When Elise Essenmacher decided to attend The University of Toledo for engineering, she made her choice because of the sheer number of opportunities available to students.
She didn’t know that her choice would take her around the world.
Elise Essenmacher, a junior mechanical engineering student, is spending spring semester working in the research and development department at Fersa’s headquarters in Zaragoza, Spain.
“UToledo seemed like the perfect-size school for engineering,” said Essenmacher, a junior mechanical engineering student. “It’s large enough to be able to offer a huge range of incredible coursework, extracurricular activities, undergraduate research and co-op programs, while still being small enough that I could receive individual support in pursuing all of those opportunities. I didn’t feel like just a ‘statistic,’ as is often the case in larger research institutions, and I saw the way that UToledo’s faculty and staff were actively involved in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
“The unique co-op program was also a big factor, as I believe that the real-world engineering experience I gain while on co-op will be invaluable heading into an engineering career.”
Through The University of Toledo’s Roy and Marcia Armes Engineering Leadership Institute, Elise was able to travel to Austria, Slovenia and Italy on a sustainability-focused study abroad trip in 2023. While there, the group toured a company called Fersa, which designs and manufactures innovative bearing solutions for automotive, alternative energy and industrial applications, and has offices in Toledo, Austria, Spain and other locations worldwide.
This experience led to Essenmacher spending spring semester completing an engineering co-op with Fersa, working in the research and development department at the company’s headquarters in Zaragoza, Spain.
“I am communicating entirely in Spanish, participating in the company’s most cutting-edge development and spending my free time exploring the culture, art, architecture and music of Spain,” Essenmacher said. “These opportunities would not have been possible without the support of The University of Toledo.”
Essenmacher’s experiences with ELI and with her international co-op have contributed to her growth as a student, engineer and person by broadening her perspectives.
“I’ve been able to learn from, and work with, engineers around the world, and witness how they are creating different, innovative solutions to engineering problems,” she said. “This has allowed me to approach my classes and co-ops with an entirely new mindset, and with creative ideas that I never would have had otherwise. I have gained confidence in stepping outside of my comfort zone, working with individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds and thinking on my feet when things don’t go according to plan.”
When asked who has most impacted her journey as a Rocket engineer, Essenmacher mentioned Geoff Humphrys, assistant director of the Shah Center for Engineering Career Development.
Through UToledo’s Roy and Marcia Armes Engineering Leadership Institute, Elise Essenmacher traveled to Austria, Slovenia and Italy on a sustainability-focused study abroad trip in 2023.
“He has been an amazing co-op advisor, as well as assisting with one of my favorite organizations on campus, the Roy and Marcia Armes Engineering Leadership Institute,” she said. “His support and guidance have made it possible for me to chase my goal of an international co-op, and his encouragement has been invaluable.”
Humphrys described Essenmacher as a “role-model student” with unlimited potential.
“It’s been a great honor to work with her as her co-op and ELI advisor,” he said. “Last year, when she shared with me that her dream was to co-op in Spain, my mission was to make that dream come to fruition. Her professionalism, passion for learning and drive to explore the globe definitely positions Elise for continued opportunities and a highly successful career.”
While Essenmacher’s plans after graduation are still not set in stone, Essenmacher is hoping to pursue a career in research and development in the alternative energy or green technology industries.
“I believe that new, creative technology is going to be at the forefront of solving our world’s most pressing environmental challenges,” she said. “And I hope to be a part of that development.
“I would highly encourage students to consider the University of Toledo College of Engineering,” Essenmacher added. “As a UToledo engineering student, you will not only have a strong technical background, but you will also have the opportunity to develop the critical interpersonal and leadership skills that are essential for engineers, and to apply all that knowledge to real engineering problems while working on your paid co-ops.”
