Nathan Sorensen combines his interests in agriculture and machinery systems
Nathan Sorensen, who grew up in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in biological systems engineering. In this Q&A, he talks about why biological systems engineering was a perfect fit for him, his involvement in student organizations, and his time as co-captain of the Quarter Scale Tractor Team. After graduation, Nathan will start his career at Komro, an agricultural engineering company in Wisconsin.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose Biological Systems Engineering-Machinery Systems track because I grew up on a crop and livestock farm, where I first found my passion for agriculture, especially anything mechanical. From a young age I loved working with equipment, and I carried that interest with me into college. BSE was the perfect fit because it let me stay connected to agriculture while diving deeper into the mechanical and engineering side of machinery. The program at UW–Madison has a strong reputation in the ag industry, with great professors and a lot of cutting-edge research, so I knew it would set me up for success.
One of the coolest things I’ve learned so far was in BSE 476: Engineering Principles of Off-Road Vehicles. We got an inside look at tractor engines and transmissions, including cut-away test stands in the BSE lab. Being able to get hands-on with those components and actually seeing how everything works together was really interesting and one of my favorite experiences in the program.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I’ve been involved in several organizations during my time at UW–Madison. I was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho for three years and served as a recruitment officer for one of those years. One group I was especially involved in was the Quarter-Scale Tractor Team, where I spent three years helping design, manufacture, and build a ¼-scale tractor for the annual international ASABE competition. I also served as a co-captain during my time on the team. In addition, I’ve been a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, and the Spike ball Club.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
After graduation, I’ll be starting my professional career as a Mechanical Engineer with Komro, a company based in Durand, Wisconsin. They specialize in designing free-stall barns, sand separation systems, manure handling systems, grain storage, and crop irrigation setups. I’m excited for the opportunity and looking forward to applying the skills I’ve gained in college to real projects in the industry.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most valuable and meaningful experiences I’ve had in CALS have come from being involved in student clubs. Through these organizations, I’ve been able to travel to Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, California, Kansas, and Florida, opportunities I never would have had otherwise. My involvement has also allowed me to participate in CALS events such as New Student Recruitment Days and the BSE Department’s annual Lawn Mower Clinic. Being part of these clubs has been the most enjoyable part of my college career, and they’ve really helped shape and enhance my overall experience at UW–Madison.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I think what I’m most proud of during my time here is my dedication and work on the Quarter Scale Tractor Team. As a captain, the club required a lot of my time and commitment to get the project completed. Our team put countless hours into building the tractors and preparing for competition, and it wasn’t always easy. We spent many late nights in the shop working on the physical build and writing the comprehensive reports required for the event. This club is probably where I saw the most growth in myself, both as a person and an engineer. The dedication and perseverance it took to get those tractors finished is what I’m most proud of from my time at UW–Madison.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
My advice for CALS students is to find something you are genuinely interested in and get involved in that. There is a club for just about everything on campus, and those groups are where I have had some of my most enjoyable and rewarding experiences. My involvement in clubs has given me some of my longest lasting memories from college.
I would also encourage students to take on leadership roles when they get the chance. Serving in leadership positions has helped me grow a lot, both personally and professionally, and gave me confidence that I will carry into my career. Getting involved and stepping up as a leader is one of the best ways to make the most of your time at UW Madison.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
What I like most about being a CALS student is my major. I really appreciate the small, close-knit feel of the BSE department because it has allowed me to get to know many of my professors very well. That environment has made it easy to build connections, grow my network, and feel supported throughout my time at UW Madison.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would choose Blueberry Swirl, because it’s not a super common flavor, and I like having fruit in my ice cream.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about Madison is Lake Mendota.