Inspiring Graduate: Luke Mertens (’25)
- Hometown: Blue Earth, Minnesota
- Degree: B.S. Manufacturing Engineering; B.S. Mechanical Engineering
- Minor: Advanced Automation & Robotics
Luke Mertens chose UW-Stout for its polytechnic education and hands-on learning opportunities that would build his skillset through internships and industry-sponsored projects to make him career-ready before graduation.
Mertens earned a double major in manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 UW-Stout graduates. He was hired before graduation as a controls engineer at SMC Ltd., a medical device contract manufacturer in Somerset.
“My main responsibilities will include designing electrical schematics, wiring control panels, and specifying electrical components for machines that will be built by the in-house automation department,” he said.
“I hope to make an impact in my field by contributing to complex problem solving and challenging what is possible in the world of automation.”
How has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field?
UW-Stout has helped make me an industry-ready undergraduate by offering hands-on learning and teaching me how to identify, break down and solve problems.
My favorite lab experiences were my Controls and Robotics labs, where I learned all about industrial automation. My favorite internship was at Midwest Manufacturing in Eau Claire, where I worked as a manufacturing engineer and spent my time programming and troubleshooting automation.
I also completed a two-semester, industry-sponsored capstone project with a team of engineering students to build a pallet-lifting machine for Ashley Furniture. The machine can lift and hold 6-foot-long, 100-pound pallets off the ground until a stack of 12 is collected.
All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors
Continue ReadingWhat stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
What stands out to me about the UW-Stout experience is how you are not just a number, but rather a person. I have thoroughly enjoyed many of my professors and the professional relationships I formed with them throughout my collegiate journey.
It was nice to take hands-on classes, where I always had resources available to help tailor my learning to what I needed and answer questions that I had.
The only thing that limits your growth at UW-Stout is your own individual willingness to learn. You will have all the resources you need to succeed.
How did your campus involvement impact your experience?
I was an offensive lineman with Blue Devils football for four years and was a part of football’s FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group for four years.
In the 2024 season, my fourth year, I was a team captain. I was also named to the second-team All-WIAC, with 11 of my teammates; and the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, with 15 of my teammates.
I have been a part of Stout’s Society of Manufacturing Engineers student organization.
What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?
I am proud of my personal growth and my ability to adapt and overcome a variety of challenges, including my biggest: time management. Being as involved as I was in extracurricular activities made me prioritize how I spent my time.
