Zach Schmidt

Zach Schmidt is an honors mechatronics engineering major from Bonfield, IL

Hometown: Bonfield, IL

High School: Herscher 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 the Massey Honors Scholarship through my academic achievement and community involvement. This financial support has helped my family and I to not worry as much about the cost and to focus on the quality of my college education and the extracurriculars I’m involved in, such as the Supermileage Club, research with Dr. Peter Lin and the Refuge group at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

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 wanted to be an engineer of some sort based on the creativity and problem-solving aspects. I have also enjoyed STEM classes and building robots.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a mechatronics engineering student, and I chose this major based on its cross-disciplinary focus. I could study mechanical, electrical and computer engineering all in one, while being able to apply that knowledge to cool robots.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am researching the design and control of quadrupeds (four-legged robots) with Dr. Peter Lin and his research team. It is interesting to see the new ideas and technologies at the forefront of robotics and the real-world applications they have right now.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Research has allowed me to learn concepts before I reach them in class, in addition to the new, innovative ideas that are just starting to gain traction.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
I am learning concepts and material that are being used in innovative ways right now and will continue to be used in numerous other ways in the future.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
The donors to NIU have helped me to stay focused on learning instead of the cost of college. Also, Dr. Peter Lin and the research team have helped to broaden my horizons and overcome unforeseen obstacles.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Being part of research gives you the advantage of one-on-one time with a knowledgeable professor, which helps both in college and when applying for jobs and gaining real-world experiences.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I have had two summer internships while I have been at NIU. My first was at a manufacturing company called NDY Manufacturing in Bonfield, Illinois. The second one was at VanVoorst Lumber Co. and Vanfab R&D in Herscher, Illinois, focused on automating their production lines.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
These internships have given me real-world experience and skills that are hard to find in the classroom.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The people I am around in my clubs and activities are very nice people who are fun to be around.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
By being involved in extracurriculars, I have gained knowledge and friendships that have helped us to pass classes together.

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?
I am a part of the Supermileage Club, research with Dr. Peter Lin and the Refuge group of Immanuel Lutheran Church. These organizations have helped me to become better both in and out of the classroom. They are what make being a Huskie so much more.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program and financial offices have helped me to stay focused on what matters and to continue my academic journey.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Seminar that I am in will help me to become more familiar with GitHub, a useful resource for software and project examples to learn from and assist with future projects.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the priority registration for popular classes that fill up quickly and the free printing in the new computer lab.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I greatly appreciated Dr. Nicholas Pohlman's ability to teach MEE 210 in a challenging but understandable way so that I could learn the material and concepts.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I am able to better know the professors and can occasionally get some advice in regard to homework and exam problems by attending class regularly.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I really enjoy being in Still Hall working on the Supermileage vehicles and the Immanuel Lutheran Church because of the people and friends there.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would recommend a college-searching student to look at the extracurriculars available and see which would best interest you, because that is where many of your friends and help will come from.

Why is a college education important to you?
In order to get a job with robotics or engineering, I need to have a college education to make it past the application process.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try to work ahead whenever possible and have a planner for when assignments are due.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I hear about events through the Supermileage Club most often, which is another great reason to get involved in extracurriculars.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I go to Bible study at Immanuel Lutheran Church Tuesday nights starting at 9 p.m. and stay afterward for games and to hang out.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I enjoy working on cars and building hands-on things.