UW-Stout engineering students hired before graduation, science students entering master’s program, medical school

Inspiring graduates in environmental science, biology, packaging, mechanical engineering share experiences in Q&As

Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 415 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s most recent ceremony, six College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. 

The graduates shared their university experiences, setbacks and successes in UW-Stout’s Inspiring Graduate Q&A series:

• An Nguyen, B.S. environmental science, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
• Brady Cunningham, B.S. applied biochemistry and molecular biology, New Richmond
• Ethan Myers, B.S. packaging, Pleasant Prairie
• Lukas David, B.S. packaging, Johnson Creek
• Grace Goodreid, B.S. mechanical engineering, Cushing
• Josh Goodreid, B.S. mechanical engineering, Beldenville

Inspiring Graduate: An Nguyen, environmental science

Nguyen had a three-year gap in her education before beginning her college career at UW-Stout. During that time, she worked for AIESEC, an international, youth-run organization, to strive for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“This experience helped me discover I was passionate about nature and committed to solving environmental issues. I wanted to study abroad to seek a better education in environmental science, and I found Stout,” Nguyen said.

She had never heard of the Midwest or Wisconsin before but was impressed by the nature and the hospitable people, she said.

Now, having earned her bachelor’s degree, Nguyen will begin her doctoral program in biological sciences at Michigan Tech University and will study Lake Superior's acidification, a project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

With a special interest in freshwater, Nguyen interned at the UW Oshkosh’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center and with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. She has worked with professors on research funded by the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and the university’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

At Research Day 2024, Nguyen received a Student Honorable Mention at the Outstanding Researchers of the Year awards ceremony.

“When I talked to students from other UW schools, I realized that Stout provided us with more lab time and personal support. I appreciated the small class sizes, the dedicated professors, the unique lab experiences and the research opportunities.

“I think I am very well prepared for my future career due to the variety of roles I took as a college student. I have a lot of lab hours to apply what I learned in lecture,” Nguyen said.

Inspiring Graduate: Brady Cunningham, applied biochemistry and molecular biology

Cunningham chose UW-Stout for several reasons. First, it was close to home, so he could stay connected with family while experiencing campus life.

“And it offers an excellent value, combining a strong reputation and quality education with affordability, allowing me to pursue my studies without excessive financial strain,” he said.

But foremost, the university’s polytechnic, hands-on approach appealed to him, “as it emphasizes practical, applied learning that aligns with my career goals and prepares me well for a competitive workforce.”

Within UW-Stout’s bachelor's in applied biochemistry and molecular biology, following the Prehealth Sciences Pathway, Cunningham excelled in courses that would prepare him for medical school and his future as a physician.

He will soon take the MCAT – Medical College Admission Test – before applying to medical schools in the spring.

“UW-Stout has thoroughly prepared me for my future career in the medical field through its hands-on approach and research opportunities. My major in applied biochemistry and molecular biology, paired with a minor in human physiology, has provided a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of science.

“UW-Stout’s commitment to hands-on learning has been instrumental in making me a strong, competitive candidate for medical school and for a future as a physician,” Cunningham said.

Inspiring Graduate: Ethan Myers, packaging

Myers was drawn to UW-Stout for two reasons: Packaging and Polytechnic.

“Not many schools have packaging, so when looking for a program, I found only one that looked engaging. Stout offers applied learning, real world experience and hands-on labs,” he said. “Stout has the unique aspect of being Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. This was something I had not seen before, but it made a ton of sense to me.”

Myers, who served as student commencement speaker, earned his bachelor's in packaging and was hired before graduation with H.B. Fuller, a leading global adhesives provider in Minneapolis, where he completed an internship in global strategic sourcing last summer

“Stout has prepared me so well, that I not only accepted a full-time job months before graduating, but I have no concerns about starting this position. I feel comfortable and confident,” he said.

Myers won 11 national and international industry awards in his time at Stout, including an award to improve the Pringles potato crisps tube, an Paperboard Packaging Alliance student competition, a 48HR REPACK student design competition and a Flexible Packaging Association Student Design Challenge.

With his peers, he helped coordinate Pack Jam 2024, an annual student-led international three-day conference, and was awarded the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, UW-Stout’s highest nonacademic honor.

Inspiring Graduate: Lukas David, packaging

When he was in high school, planning ahead for his college career, David knew he liked UW-Stout’s polytechnic advantage and its approach to hands-on learning.

“I am a very hands-on learner, and I knew that Stout would guide me to my career,” he said.

David was hired before graduating with his bachelor's in packaging as a packaging engineer for Sartori Cheese, an artisan cheese company in Plymouth, where he completed an internship last summer.

“UW-Stout has prepared me very well to work in the field. In the labs, I learned by doing. The packaging program sets up students for success by helping students accomplish anything they want,” he said.

David won nine national and international industry awards during his time at UW-Stout, an award to improve the Pringles potato crisps tube, a Paperboard Packaging Alliance student competition and a 48HR REPACK student design competition.

With his peers, he helped coordinate Pack Jam 2024, an annual student-led international three-day conference.

Inspiring Graduates: Grace Goodreid and Josh Goodreid, packaging

Grace Goodreid and Josh Goodreid first met in a Thermodynamics class at UW-Stout and started dating the next semester while in a Fluid Dynamics course together. From there, their relationship grew, and they married.

Grace and Josh were both hired before graduation. Having earned their mechanical engineering degrees, they are beginning their new careers as mechanical design engineers at Can-Am Integration, a provider of automation solutions in manufacturing, industrial and engineering experiences, located in Menomonie.

Between them, Grace and Josh completed five internships and co-ops, exposing them to varying methods of engineering, including with Oxbo International in Clear Lake, Sig Sauer in New Hampshire, Parker Hannifan in Chetek, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Chippewa Falls.

For their senior engineering capstone, Grace and Josh worked with a team to complete an automated toy manufacturing system as part of a three-year, cross-disciplinary, multi-course project. The Taft Prof Two-Wheel Toy Assembly System can produce 10 wooden pull-toy ducks at a time. The machine can be assembled and disassembled in minutes for ease of transport to area schools to demonstrate the process of making toys to local children.

“Other campuses that I toured continued to tell me that as an engineer, I would never leave the lecture hall. I do not believe that is a good environment for an engineer. For those reasons, I decided that Stout would be the best choice and would provide me with the most valuable experience and degree,” Grace said.

“Stout is a university where you get to use your hands and apply what you learn,” Josh added.

UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.