Engineering possibilities

“If you are not comfortable being out of your comfort zone then you are closing the door to amazing opportunities,” is a saying that Marc Zupan, associate professor of mechanical engineering, avidly shares with his Global Engineering students. It’s an idea Jacob Schubbe ‘18, mechanical engineering, has taken to heart.

STEM students are sometimes unsure about whether they have time to study abroad while working to complete required courses, but Schubbe knew early on that he wanted an international experience. Schubbe chose to study engineering in Ireland, and used the opportunity to travel more across Europe, from Moscow to London. Gaining experience living outside of his comfort zone proved an asset upon graduation when he was hired as an engineer by a multinational engineering company.

“I want to design green energy and help solve world problems through mechatronic engineering,” a combination of mechanical and electrical engineering, explains Schubbe. “I have a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C and they all end with me earning a Mechatronic System Design master’s program degree at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology in Finland.”

But determination is only half of the formula. Schubbe didn’t know anyone in Finland or how to present all of his experiences in a compelling way in the Fulbright application. Zupan helped point him in the right direction.

“A lot of what I do in terms of mentoring is simply being available. I answer questions, connect students with other faculty, set guidelines, and provide examples,” explains Zupan.

Zupan is particularly proud that this year’s UMBC Fulbright semi finalists include three students from mechanical engineering—Scubbe, as well as Rebekah Kempske ‘19, mechanical engineering, and Lucas McCullum ‘19, mechanical engineering and mathematics. Zupan shares, “I love being there for students as they see the world open up because they were willing to step out of their comfort zone.”