Thomas Van Wingen Email & Phone Number

People always ask me why I chose mechanical engineering and what I want to do with my degree. Well, here's my answer:When I first got introduced to engineering in high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I've always associated engineering with designing cars and working on engines and stuff, which I was never really into, so I never considered engineering as an option for me. Once I got into 3D printing though, I realized that there were a lot of different aspects of engineering that I didn't know about. I took some engineering classes at my high school and decided that I wanted to be an engineer, I just couldn't decide on a field. The problem was that I wanted to be a “Jack of all trades” kind of engineer, but all the fields felt too narrow. I didn’t want to work on just circuits or engines or something my whole life, I wanted some variety. I wanted to be able to be a part of every aspect of my future projects.I chose mechanical engineering because it was the broadest field of engineering I could find. By studying mechanical engineering I could learn the laws of motion, mechanical systems, materials science, and the basics of stuff like circuitry and manufacturing. A mechanical engineering degree could get me a bit of everything.Now, nearly done with my major, I’ve gained a lot of experience that further diversifies my skill sets. I've worked on circuits, joined a prosthetics enterprise, started a manufacturing minor, became a woodworking/crafting coach, and worked at an injection molding company. I've also bought my fourth 3D printer in 5 years.I chose mechanical engineering because I considered it the best way to be an all-around engineer with expertise in every type of engineering and every stage of the design process. I want to use my degree and collection of skills and knowledge to become an engineer that can do anything I set my mind to.

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  Michigan Technological University

  Mechanical Engineering