Paul Lehmann

Paul Lehmann is a mechanical engineering major from Urbana, IL

Hometown: Urbana, IL

High School: Urbana High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received an academic scholarship and an honors scholarship. It has helped lessen the financial burden of attending college.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I never had a set goal when I was younger. I eventually set my mind on becoming an engineer in high school.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is mechanical engineering. I chose this because I enjoy designing and creating things.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
How many of the professors are here to help you with any questions you have.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Just by talking to others.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Huskie Motorsports. I can implement what I am learning in the classroom into tangible work experience.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The mechanical engineering department has been very helpful with explanations to my questions.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The University Honors Program has let me meet people who I would have likely not met otherwise.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
How friendly it is to everyone.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Professor Nicholas Pohlman. He taught MEE 210: Engineering Statics. It was a very engaging class that he taught very well.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have all the information available to me.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Try to go to the college in person. You'll get a better feel for it.

Why is a college education important to you?
It gives me more opportunities.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I just worked toward developing habits and routines.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Read my email.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Not homework.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently don't have a job. I like building models and Lego.