Matthew Vanderwater

Matthew Vanderwater is a industrial and systems engineering major from Lisle, IL

Hometown: Lisle, IL

High School: Naperville North 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?
My primary scholarship is the merit scholarship that is offered to all high-performing students applying to NIU. My secondary scholarship was one I got through MyScholarships from Nehring Electrical Works for engineering students interested in manufacturing and manufacturing systems. I received these scholarships due to the experience I have gained from my extracurricular activities in both high school and college, as well as my strong academic performance.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was a student at Naperville North High School, I was looking to get involved in some extracurricular activities, and I decided to join our Robotics team, FRC 3061 Huskie Robotics. (Yes, I have been a Huskie for six years.) It was the best decision of my high school career. In this team, I did much of the manufacturing work, becoming the machining fabrication lead by my junior year of high school. This is where I gained a passion for engineering and the complex problem-solving that comes along with it. Being able to face new problems every day and find smart solutions to them is an extremely rewarding experience.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am an industrial and systems engineering (ISYE) major, and I decided to study ISYE because of my experience in robotics in high school. Deadlines were tight since our competition season only lasted around 12 weeks or so, and to be able to make all the parts we needed on time, we had to come up with clever solutions. That was my first experience tackling industrial engineering problems. Ever since I first had to improve a process/system, I was hooked on the work. Nowadays, I know more tools than ever to solve these industrial problems, and I am always excited to tackle a new project.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I got my internships via the CEET internship and career fair. The one that I completed was at DMG Mori, a CNC machine company, and my next internship will be at G&W Electric, which I am looking forward to completing this summer. These both took one or two HR interviews and then a final interview with an engineer I would be working with.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My time at DMG Mori was incredibly informative for what my career may look like. It gave me a view of the manufacturing world, which I have long been interested in. It also taught me many soft skills used in the workforce, as well as many technical skills that gave me some experience in manufacturing (which often comes up when I am working with my club). It allowed me to make many connections and learn so many aspects of what industry looks like, which made me excited to enter the workforce. My next internship will also be in manufacturing, but it will be in a quality role, which will be a whole new experience. Internships are great ways to find which area of industry fits you best and allow you to find what you’re truly passionate about.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have enjoyed many things here at NIU, but one of my favorites is the collaborative studying environment. I am a tutor for the CEET Learning Center, and it is always great to see students working together to get through their challenging degrees. Even with intense studying, the environment remains jovial and hardworking. It’s a great place to get good work done with help just a few feet away.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The atmosphere of the Learning Center permeates through the entire building, and there are often friendly conversations between classes that are a great way to meet new people. I also meet many students through the Learning Center itself. Lastly, I believe that joining a student organization is the best way to make friends, which is how I have made my closest friends.

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?
My favorite part of my NIU experience has been being a member of the NIU Supermileage Team. I joined during my first year and am now the treasurer. Being a member of Supermileage has allowed me to apply all the skills I learned in my classes and at my internship. It has also been a great social space. If there is anything I would suggest to an incoming student, it would be to join a student organization (or multiple).

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I have often had to work with the Division of Student Affairs because of my work from Supermileage, and they have always been a great help. I am also extremely grateful for all the work Marzena Szmydt has done for us. She has helped us with lots of logistical work to get us to our competitions every year. There is a great vibe where everyone wants these students to succeed, and they are often willing to go out of their way to help.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The University Honors Program has given me new challenges to further develop my knowledge. I am a big believer in how hard work can improve someone, and having the ability to take on some additional challenges is a great way to help someone grow. These opportunities are just one part of a much larger package, but I am nonetheless appreciative of them.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I am glad that the Honors Program is not strictly academic, as building a strong social environment is very important for someone's success. Having a good study group or space can help students succeed, so I am thankful the Honors Program promotes and provides those spaces.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
It is hard to pick favorites when I have had many great professors, but I really appreciate how Dr. Jeremy R. Groves showed me the value of college in a way I had not yet experienced. During my first semester at NIU, I had the pleasure of taking ECON 260 with him. It was the first class I really looked forward to, and it kept me engaged throughout. He did such a good job of selling economics that I have often thought about minoring in economics.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Going to class is very important in gaining further understanding of a class and a topic. Having access to someone who is extremely knowledgeable is a truly invaluable resource. It also reinforces the knowledge you learn each day. It is one of the best ways to learn a topic, and oftentimes, there is not a great excuse for skipping. Building a rapport with professors is also a very rewarding experience, as they truly care about educating the students who go to their classes.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Learning Center in the Engineering Building has quickly become one of my favorite spots to study and get my work done. It is an excellent resource that is often under-utilized. The environment is great, and it is a wonderful place to make friends and study hard.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Many students focus on the stats or prestige of a school when deciding where to go. While there is something important about how good a school is, at the end of the day, the degree is often the same. What really matters is how you apply yourself in the school you go to, no matter where it is. Something students often do not value correctly is the experience you want to get out of college: Do you want your family nearby? Do you want a big school or a small school? Do you fit in with the atmosphere here? Any university has many opportunities for dedicated students to use and succeed, and being able to utilize them will have a much bigger impact on where you end up compared to how much “better” a degree here is compared to there. College is what you make it, so please do not stress about the stats.

Why is a college education important to you?
I love learning, and college was just the natural next step in learning more. Being able to have a wide knowledge base is important for everyday life as well as industry. I love applying what I have learned to real-world situations. Having so many resources to help me learn has been an extreme privilege, and I am very thankful for the education I have gotten so far.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try to separate school from student organizations, friends and family. I block my classes together to have a few hours at a time to focus and learn. I then work and go to student organizations, all in one long day. This helps me because once I am home or in my dorm, I do not need to work or think about school or whatever could be stressing me, and I can just take time to rest and recuperate.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I always try to read any information that comes through my email so I can stay up to date. Word of mouth has also been a great tool for staying up to date on everything. By spending time in social spaces, I am able to keep a pulse on what is happening, and it keeps me informed of upcoming events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to read, listen to music, play video games and pretty much engage in any media that tells a good story. Storytelling is one of the most wonderful things I love to engage in. It has been a goal of mine to write down the stories I have always loved to come up with, and it is a very rewarding experience.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a tutor in the Learning Center in the Engineering Building, which I have really enjoyed this semester. I love to spread knowledge and teach other students anything they might want to know that I feel comfortable teaching. I enjoy spending time with my family and having thought-provoking conversations with them. Lastly, I love to engage in reading, music and games.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I would like to thank my family, friends, NIU Supermileage, FRC 3061 and so many more for all the help they have given me. I am truly thankful for all the opportunities I have received. I look forward to the rest of my education at NIU!