What if earning a mechanical engineering degree didn’t require uprooting your life, quitting your job, or putting your family on hold? At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, it doesn’t. The UW-Platteville Engineering Partnerships (PEP) program is changing the face of engineering education—one success story at a time.
Madi Wunderli, now a lead engineer at ALKAR, Inc.—a company that designs industrial cooking and chilling equipment—describes the PEP program as “learning from afar with a strong sense of community.” Despite minimal in-person requirements, students collaborate regularly, tackle real-world problems together and build lasting professional connections.
“Even if we didn’t see each other in person, we still worked together on projects and helped each other whenever we could,” explained Wunderli.
This flexible format allowed her to keep working while earning her degree and to bring her learning directly into the field. Her company produces custom-built, industrial-scale food equipment used around the globe. With her mechanical engineering degree in hand, she plays a pivotal role in designing innovative solutions, leading teams and ensuring projects stay on track.
“We help feed people around the world, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission,” said Wunderli. “In my role, I design, lead and innovate. I’ve even been called the company ‘standard’—someone known for precision, accountability and reliability.”
Her passion for problem-solving and her dedication to improvement are key to both her personal and professional success. And while engineering is often seen as purely technical, her story is also deeply human. What motivates her each day? A combination of challenge, flexibility and the joy of coming home to her husband Ben and her dog Opal.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many driven professionals, she’s had to learn to recognize her limits, ask for help and foster better communication across departments. One particularly complex project involved reconfiguring a machine for an international client’s power grid. It was an undertaking that required global coordination, quick problem-solving and a calm, leadership-focused mindset.
Since graduating, her milestones have been remarkable: three promotions, overseas travel, personal growth and professional fulfillment. Her degree didn’t just prepare her for a job; it helped her build a life of purpose and achievement.
“My life has only gotten better since I graduated. I can’t wait to see what comes next!”
Ready to Build Your Own Engineering Success Story?
The PEP distance Mechanical Engineering program is designed for working professionals who want more—more opportunity, more flexibility and more connection. Whether you're designing equipment that feeds the world or creating solutions in your local community, your journey starts here.
Apply today. Learn from anywhere. Lead from everywhere.