigan Tech and MEEM!

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).

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).

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 PhD student, Cora Taylor.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Charlevoix, Michigan

DEGREE | WHAT YEAR?

B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Dec.2018), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Dec. 2020), PhD Mechanical Engineering (2nd Year)

WHAT GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?

Currently, I am not involved in any on campus groups, but I did recently join the Copper Harbor Trails Club. During my undergraduate I was heavily involved in the Formula SAE team, Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, and Orientation Programs, as well as being a member of MESAC.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?

Mountain biking, waterskiing and working on my boat, downhill skiing, camping, backpacking, cooking and baking. 

FAVORITE PLACE IN THE AREA?

Winter: Mount Bohemia, Summer: Copper Harbor and on the Portage Canal

FUN FACTS / PETS / FAVORITE QUOTE

I have a dog named Bode, named after the professional ski racer Bode Miller and Hendrik Wade Bode the inventor of the Bode Plot.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” – Marilyn Monroe

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TECH?

I chose Tech for 2 major reasons, which it seems are the same as why a lot of people choose Tech: the quality of engineering degree and the outdoors activities. Having grown up in a small town on the water with easy access to ski hills, I knew I wanted to go to college in a similar place.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT TECH?

The community, plain and simple. The Michigan Tech community has always been so welcoming, friendly, and supportive in all of my endeavors on and off campus. I love that I can be across the country, see someone in a Michigan Tech shirt and instantly have a connection.

HOW HAS TECH IMPACTED YOUR VIEW OF STEM?

STEM really stands  for continuous learning and improvement. Your education in a STEM field doesn’t stop when you graduate. When pursuing a STEM degree you take all of these math and science based classes, but really what you learn is how to problem solve and find solutions through learning methods and procedures.

WHAT ORIGINALLY INTERESTED YOU IN STEM?

My sophomore year, my high school started a FIRST Robotics team. One of my good friends convinced me to join the team as the public relations captain, to make t-shirts, communicate with sponsors, and any other “creative” things the team needed. During our first season, I quickly finished any tasks that I needed to do for the public relations position and started getting into the shop and working on the robot. I realized that I had quite the knack for designing and building, and the following year I was the team’s design captain. This initially sparked my interest in engineering, an interest which was solidified through taking all possible engineering related classes my school offered my junior and senior years.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

You ARE smart enough. Throughout my undergraduate degree I was constantly saying to myself that I couldn’t do this because I wasn’t smart enough. It seemed like all of my classmates were so smart and so much more successful than me, but that wasn’t true, many of them were struggling just as I was. Now, during my PhD, I have realized that I am smart enough, and when that self degrading voice comes around, I just keep pushing on.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO STUDENTS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN STUDYING STEM?

Do it! Being in a STEM field is so rewarding, yet challenging. Be ready to work hard to solve the problems put in front of you, but just know that when you do solve them there isn’t a better feeling.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD?

There’s a well known story out there about  a kid walking along a beach filled with washed up starfish, tossing them back in the ocean one by one. Someone walks up to the kid and says “Why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” the kid tosses another starfish into the ocean and responds “Well, I made a difference for that one!” I heard this story a long time ago and it has stuck with me. My goal with my PhD is to become a faculty member. Although it is unlikely that as a faculty member I will change the whole world, I do hope to change some individual worlds.

If you would like to nominate someone for Women in STEM Wednesday, please email Donna Jeno-Amici (djenoami@mtu.edu) or Meg Raasakka (mraasakk@mtu.edu)