About Zach
Zach Sadowski graduated in December from the University of Dayton. Zach majored in Mechanical Engineering and was part of the team working on the Kayak See Behind Challenge.
Zach and his teammates were tasked with creating a system that will alert veteran kayakers of any approaching objects or boats. Team River Runner, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (TRR) is the QL+ Challenger. TRR helps veterans through water sports and many of its participants suffer from PTSD. The goal of this project was to create an alert system that can be mounted on the kayak that will gently inform the kayakers of objects approaching them from behind.
Question & Answer
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I wanted to gain knowledge in multiple areas of engineering, and a mechanical engineer can do a little bit of everything.
Describe your experience working with QL+.
I have really enjoyed working with QL+, Jason Whitman has been a great project representative and a huge help. The biggest challenge was working through this pandemic because it limits a lot of the things that we used to be able to do freely. Seeing this prototype completed from start to finish was very rewarding especially knowing that it will help our veterans.
What would you say to other students about QL+?
It is an opportunity that you wouldn’t want to miss.
What are your plans after graduation?
I currently plan on pursuing a permanent full-time position in the Cleveland area.
What is the proudest moment of your college career?
Earning a patent during a Co-op rotation.
List three ways you have changed as a person, student, and future engineer since working on this project.
a. I have developed a better sense of project management while working with students from other engineering disciplines. b. I learned that every project has a meaning to it, whether you see it or not; and, c. I have learned how to navigate roadblocks in projects more efficiently.
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