Daily Pioneer News

Sara Matson prepares for graduation from UWP this May.

PLATTEVILLE - Taking advantage of the strong women in engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is exactly what Sara Matson did when she chose to attend UWP.

"Being from a small town, I truly appreciated the close-knit atmosphere at UWP," commented Matson. "I also knew first-hand about the strong women in engineering program at UWP after visiting the campus during a women in engineering career day when I was in high school."

Matson, originally from Rhinelander, will graduate in May with a degree in mechanical engineering. Following her graduation, she has accepted a position on the engine design team with Caterpillar in Peoria, Ill.

While attending UWP, Matson has been involved in numerous different organizations and extracurricular activities. One of these organizations includes the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) at UWP, where she has been a member for five years and served as vice president for one year.

As a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for the past five years, Matson served terms as secretary and co-captain of the Aero Design and Baja team, working to design and build an off-road, all-terrain vehicle.

Matson has also served as president for the last two years of her three-year membership to Pi Tau Sigma, a mechanical engineering honor society.

During her time at UWP, Matson has been an active member of the Society of Women in Engineering (SWE) and the Women in Engineering Mentor Program.

"Being a member of SWE and the mentor program has allowed me the opportunity to meet other women in engineering that I would not have otherwise met in my classes," remarked Matson. "These organizations have provided me excellent resources as a woman in engineering."

While attending UWP, Matson has also participated in the intramural program at UWP, winning a first-place championship one year in co-ed volleyball. In addition to each of her organizations and activities, Matson also spent three years filling the role as a university tutor in the subjects of math and science.

When asked about her favorite memory, Matson commented how much she enjoyed living in the dorms as a freshman and meeting so many new students in the same situation as herself and having so many activities to participate in.

"Attending UWP has been a great experience," added Matson. "The professors here know me by name and take the time to talk to me even after I have completed their classes."