Dan Adler, a senior at Michigan Tech, is leading his classmates into the future. Adler decided to come to this university because of his interest in science and mathematics, but has found many more reasons to stay. Adler said, “Although the course work is demanding, there are a lot of opportunities to explore interests outside the classroom.” Michigan Tech has more than 250 student organizations that encourage students to get involved on campus.

As Student Assistant to the Office of Student Affairs, Adler has worked closely with these groups. He has also been active in the Undergraduate Student Government and served one year as President of the Student Body.

Adler’s leadership on campus has prepared him to succeed in the professional world.Adler is also an academic leader and has taken his coursework beyond lectures and exams to find practical solutions for industry problems. He is currently working on a senior design project to develop a robotic cutting table that will control a plasma torch—technology that can be used to cut metals such as steel or aluminum with precision and accuracy. Adler is excited to apply his technical knowledge and skills. “Between senior design and all of the different enterprise programs, there are a lot of hands-on project opportunities at Michigan Tech,” he said.After graduation, Adler will join Michigan Tech’s Sustainable Futures Institute to earn a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Certificate in Sustainability. His research will focus on finding ways to design products or processes that are more environmentally friendly and, at the same time, more cost effective. The ME-EM Department is helping Adler prepare to lead industry into a brighter future.