When you look at the 2023 Honda CRV, you can see Julia’s work in the rear fascia. As the product engineer leading the development of weld, paint, plastics and assembly operations for that system, the Marquette University mechanical engineering grad ensured that it delivered in terms of form, fit and function and that it aligned with the automobile’s overall design. But Julia’s impact goes even further: Having also worked in mass production problem solving and chassis engineering, Julia is credited by her bosses with contributing to overall success by combining technical analysis and problem solving with a collaborative work style and hands-on approach.

To say John went from curious logistics rookie to passionate industry champion in a few years would be an understatement. The IUPUI business grad was still attending classes and working in retail when he “stumbled upon the logistics industry” at Backhaul Direct. While his employers praise his workplace achievements and continuous drive for improvement, they suggest his greatest impact might come outside the workplace. Recognizing the need for a stronger logistics worker pipeline, John proposed that Backhaul Direct complement its college internship program with K-12 outreach. Now the company works with local school systems and is exploring other partnerships to introduce kids to the logistics industry, and the logistics industry to future employees.

Morgan was working as a sales manager for a solar energy company in 2020 when a colleague invited them to be the second employee of a collaborative robot automation startup. Although the Indiana University informatics grad had no experience working with robots, they proved to be a quick study, not only researching how to program robots and automation systems but learning how to build them. During their time as a project manager, Morgan played a key role in the success of the startup, from researching and implementing innovative technologies to leading teams and delivering projects, proving themselves instrumental in everything from design to product delivery. Morgan is currently pursuing a graduate degree from Purdue University, exploring the field of technology and automation.

In her third year of a rotational development program at Caterpillar, Megan has impressed her bosses with her ability to adapt to changing situations and focus on the needs of her workforce as a means to improving efficiency and productivity. Despite being a young woman in a field dominated by men years older than she is, Megan has shown an ability to have the kinds of difficult conversations necessary to lead effectively. Passionate about the future of manufacturing in Indiana, the Purdue University industrial engineering graduate has worked to recruit young people into the field, help them find the right path and recently was appointed the Lafayette Young Professional Chapter Chair.

A stint as a student researcher on a NASA-funded project at the Purdue University Horticulture College didn’t just expose Scott to hydroponic food production; it showed him his future. Since 2016, Scott has launched Heliponix, invented, patented and trademarked aeroponics technology, and designed the appliance that serves as his company’s centerpiece product, a consumer in-home gardening appliance productive enough to eliminate a user’s dependency on a grocery store produce with monthly recurring seed pod subscriptions known as ‘Keurig for plants’. The Purdue mechanical engineering grad has funded his venture through venture capital and grants that include one supporting the deployment of his low-cost hydroponic solutions in food-insecure regions of Africa. His goal? To curb hunger and distribute enough growing systems to become “the largest farm in the world without owning a single acre of land.”

Graduating from Purdue University with a degree in electrical engineering, Nathaniel joined THG Automation, an Indianapolis-based company that develops and markets robotic welding systems in 2020. He quickly distinguished himself by developing proprietary software and electrical components used in the company’s robotic welding and cutting systems being implemented at metal fabrication facilities across Indiana and the U.S. A hard worker who enjoys the hands-on experience he gets by working in software, hardware and customer relations, Nathaniel is praised by his bosses not only for his technical expertise and ability to lead, but also for his willingness to admit when he needs to learn more in order to anticipate problems and arrive at solutions. He says he is looking forward to continuing to grow with THG Automation as the company expands to further assist the industry’s automation needs.