ASM & BRAE Graduating
Seniors Yearbook
Daniel Royer |
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| Originally from Merced, California, Daniel is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with an Agricultural Management Concentration and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: I was intimidated at first. I started as an Ag Science major and wasn't very happy until I switched majors twice and ended up in the BRAE Department. Since then I have been pleased. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Instructors in the department took the time not just to learn students names, but to establish relationships with students as well. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get involved and enjoy yourself. You only get one chance to be in college so take advantage of every opportunity you can. Also, get a job doing something you've never really done before that you think you might be interested in. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: Knowing that if I miss a day of class life goes on, missing a day of work has greater consequences. | |
| Plans following graduation: I am currently a manager for Wolfsen, Inc. out of Los Banos | |
Brandie Feddema |
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| Originally from Hemet, California, Brandie is graduating with a degree in BioResource & Agricultural Engineering with a concentration in Mechanical Systems. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: At first, Cal Poly seemed so large and I didn't know how I was ever going to find anything. I thought SLO was a great place to live and didn't understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else. I still feel that way but Cal Poly seems small to me now. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Driving Mustang Fever for the very first time. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get involved in club activities, they don't necessarily have to be within the department. Just get involved because it makes your college experience more enjoyable. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: I will miss club activities, especially Tractor Pull. | |
| Plans following graduation: I plan to move to the San Francisco Bay Area and work for Preston Pipelines. | |
Marc Metzer |
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| Originally from Gonzales, California, Marc is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: Having a sister at Cal Poly when I came here gave me a different impression than most people. I knew Cal Poly had a great reputation because of the faculty and students. I still enjoy San Luis Obispo with its great beaches, downtown, and weather. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Getting to know and being in class with the same group of students throughout my college career. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get involved in the BRAE Department clubs and get to know your classmates. It makes class much more enjoyable. The best decision I made after coming to Cal Poly was studying abroad because I was able to get out and see the world while making tons of new friends! | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The opportunity to be with friends everyday of the week and the fact that there is always something to do in college. Whether it be farmer's market, club meetings, or parties, there is always something going on. | |
| Plans following graduation: In late July I will be going to Seoul, South Korea to teach conversational English to elementary and middle school children for twelve months. During my time there, I hope to travel throughout Asia on my vacations. When I return from Asia, I plan on working in Salinas Valley for a produce company. | |
Daniel Inks |
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| Originally from Angels Camp, California, Daniel is graduating with a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and Irrigation Design. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: The first time I visited Cal Poly I knew there was no other option for my education. My first impressions have not changed, only enhanced. I love everything Cal Poly stands for and has to offer. One thing that I have noticed is that most Cal Poly students don't even know of the opportunities or activities in the area and therefore haven't taken advantage of them! |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: My best experience within the BRAE Department has been with my work in the shops. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get outside of the BRAE Department! There is so much more out there! | |
| One thing they will miss about college: There is always a party, you just have to find it! | |
| Plans following graduation: Farming, construction, fabricating, consulting, designing, investing... all while traveling! | |
Justin Hopkins |
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Originally from Fresno, California, Justin is graduating with a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and Water Systems. |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: I really liked the atmosphere at Cal Poly and that has never changed. I wasn't too thrilled about San Luis Obispo but I eventually found my home in Atascadero. | |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: All of the hands-on classwork and interacting with the faculty. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: First and foremost, stick with the program! I had thoughts of changing my major to something easier but not changing was definitely worth it in the long run. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: My friends. | |
| Plans following graduation: District Engineer at Solano Irrigation District. | |
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Adam Shaner |
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| Originally from San Luis Obispo, California, Adam is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: I have lived here my whole life and I am finally ready to leave. | |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Listening to Gary (Weisenberger)'s jokes. All of them. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Hang out in the labs. You never know what you will hear next in there. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: Being able to choose whether you want to go to class or just play hooky instead. | |
| Plans following graduation: Starting to work for Shimmick Construction a week after graduation. |
Craig Monteiro |
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| Originally from Tulare, California, Craig is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Mangement with a concentration in Mechanical Systems. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: The weather is very nice on the Central Coast. My very first impression about Cal Poly was that it was just a place where I can get a degree and leave. Now after only two years in the BRAE Dept. at Cal Poly, I have realized this place is more than just the means to getting a degree. Cal Poly is an amazing place where knowledge is endless, and as long as you are willing to learn, the professors and teachers will teach you. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Being part of AES and the Tractor Pull Club and all the events related to both. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get involved! Don't focus all your time on trying to get a straight 4.0 grade average, spend some time with extracurricular activities. When you get involved, you gain real life experience and network with other fellow students. This is more beneficial to you than a 4.0 will ever be. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The professors, teachers, and advisors in the BRAE Department. By just talking and hanging out with these folks I have learned things that I never would have been taught in any class. | |
| Plans following graduation: Still undecided whether I am going to go to graduate school or join the work force. As of right now I will be working for John Deere doing research and development work on corn choppers. I will work remotely from Tulare, CA but report back to an office in Ottumwa, Iowa. | |
Eric Nilsen |
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| Originally from Phelan, California, Eric is graduating with a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: Cal Poly was a place full of young adults ready to have a good time and begin their education. Now after five year in the area, I have come to love and appreciate the atmosphere of the people, downtown, and beautiful surroundings we live in. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: BRAE 422 was an amazing class and allowed me to build a machine from scratch. We did the design, planning, and construction of Kaminaka's cart. It was a good feeling to put a lot of time and effort into a project and see the finished product. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Become active and don't be afraid to go to your professor's office hours early and often, especially if you're confused about something in class. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The area which includes hiking to Bishop's peak, cruising Montana de Oro, or enjoying the nightlife downtown. | |
| Plans following graduation: My biggest plan besides being an entry level engineer is my wedding. I have been engaged for three years to a beautiful woman and set a goal not to be married until I can properly earn an income after graduation. That is by far the most important thing in life that I am looking forward to. LOVE ya Aims! | |
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Travis Baker |
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| Originally from Lockeford, California, Travis is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration in Livestock Production and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: Radical. | |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Learning by doing. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The BRAE lab. | |
| Plans following graduation: Shoe horses and live the dream. |
Jeffrey Carr |
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| Originally from Hughson, California, Jeff is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration in Water Science and Irrigation. Jeff served as the 2007-2008 AES President and was named 2008 AES Senior of the Year. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: At first Cal Poly can be a little intimidating, especially when you're from a small town like myself. But then I went to the Welcome Back BBQ where Dr. Kaminaka had us build some kind of structure with something like string and toothpicks and a point scale that didn't make sense to anyone. All the people in the department were so friendly and welcoming that I felt right at home. It is the same today. It is nice to know that you can walk around the department and know everyone you see by name, even the professors. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: The best experience I had in the BRAE Department was being a member of the AES club. I was involved in the club for all four years while at Cal Poly. The club gives students a chance to see what can be done after graduation with the many different industry speakers at the meetings. Most importantly the club is fun break away from classes. I will have many memories from all the different club activities I have been involved in. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: I would tell any new student to get involved in the department and the college. These are the best years of our lives and if you do not get involved they can pass you by and you might regret not doing certain things. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The thing I will miss most is all the people that I have grown close to over the years. Not just my fellow students, but also the faculty and staff in the department. We are all like a family and when someone needs help there is always someone in the department that is willing to step up and help them. | |
| Plans following graduation: After graduation I will be working for Deerpoint Group, Inc., an agricultural irrigation water treatment company located in Fresno, California. I have interned with them for the past two summers and am really looking forward to working with them full-time. | |
Joel Schaapman |
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Originally from Ripon, California, Joel is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Managment with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and with a minor in Agricultural Business. |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: I knew Cal Poly was a great college before I came here and I definitely experienced it when I got here. | |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Thursday barbeques. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Make sure you make the most of it when you're here and have fun. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: Good times with good people. | |
| Plans following graduation: Manage my family manufacturing business and hopefully take a trip to Europe. | |
Leah Meeks |
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| Originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, Leah is graduating with a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering with a concentration in Irrigation and with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Leah was honored as the Distinguished Senior with Service to the Community for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. She is also one of two ASABE's Student Engineers of the Year and one of five graduating female engineers named Outstanding Women in Engineering by the College of Engineering. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: The school was friendly, but the town was not. I still feel pretty much the same way now since the only friendly people in town who like students are those at non-profits who work with student volunteers. It is hard for me to feel like its ever winter here without snow on the ground. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: When I switched my major to BRAE. After a year in the OCOB, I knew that I needed something else. I took two weeks of BRAE 340 and then filed my change of major paperwork. My best learning experience was our 422 Pomegranate Press project. From design and fabrication to presentation and report drafting, that class is truly the capstone event for BRAE majors. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Like I mentioned in my Open House magazine article, get involved in any and everything that interests you. After learning more about those things (clubs, academic interests, cool jobs) pick a couple things that you really like and go to town. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: All of the involvement opportunities. Just the other day I heard people planning the Ag Ambassador State Conference. Leaving those types of things and the people who organize them is hard. But I am just leaving Cal Poly for more college, so I am sure there will be more opportunities. | |
| Plans following graduation: I will spend my short summer moving from SLO to Idaho and then to Florida. This fall I will be starting my master's degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida. | |
Michael Chase |
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| Originally from Bakersfield, California, Michael is graduating with a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering with concentrations in both Mechanial Systems and Water Science. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: My first impressions of Cal Poly were... this is a great school! Everything is just as I had imagined, if not better. I love the community and family feeling you get while being here. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: The BRAE Department is awesome and I wouldn't change anything about it. I cannot list a best experience because there have been too many to list. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: To those current students, get involved in everything that you can. That makes for the best times and you will get to know a lot of people along the way. To prospective students, what are you waiting for? Get in here and have a great time. This department is the best! | |
| One thing they will miss about college: I will miss everything about college. It has been a great experience and I would love to stay and make it last longer. | |
| Plans following graduation: I will be moving back to Bakersfield and going to work for Rain for Rent in its Engineering Department. I will be working on irrigation designs, pump designs, water bypass system designs, etc. | |
William Pruitt |
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| Originally from Dos Palos, California, William is graduating with a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering with a concentration in Irrigation Engineering. William is also graduating with the academic honor of Cum Laude. | |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: Great location and school filled with respectable people. My feelings have not changed. | |
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Best experience within BRAE Department: Taking classes from the BRAE instructors and learning real life applications for the material they were teaching. |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: The BRAE and ASM programs are the best programs on campus. Even if classes seem to be difficult, do not change majors because you will regret not graduating from the BRAE Department. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: Not being able to frequently see all of the friends I have made while attending Cal Poly. | |
| Plans following graduation: I will be working in partnership with IDC South, an irrigation design and construction company. I will be designing irrigation systems and overseeing the installation process in California's Central Valley. | |
Matthew Bono |
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Originally from Tulare, California, Matthew is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration and minor in Dairy Science. |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: When I first arrived I was in awe of the campus and the opportunities and the responsibilities it provided. Now I still am. I have come to realize just what a high quality education we are provided. This is especially true for what I've come to realize about the BRAE department. I really believe we have the best department on campus: faculty, students, education, opportunities. We actually learn more than I would have thought possible. | |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Any one of many times sitting in lab 3 “studying” with what seemed to be everyone from the whole department or hearing one of the professor make a comment relating us to them. We learn more than everyone else because we are taught by regular people like us. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get involved in the major and closely associated clubs. "Work hard, play hard" is a motto more people should live by and we in the BRAE department exemplify it to a tee. Stay in the department and give back to make up for what we take. We have the best faculty on campus and don't take your entire career to figure it out. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The faculty in the BRAE department. Even when I wasn't terribly interested in a topic the BRAE faculty find a way to keep you interested. I have friends at home, I can even call up people from my classes now and party in the future, but I won't get another chance to learn something from someone who actually cares if you pick it up or not. | |
| Plans following graduation: I'm moving back to my hometown and pursuing a job with Bio Energy Solutions LLC, a dairy waste to energy company based in Bakersfield, California. | |
Michael Dooling |
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| Originally from Point Arena, California, Michael is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: I thought the Performing Arts Center was something out of the Jetsons, and town reminded me of a big city. Now I just think there are a lot of people in a small area, with one building that came from an outdated cartoon of the future. I love this place and will miss it for a long time. |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Almost every class offered a ton of entertainment everyday, even Ag Safety. The best would have to be Gary's 344 fabrication class; you guys will always be the B Team! | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, both in and outside the department, college goes pretty fast. Pretty soon you will all be depressed when it comes time to leave. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: Eating in front of Campus Market listening to Bloom have absolutely no shame. Also having the simple goal of graduating, with no worry of what comes next. | |
| Plans following graduation: I'm hoping to not pay rent someway, somewhere, somehow, maybe travel and then go into marine transportation for offshore towing and ship assist. | |
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Jamie Hastings |
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| Originally from Paso Robles, California, Jamie is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration in Beef Production and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
| First impressions of Cal Poly: I was looking for a party and I found it. My impressions have changed because the party scene is not what it used to be. | |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: Thursday barbeques. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Take advantage of the shops. You can build a lot of cool stuff. | |
| One thing they will miss about college: BRAE study sessions at Z-club. | |
| Plans following graduation: I am coming back for an AGB MBA at Cal Poly. Then I want to fly for the Air National Guard. |
Matthew Bassett |
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| Originally from Visalia, California, Matthew is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and with a minor in Agricultural Business. | |
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First impressions of Cal Poly: Overall I had a good first impression of San Luis Obispo and of Cal Poly. I especially liked the lack of constant hot weather during the summer. I thought that Cal Poly was one of the best schools for agriculture and in general. My impression of Cal Poly and of San Luis Obispo has not changed. I still think that this place is great! |
| Best experience within BRAE Department: The best experience I have had in the BRAE Dept would have to be all of the AES and Tractor Pull Events. | |
| Recommendation to current prospective BRAE students: Get involved! Clubs and meetings are a good break form classes and they can be lots of fun, especially Tractor Pull. Stay in school and get good grades! | |
| One thing they will miss about college: The BRAE dept, Tractor Pull, Thursday barbeques, hanging out with friends, and many other things! | |
| Plans following graduation: After graduation I am going to work for Granite Construction in Santa Barbara. | |