Five inspiring STEM graduates share experiences in Q&As
Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 400 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Dec. 20 ceremony, five College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. They shared their university experiences, setbacks and successes in UW-Stout’s Inspiring Graduate Q&A series:
Luke Mertens, B.S. manufacturing engineering and B.S. mechanical engineering, Blue Earth, Minnesota
Zachary Morgan, B.S. manufacturing engineering, Eau Claire
Easton Sailer, B.S. computer and electrical engineering, Pound
Owen Pryga, B.S. cybersecurity, Grafton
Isaac Harnack, B.S. plastics engineering, Crystal, Minnesota
Fully 99% of recent UW-Stout graduates were either employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, as stated in the annual First Destination Report. Among them, all of the above students were hired before graduation.
Inspiring Graduate: Luke Mertens, manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering
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.
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.”
As part of his applied learning during his double major in manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering, he 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.
“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,” said Mertens, who interned at Midwest Manufacturing in Eau Claire, helping with programming and troubleshooting automation.
Inspiring Graduate: Zachary Morgan, manufacturing engineering
After several years working in critical care nursing and later in a warehouse at Andersen Windows, Morgan realized he wanted to be on the side of improving systems, not just adapting to them. “UW-Stout’s strong reputation for applied learning and industry partnerships is what ultimately drew me here to the manufacturing engineering program,” he said.
For excellence and achievements during his internships, Morgan is a two-time recipient of the university’s Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award and the singular 2024 nominee for the National Co-op Student Achievement Award.
“As an engineering intern at Andersen Windows & Doors for three consecutive summers across two different plants, my responsibilities evolved each year as my skills and experience grew. Stout offered the perfect balance of hands-on experience and real-world relevance, and it became the bridge that allowed me to transform my career path,” he said.
Morgan is joining Andersen Windows & Doors’ Engineering Rotational Program, which will allow him to continue growing with a company he deeply respects.
“The program is designed to expose engineers to multiple facets of the business, from process optimization to product design and operations leadership. I see it as an ideal next step to strengthen my technical and leadership skills while discovering where I can make the greatest impact long-term,” Morgan said. “I hope my story inspires others, especially those navigating career changes or self-doubt, to take that step forward. Growth happens when we lean into discomfort and keep learning.”
Inspiring Graduate: Easton Sailer, computer and electrical engineering
Sailer chose UW-Stout because it was close to home, offered excellent value and because his dad earned his master’s degree here. He was also drawn to the university’s strong computer and electrical engineering program.
“UW-Stout emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience – something I value more than the traditional, theory-focused approach found at other schools,” Sailer said. “I aim to make a meaningful impact in my field by leveraging my expertise in both software and hardware to enhance system-level efficiency, enabling the development of larger, more capable systems that operate with lower power consumption,” he said.
He completed internships with nVent, in Anoka, Minnesota, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise – two companies in the data center and high-performance computing sectors. “These experiences allowed me to apply my classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges, while contributing to meaningful projects in my field,” he said.
Sailer earned his CEE degree and minors in mathematics and computer science and was hired before graduation as an electrical hardware engineer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Chippewa Falls. He plans to work in the industry for three to five years before returning to school to pursue a master’s degree.
“Gaining real-world experience first will allow me to solidify my interests and make a more informed decision about my area of specialization. Currently, I’m especially interested in data centers and high-performance computing and the opportunities they offer for innovation,” he said.
Inspiring Graduate: Owen Pryga, cybersecurity
Pryga was encouraged to attend UW-Stout by friends who graduated from the university. “They pushed me to go to Stout for the polytechnic aspect, which they knew I loved. After finishing my first semester, I knew this was the place for me due to the hands-on nature of the classes,” he said.
He grew from the challenge of loneliness, being away from his family, to making fast friendships and even stepping into leadership roles, including serving as president of the Cyber@Stout student club and as a lead lab assistant.
Pryga earned his cybersecurity degree and was hired before graduation as a consulting engineer with Heartland Business Systems.
“I hope to make the world a more secure place and to inspire others to learn more about the many aspects of cybersecurity. The problem-solving and troubleshooting required make me more passionate about the industry and spark joy in learning the unknown. I hope to help others find that same joy,” he said.
Inspiring Graduate: Isaac Harnack, plastics engineering
In high school, Harnack wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and be a mechanic for tractors and large farm equipment. “I have always had a mechanically inclined mind, and machines just make sense to me,” he said.
However, after looking at different career prospects, Harnack’s mom encouraged him to apply to UW-Stout, as one of her friend’s sons had graduated from the packaging program.
“I took one look at the School of Engineering majors and stumbled upon the plastics engineering program. After seeing an injection molding machine for the first time, I knew that this was the path forward. I had never seen anything like it before and wanted to know its every function.
“On top of this, Stout’s polytechnic spirit drew me closer to the school, as every class is hands-on constantly; you aren’t just learning theory. Here, using industry-standard equipment is just another Tuesday. The fact that making mistakes is encouraged as a point of learning is what kept me here,” he said.
Harnack completed two internships: one at Graco, in Rogers, Minnesota, and one at RTP Company, in Winona, Minnesota. “I want to be a processing engineer, as the ‘thinking on your feet’ aspect is where I thrive. This would mean taking a tool and setting up machine parameters to run parts for my company or dealing with processing issues as they occur,” said Harnack, who is starting a new position as an engineer at GaMra Composites.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
