Superheroes and pursuing advanced learning: mechanical engineering student finds inspiration in unexpected places  

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—When mechanical engineering student Dorian Olson was little, his personal hero was a popular one. Marvel’s Iron Man has been an inspiration to young kids around the world for decades. But while many children look up to the genius superhero because of his ability to fly or his heroic adventures, Olson looked up to him for another reason—he found admiration in Iron Man’s technical abilities.   

“I’ve always liked the thought of being able to invent new and creative solutions to problems,” says Olson.   

It was taking a career search test as a part of a high school class that opened Olson’s eyes to the possibility of following in Iron Man’s footsteps.   

“From that point on, I made a plan to move toward becoming a mechanical engineer,” says Olson, who took advantage of Michigan’s Early Middle College program and attended a community college before transferring to Western Michigan University. His academic advisor, Sara Decker, helped make the transfer seamless.  

“With her guidance, the process was fluid,” says Olson. “I am forever grateful for her continued guidance and support.” 

Now a junior in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Olson’s plans are coming to fruition. Olson chose Western because he knew it would offer him the opportunities he needed to succeed in his field.  

“Being in this program has led me to meet so many new people who have taught me different learning styles,” says Olson. “I have developed better study habits and have learned more effective ways of absorbing the material, and how to balance learning multiple different types of dense work simultaneously.”   

Olson has a specific research interest: biomedical engineering and the development of neuroprosthetics. Olson understands the challenges of neuroprosthetics—the invasiveness of their associated surgeries, the experimental nature of the technology and the expense of the process—and has a desire to find solutions.   

“I am fascinated by the idea of being able to create a prosthetic that better replicates the mind to body connection to provide a better quality of life for those in need,” says Olson. “What excites me the most about this field is that it is challenging, and there are always new discoveries and ideas that continue to push the boundaries of what can be done. I want to help people in some shape or form, and I have always been excited to work toward making something of my own that could do that.”   

Joining Western’s Biomedical Engineering Association Registered Student Organization (RSO) is one step Olson has taken to get closer to his goal. He joined after some friends with similar interests started the group and found a community with people who share the same zeal for the field.   

“Their passion made me excited to be a part of it,” says Olson. “As a new club we are looking forward to building bridges with local biomedical businesses and working on our own biomedical projects.”   

And, to balance the rigorous engineering curriculum, Olson joined Western’s Campus Choir. “It has been a great balance between my studies and my hobbies,” says Olson. 

Olson is excited to take the next steps toward his degree. He is looking for internships to advance his skills and put his knowledge into practice.   

“I hope to secure an internship to expand my knowledge of all of the potential paths for a mechanical engineer, and to discover my true passion in this field,” says Olson. “I want to take that passion and all that I learn at WMU to an employer that I’m excited to work for.”   

Learn more about WMU’s major in mechanical engineering.   

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