Commencement Spotlight: Nick Paolo

Nick Paolo

Russ College of Engineering and Technology

Industrial and Systems Engineering major, Mathematics minor, Lean Six Sigma certificate

Powell, OH
 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I am moving back to Columbus and have accepted a job offer from Mettler Toledo as an Engineering Specialist in their Early Career Program. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”? 
I came to OHIO as an undecided engineering major not even knowing what Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) was. To be honest, I was concerned in the beginning of my first semester as I had no clue what I wanted to do. The first time I heard about ISE I knew immediately it was the perfect fit for me. I’ll never forget that moment and it helped build confidence for my remaining semesters knowing that I was doing exactly what I wanted to do. 

Why did you choose OHIO? 
I chose OHIO because of the sense of community I felt throughout the university and the Russ College. The people in Athens are amazing and it felt like home from the start. Also, my brothers (past OHIO alums) were pretty convincing when I was deciding which school I would attend. Coming to school here and studying ISE has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
All of my professors have been very supportive and insightful over my four years at OHIO. A couple professors I would like to highlight are Dr. Dušan Šormaz, Dr. Tao Yuan, and Dr. Felipe Aros-Vera. Not only did I gain technical skills from their classes, but I learned many life lessons that I will carry with me as I leave OHIO. I can’t thank the ISE department enough for my experiences here and will miss learning from them in class. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb (not counting Jeff Hill) at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
I would say my biggest obstacle at OHIO was the computer simulation competition every fall semester. I competed in the competition in my junior and senior years and both times were very challenging. The support from Dr. Šormaz and other students in my group helped overcome any difficulties and stress that came with the project. Competing in the competition challenged my simulation abilities and made me grow as a person. I am very grateful for the experience.

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
My favorite OHIO memories are spending time with my friends in uptown Athens and building friendships with other ISE students. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Enjoy every moment you have in Athens because it goes by too quick!