Ryan Welch

Ryan Welch is a mechanical engineering major from Orland Park, IL

Hometown: Orland Park, IL

High School: Carl Sandburg High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2026

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 growing up, I wanted to do something no one had ever done before: become a space miner. I imagined standing on the rough, rocky terrain of an asteroid with fleets of excavators, drills and robotic arms working around me. Engines would shake the ground as materials were extracted, while solar-powered stations orbited overhead to process and send resources back to Earth. That vision of taking part in something bold and world-changing inspired me to think big about my future. Now, as a mechanical engineering student, I feel I am on the right path. This field gives me the tools to design, problem-solve and innovate, all of which are needed to pursue ideas that could change how we use resources in space and here on Earth.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am studying mechanical engineering at NIU because of the many opportunities available to students. I chose this path because I have always enjoyed math and physics, and I found that I had a knack for problem-solving. I like looking at real-world examples and breaking them down into simple, understandable pieces, and mechanical engineering felt like the perfect way to turn that interest into a career.

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 first got involved in mentored research through the Research Rookies program, and now I am part of a team studying material formability at high speeds. This research interests me because I can connect what I’m learning in class to real applications and see how the concepts play out in practice. It’s exciting to gain hands-on experience in the lab, and it motivates me to keep building my skills and knowledge for the future.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has strengthened my understanding of engineering principles in the same way that lab work supports learning in chemistry or biology. While engineering courses do include some labs, they are limited, so having the chance to see how concepts play out in practice has been especially valuable. Research has given me hands-on experience that deepens what I learn in class and has made my education at NIU even more meaningful.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
In the future, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. My research experience will help me by giving me a strong foundation in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and understanding how to read and write research. These skills will prepare me for the challenges of graduate school and give me confidence to take on more advanced projects.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Jenn-Terng Gau from the mechanical engineering department has been very important to my success in research. He has a wealth of experience, and learning from him has been incredibly valuable. Dr. Gau has mentored me by teaching the importance of literature reviews to fully understand a topic, as well as many other skills that have helped me grow as a researcher. His guidance has given me both direction and confidence in my work.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
When you first join a research project, it’s normal to feel like you don’t fully understand it right away, and that’s okay. Research is a learning process, and it takes time to build knowledge and confidence. Be patient with yourself, stay curious and don’t lose hope. Every step forward, even the small ones, adds to your growth as a researcher.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I got my internship through the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair by going up to companies, introducing myself and sharing my resume. I worked as a junior mechanical engineer intern at DRC Heat Transfer in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internship helped prepare me for my career by showing me what it’s really like to work as part of an engineering team. I gained experience by being involved in meetings, managing projects, and creating engineering designs and drawings. I also learned that every company has its own way of doing things, so adapting and being open to learning is just as important as technical skills. Overall, the internship gave me confidence and practical knowledge that will carry over into my future career.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me about NIU is the number of opportunities available to students. I didn’t expect to get involved in research, leadership and campus life so early in my college career, but NIU makes those experiences accessible and encourages students to take part. I’ve found that professors, advisors and staff are genuinely supportive and want to see students succeed, which has made my time here even more meaningful.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I’ve connected with other students in my classes by simply talking to the people around me. Since we’re all working through the same challenges, it’s easy to find common ground and support each other. Outside of class, I’ve built friendships by going to NIU events and joining student organizations, which has given me the chance to meet people with different interests and backgrounds.

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 involved in research with my professor, which I first joined through the Research Rookies program. This experience has given me the chance to work closely with faculty on a real project and see how the concepts I’m learning in class apply to solving actual problems. Being part of research has also helped me grow as a student by building confidence, strengthening my curiosity and showing me how my work can contribute to something bigger.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Several NIU resources have played a big role in helping me feel supported. The Honors Program has been especially valuable, with advisors and mentors who encourage me to plan ahead and take advantage of opportunities. Research Rookies gave me the chance to work closely with faculty on a project, which helped me grow as a student and apply what I’ve learned in class. As a community advisor, I’ve also seen how Housing and Residential Services creates a safe and welcoming environment for students to succeed. Together, these experiences have shown me how much NIU invests in its students, both inside and outside the classroom.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
NIU’s Honors Program has been an incredible support system. From peer mentors and advisors to the many opportunities it offers, the program encourages students to get involved and stay on track. It has helped me plan my academic path each semester and given me the confidence to pursue my goals. One of the biggest benefits is early registration, which allows honors students to sign up alongside athletes and veterans. This has made it possible for me to get into every class I’ve needed, keeping me on schedule. Beyond academics, the program is very engaging, with plenty of events and activities that make it easy to connect with others while meeting requirements and growing as a student.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy most about the Honors Program is the sense of community and support it provides. The advisors and mentors truly want to see students succeed, and the program creates so many opportunities to connect with others who are motivated and driven. I also appreciate the flexibility and resources that come with being an honors student, which make it easier to stay on track while exploring new opportunities.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I’ve had many great professors at NIU, but the ones who stand out are those who push students while also supporting them as people. One of my favorites has been Professor Madelyn Anderson, who taught an honors section of Fundamentals of Oral Communication. She encouraged our class to take on something bigger than ourselves, and in addition to learning how to communicate in front of others, we worked together to clean up parts of campus and volunteered at NIU’s food pantry. Her class showed me that learning goes beyond the classroom and can make a real difference in the community.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I’ve always believed it’s important to attend class regularly because it’s what I am here for and what I am investing in. College is often the first real taste of independence, and it can be easy to get distracted and lose sight of the goal of graduating. I remind myself of that whenever I don’t feel like going. Even missing one class can make it difficult to catch up, so staying consistent helps me stay on track. Regular attendance has also allowed me to connect with classmates who share the same commitment, and professors notice that effort, which can make a difference later on.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the Recreation Center. I like going there because it gives me a break from classes and a chance to focus on my health. It’s a place where I can reset and recharge, whether I’m lifting weights or just being active. Even though it can get busy at times, the energy of being around other students working toward their goals motivates me to keep going, too.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Be thorough and start early. First, reflect on who you are and who you want to become. Write down your must-haves and deal-breakers. Then compare schools on a few concrete things: programs that interest you, hands-on opportunities (research, co-ops, internships), advising and tutoring, class sizes, campus culture, location and total cost after scholarships. Visit if you can (or take a virtual tour) and talk with current students to hear what daily life is really like. Keep simple notes or a small comparison chart for each school. In the end, pick the place where you can see yourself growing, not just the one that looks best on paper.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because of the connections and experiences that shape who you become. It’s not just about the classes, but also about the people you meet and the opportunities you take along the way. College is a launching pad for building a successful career and preparing for the future I want to create.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I rely on Microsoft Outlook calendar to keep my time organized. My classes always come first, so I start by blocking those in, then add my work schedule. From there, I can see when I have free time to study, hang out with friends or visit family. To stay on top of assignments, I also use an Excel sheet that I update every day with due dates, upcoming exams and labs. This combination helps me balance responsibilities and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed by reading NIU’s “Weekly Scroll” emails, checking social media and hearing about opportunities through word of mouth. These make it easy to keep up with events and services happening on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I like spending time in my dorm room and putting on a movie or show. It gives me a chance to slow down, clear my mind and just enjoy some downtime before getting back to everything else.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a community advisor (CA) in Neptune Hall. Being a CA is very rewarding because I get to serve as a role model and mentor for residents while helping to build a community that is fun, safe and welcoming. Outside of that, I enjoy applying my engineering skills to projects and research, and I like going to the Rec Center to get a lift in and stay active.