UofL grad embraces the wide world of mechanical engineering

He enjoyed physics when he was in high school, but Weston Kellem didn't decide on a career in engineering until he was attending Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC).

"Physics was the one class that really resonated with me. Being good at both math and science just sort of led me to engineering," Kellem said.

After earning his associate's degree at ECTC, transferring to the University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering was a natural next step for the Nelson County, Ky., native.

Kellem had excelled academically at ECTC and he continued to excel at UofL, where he has a 3.9 GPA. He will graduate this month, earning a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering.

"I decided to go for mechanical engineering because I didn't want to pick anything that was too specialized. Mechanical engineering seems to be like the most general engineering program. You get lots of experience in different fields."

While at UofL, Kellem explored a wide variety of engineering opportunities through work at the Louisville Automation and Robotics Research Institute and Speed School's co-op program. His outstanding academics led him to membership in the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Mortar Board and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Kellem completed his co-op experiences with SCHOTT North America - Home Tech, where he worked in quality control for heat-resistant glass such as would be used in a fireplace window or glass cooktop.

"That was probably the most fun I've ever had working," Kellem said. "I enjoyed the quality control because it involved physical tests, having their data broken down and analyzed to look for trends. I found ways to optimize the cutting process and even helped develop a way to cut at a much faster rate. I think quality control is something I'd be good at as a career."

He enjoys working in a team environment, particularly engineering group projects. For his capstone project, Kellem's group designed and built a conveyor belt.

"Teaming up with other people kind of makes it a little easier to parse through stuff because I can bounce ideas off of other people. Sometimes you explain things to them, they explain things to you, and things make a little more sense."

Valuable mentor support

Kellem said Mike Miller in the College of Education and Human Development's Kentucky Autism Training Center was especially helpful. Miller mentored Kellem, who has an autism diagnosis, in developing relationships and connecting with other offices at the university.

"My first two years here, he was pretty much helping me get through everything I needed to do. He was helping me schedule things. He was talking to different offices on my behalf. He actually got me a ton of scholarships that I would not have gotten. That was definitely helpful," Kellem said.

The Autism Training Center helps neurodivergent students navigate many aspects of university life, from connecting with social and academic organizations to ensuring they get the right parking permit. The center also helps faculty members provide an environment that fosters success for the students.

Miller is impressed with Kellem's work ethic and willingness to stretch - joining clubs, making friends, exploring new situations.

"He is just an amazing student." Miller said of Kellem. "There is not anything this young man will not attempt. He has drive and leadership capabilities."

After graduating this month, Kellem and his family plan to celebrate with a vacation in Orlando, Fla.

In January, he will turn his focus to landing a job in engineering.