Mae Pasatta – University of Michigan, Mechanical Engineering 

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

-    East Michigan District: $2,000
-    PMA Educational Foundation: $1,000
-    Total:  $3,000

Mae is a passionate, aspiring mechanical engineering student. Her journey began with a deep curiosity for building and designing, often spending time tinkering with miscellaneous parts. That interest led her to join her school’s robotics team, where she improved her technical, communication and leadership skills. Now a senior, Mae mentors younger students on the team while continuing to develop her own engineering abilities. 

Mae began taking CAD classes during her sophomore year, working in AutoCAD and OnShape before advancing to student-led projects. One of her most impactful experiences was designing a SnowCat engine, which sparked her passion for applying conceptual knowledge to real-world design. Inspired by this hands-on learning, she began modeling additional engines in her free time and actively sought more opportunities to apply her skills. 

To gain professional experience, Mae secured a full-time summer internship with Trans-Matic Manufacturing in Holland, Michigan, where she worked in the engineering department. During her internship, she observed collaboration between engineering and the toolroom, which sparked a strong interest in machining processes. This led her to enroll in the Engineering Design and Machine Technologies program at Careerline Tech Center during her senior year. In this course, Mae learned to operate mills and lathes, gained experience with CNC programming and became proficient in SolidWorks.

As one of only two girls in her class, Mae has found the experience both challenging and empowering. She has gained confidence in her technical skills, and her passion for engineering and design continues to grow. Mae is especially drawn to manufacturing because it allows her to engage in every stage of the design process, providing a comprehensive understanding of how ideas become reality. She looks forward to pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and a future career in the manufacturing industry.