Carrie Weldon
Originally from Harrison, Michigan, Carrie Weldon began her college experience more than 1,200 miles away in Colorado. In her second year, she decided to change her major from pre-med to engineering, and to find a school recognized among the best.
As it turned out, she didn’t have to look far from home in the first place.
What was it about Michigan Tech that led you here when you decided to transfer?
“Overall, Michigan Tech had the best balance of academic reputation and geographic setting for me. The chemical engineering program is one of the best in the country. Also, I’m big into the outdoors, and this place is gorgeous. There’s no place like the Upper Peninsula. I came from Colorado, and even there it wasn’t the same.”
Has it been easy finding ways to foster your interest in the outdoors?
“Absolutely. You don’t have to look any farther than the Outdoor Adventure Program. We rent out pretty much any kind of outdoor gear you might need. The program also runs seminars and coordinates trips like backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains and canoeing the Buffalo River in Arkansas.”
What are some other ways you can blend academics with your interest in the environment?
“The Enterprise program is amazing. I’m in the alternate fuels group. This semester we were contacted by a company that manufactures battery separators who paid for us to visit their plant, look at their products, and find ways to improve them. We’ve got people creating electric snowmobiles, off-road vehicles that are powered by hydrogen. It’s a really amazing opportunity.”
What advice would you give to students thinking about attending Michigan Tech?
“If you want to be challenged, this is the place for you. You’ll be challenged in the classroom and the lab like you’ve probably never imagined. And everything this place has to offer is above and beyond what you’d expect. The people here are really genuine.”