Michael Wadas
April 13, 2016
By Emma Alexander, Honors Communications Intern
This week we are spotlighting junior Michael Joseph Wadas. Michael is a Mechanical Engineering major from Munster, Indiana. He aspires to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at either Purdue University or the University of Michigan before landing a highly technical role in industry. Michael attributes his decision to attend Purdue to the unique First Year Engineering program offered here, allowing him to explore all of his options before selecting one major to pursue. Michael also shared,
Purdue is one of the finest engineering institutions in the world. I knew that Purdue would challenge me constantly and provide the resources I needed to become an excellent engineer.As with many of our spotlighted students, Michael is deeply involved in many things on campus, and I think it best to share his own words with you. To begin, Michael explains his role as a Purdue Stamps Scholar.
The Stamps Scholars are a group of high-achieving individuals who are destined to have a huge impact on the world via their careers, research, leadership, etc.. Being a part of this group and getting to spend time with its members is truly a pleasure and an honor.Michael is also involved in Purdue Orchestras. He explains,
I'm the principal trumpet in the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra, and I play in the Boiler Brass. I've been playing the trumpet since I was nine years old, and the Purdue Orchestras provide me with the opportunity to keep music in my life. We are playing one of my favorite symphonies of all time for our next concert (Dvorak 9) and I couldn't be more excited!Recently, Michael has also begun exploring undergraduate research on campus. He shares,
It is a relatively new interest of mine, and it has largely inspired my desire to continue my education after I finish my undergraduate degree. My favorite thing about it is interacting with and being a part of a network of individuals who are challenging and extending the boundaries of our comprehension of the natural world. It is thrilling to try to solve problems that don't have answers...yet.
My love of PSEF is closely related to my love of being an Honors Mentor. However, instead of Purdue freshman engineers, the target audience members are high school students who are trying to make an informed decision about which college is the best option for them.Rounding out this extensive list of extracurricular activities, Michael expounds upon his involvement with the Honors College.
I am an active member of Purdue's Honors College. I loved the program my freshman year, and I've kept up with it ever since. Currently my involvement with the Honors College includes being an Honors Engineering Peer Mentor and being an Honors College Mentor. Throughout my entire life I've always loved sharing with others things that I'm passionate about. The Purdue Honors Program is no exception. That's why I love being a mentor. When I interact with younger honors students, I can distinctly remember how I felt when I was in their shoes just a few years earlier. I recall not only the eventual triumphs, but also the occasional failure. I remember how difficult freshman Honors Engineering was, but I also know how rewarding it can be. These experiences and memories help me be part of a large network of support for other honors students.featured scholars.
