2022 Scholarship Winner

Student Spotlight

Luke Swanson

Age: 18

Grade: Graduating Senior

State:  Minnesota

Member Since: 2019

Describe why you enjoy math: I enjoy math because I love problem solving. I can find the single solution to many mathematical problems with the tools at my disposal.

Describe how you anticipate using math in your future: I will continue using math in my college career and beyond. I have been designing and 3D printing since I was 10, and I plan to continue using my mathematical knowledge to create new inventions that help those around me.

I have been involved in my community through the following service projects:

• RiverWorks Community Development – Thrift Store Volunteer: Sorted donated items; organized and displayed saleable merchandise; sorted, tagged, and displayed clothing; tested electronics; swept, mopped, and removed trash and recycling.

• Minnesota Maker Collective – Research and Development Team Volunteer: Designed and redesigned 3D-printed personal protective equipment (PPE) including mask sewing gadgets, nose pieces, face shield frames, and punch hole templates. Worked with team for testing and feedback. Developed a new stacking configuration for heavy-duty, ICU-level face shield frames that provided greater stability and reliability of higher stacked models. Printed frames were then donated to local hospitals.

• Northwest Homeschool Athletic Cooperative: Setting up tents, moving tables, serving food, etc. at community events. Trail maintenance, fundraisers, etc. for teams.

• Minnesota Streetcar Museum: Restoring and maintaining streetcars.

• In total, I have volunteered over 550 hours to the community.

My favorite project was: Minnesota Maker Collective because I was able to use my mathematical and engineering skills to help create a face shield that helped protect ICU nurses.

I have set the following goals for myself for the next:

     *1 year: This fall, I will be starting college. Here, I plan to major in mechanical engineering with an applied mathematics minor. Throughout college, I hope to continue serving the community.

     *5 years: After I graduate from college, I plan to either continue to graduate school or enter the workforce. My goal is pursue a career in space exploration. During space missions, engineers create new inventions that help astronauts and people on Earth. I plan to use my engineering and mathematical skills to help advance space travel while creating tools that people will use in their daily lives.

My parents have inspired me to consider: "How I can use my skills to bring people together?"

My favorite subject in school has been: Math (Calculus).

My favorite extra-curricular activity has been: Cross country and track & field.

The most challenging thing I have ever experienced is: Maintaining good grades in high school while taking challenging dual enrollment classes.

My greatest accomplishment to date has been: Earning a Purple Award at the Minnesota State Fair with an electric motor I designed and built.

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