Stefan Dinich (BS ’25) knew as a young teenager that he had a passion for working on automobiles. As a high school student, the Dyer, Indiana, native earned an Automotive Service Excellence certification and poured time and energy into machine-shop classes.
When making his college decision, he found a welcoming and equally passionate student community within Purdue Northwest Baja Racing, a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) chapter where members use applied engineering and technology skills to fabricate an off-road vehicle. He also found that the Mechanical Engineering Technology degree path proved a natural fit where he could put valuable classroom and theory lessons into action.
“I was introduced to the Advanced Manufacturing Lab and talked with the students there,” he said. “The environment mirrored a lot of what I was doing at the time in high school. I could tell how much the supervising instructors and students who were there took a personal interest in you and wanted to see you succeed.”
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Dinich’s participation in PNW SAE Baja opened up new doors to exercise applied learning and leadership, from serving as a dynamics lead to helping the team achieve top overall business presentations at national competitions.
By networking at national SAE competitions, Dinich was able to earn two internships focused on industrial and manufacturing engineering with American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Upon finishing his plan of study in fall 2025, he started as a manufacturing engineer with Subaru of America in Lafayette, Indiana.
The hands-on nature of my degree really helped and pushed me to better understand what I was learning, from lectures to the lab spaces.
Why did you choose your major?
“During my junior and senior years of high school, I really fell in love with physics and math. I also had that interest in being hands-on with different machines. So, being able to combine all those interests was important for me. Whether it was in my college experience or future career, I knew I wanted to have my hands in the process of physically applying engineering and math. I really enjoy being able to see and visualize what I am working on.”
What did you like most about your PNW experience?
“The hands-on nature of my degree really helped and pushed me to better understand what I was learning, from lectures to the lab spaces. Plus, the faculty members are fantastic. Many of them have field experience that they draw from and they have your back as you are learning new skills.
I also, of course, greatly enjoyed SAE Baja. I learned every facet about what goes into the vehicle design as well as helping lead a team. I held different roles that helped me grow so much more than just simply doing classwork. I worked with my teammates to build something and learn from our successes and failures.”
Did you have a pivotal experience during your PNW career?
“I would definitely say our SAE Baja competitions. Those events really help you stand out as a student beyond how good your grades are. The event organizers and leads ask you tough questions to learn more about how you problem-solved in different situations. It truly is a great opportunity to refer to what you have learned in your coursework and then have to apply it in a matter of minutes.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students?
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, and definitely do not be afraid to try something new. I felt that I learned the most when I was unsure of something, whether that was a challenging class or learning a new skill. I stuck with it, even when it was hard. I always found that, no matter what, I learned a lot and the end result was not as bad as others might make it out to be.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Laboratory administrator, College of Technology
“Whether it was a project for school or SAE Baja, there have been countless times when Rick has helped me. He went above and beyond to make himself available and he has helped me grow so much as an engineer.”
Lecturer of Engineering Technology
“He is such a fantastic instructor. I was first introduced to him in my freshman-level Mechanical Engineering Technology courses, and I always enjoyed his lectures. While I was involved in SAE Baja, I remember how he pushed us to strive for excellence in our leadership roles, and I know it is because he cared deeply about any student that walked through the technology lab’s doors.”
Meet PNW’s 2026 graduates
From working heavy construction to starting a career in professional hockey, discover how Purdue University Northwest’s 2026 graduates are taking the next step toward proud futures.
