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 is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I chose mechatronics engineering because I grew up on a small family farm where I was able to see and experience old designs and systems. Some of these designs worked very well and are still being used in new equipment over 50 years later, while some had room for improvement. Also, I enjoy being a jack-of-all-trades where I can help in different ways with mechanical, electrical and computer systems, which is why I decided on mechatronics. NIU is one of very few schools with an ABET-accredited mechatronics program, which will be beneficial in my career journey.

Tell us about the research you are conducting at NIU: what it involves, why it interests you and who has been important to your success along the way.
My freshman year, I participated in Research Rookies with Dr. Peter Lin on the design and implementation of quadruped robots. This experience exposed me to many topics I would later learn about in courses and many current developments related to my major. I am now in my senior year working on my senior design capstone project. My experiences in Research Rookies will help me design a successful project with the support of the professors and students I got to know from the research.

How has conducting research strengthened your experience at NIU, and how do you expect it to help you in the future?
As a freshman, I was able to get firsthand experience with cutting-edge technology and research and get to know and learn from other students and staff. Getting to know professors and students allows for better connections, learning and personalization inside and outside of the classroom.

Have you completed or are you currently pursuing an internship or other career-related experience?
Yes, I have found internships by networking, knowing important people and from the experiences I have gained from my time here at NIU.

What have you learned or experienced through your internship that you couldn't have gotten in a classroom?
I have gained real-world experience working for an engineering company and learned what I would prefer in a future employment opportunity.

What advice would you give to a student who is trying to land their first internship?
I would advise students to get involved with extracurriculars to gain more hands-on, real-world experience and to make friends and join study groups. It helps to get to know people and make connections. Those connections can sometimes lead to future job opportunities.

What do you believe an NIU degree will make possible for you that might not have been possible otherwise?
I believe that an NIU degree will allow me to find a job I will enjoy and the experience to excel at it due to the program’s ABET accreditation.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
I was surprised by the activities and student involvement on the weekends my freshman year. I especially noticed it in the dorms living on campus my first year here.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I am involved with Refuge, a college Christian group at Immanuel Lutheran Church, which is just north of Neptune North. I am currently the president of Refuge. I have connected with many students who come from different backgrounds. We come together with common ideals and do some amazing things. I have had the privilege to call many of these students my friends, and we will likely stay close because of all our shared memories and good times. I am also involved with the NIU Supermileage team, which works on creating the most energy-efficient vehicles possible. We now have fully electric and gasoline engine powered vehicles. I have learned many useful real-world skills that are not taught in courses. I have gained memories and stories to share with my friends and during job interviews to show my passion and excitement about working on projects.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
NIU's faculty and staff have helped me to feel supported and successful by providing assistance along the way and helping me learn important concepts and material.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
My favorite instructor has been Dr. Nicholas Pohlman. I had him for my first engineering class, which was MEE 210, mechanical statics. It is a fundamentals class that was challenging in a good way. I was able to learn, understand and remember the topics in that class because Dr. Pohlman was able to teach it in ways that helped me better understand the material and concepts.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot near campus is the Immanuel Lutheran Church's college lounge. I have many good memories of being there late at night playing board games or just hanging out talking with friends. There is also Wi-Fi for me to get schoolwork done and stay on top of my academics.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU has many groups and places nearby where students can get involved and find communities that can help them grow. For me, I was able to find a church with a great college group where I made life-long friends.

Why is a college education important to you?
College is important to me so I can get a degree that will give me good career opportunities. It also gives you chances to find your people and make friends.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
Find a college that has a degree you’re looking for and extracurriculars that align with your interests. These organizations can help you join a community, gain experience for your career and become a more well-rounded student who has meaningful college experiences.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I use a planner to keep myself organized with homework and project deadlines. This allows me to see how time-sensitive and critical the tasks are, so I have an idea of how much time I need to get everything done and how much free time I have.

What made you choose NIU over other colleges you were considering?
NIU was close enough yet far enough away from home, it had a good program, and it was cost effective.

What was the most important thing NIU did to help you make a successful transition into college life?
I joined the Honors Program, which allowed me to live with other honors students who had similar ideals, and that helped me with the transition to college my freshman year.

How has living on campus (or commuting) shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I lived on campus my first year and did not have a good experience, but I was able to make friends. I live with one of those friends now in an apartment off campus.

What Honors Program opportunities have helped you move closer to your academic or career goals?
Being in the Honors Program allows me to enroll in classes early, which helps me get into the classes I need before they fill up so I can stay on track to graduate.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I have received a merit scholarship and the James L. Massey Endowed Honors Scholarship.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes, with these and other scholarships I was able to afford NIU and not worry as much about the financial side of college.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
My family and I have been able to stress less about the financial burden of college, and I have been able to focus more on my education and experiences.