Matthew Bowen
Hometown
Garfield, GA
High School
Homeschool
Degree Major
Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Emphasis
Expected Graduation
Fall 2022
What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?
What I love the most about UGA Engineering is the culture surrounding the design and creation of things. I love being surrounded by students building cool, tangible things.
Why did you choose engineering?
My passions and desire to solve problems inevitably led me to choose engineering. Growing up, I did not have any engineers in my family or knowledge of what engineers did. However, I had the privilege of operating a lot of machinery on our family farm. This love for all aspects of machinery, like nuts, bolts, belts, and gears, is how my love for engineering began.
Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?
It is very important for diversity to exist in academic communities. A crucial part of the college experience is being able to work and learn with students from widely varying backgrounds and cultures.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging aspects of engineering often are the most enjoyable. After melting your brain for hours over a single homework problem, the satisfaction of finally solving it is immense. The workload is often very intense. However, you learn a lot about yourself when you are pushed to your absolute extremes.
What have you learned that has made a difference for you?
I think the most important thing I have learned is making important connections and developing your network. Through the active development of my network, I have been provided with several cool opportunities over my college career.
Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?
I credit my success first and foremost to the unwavering support that my parents have supplied throughout my college career. They have always encouraged me to challenge myself and to follow my dreams. I also have been constantly inspired by older students in the ASABE student chapter. These amazing students took me under their wing during my first semester at UGA and made my experience so much better. Now, as an older student, I find much value in being able to do this for younger students.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
Sanford Stadium. There is nothing better than being surrounded by other UGA students cheering on the Dawgs.
What is your favorite restaurant in Athens?
Marker 7 Coastal Grill.
What has been your favorite class at UGA?
Mechanical Systems with Dr. Wagner. This class served to solidify many foundational engineering concepts and gain competency with design analysis.
What has been your best memory at UGA?
Winning the National Championship!
What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?
I normally stress to younger students entering engineering the importance of developing a good friend group inside of engineering. Engineering can be viewed as difficult or seemingly impossible at times, but it is much easier to have friends to share in your struggles and successes.
How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?
I would like to enter a career involving agricultural machinery design and/or precision agricultural technologies after graduation. I hope that I can use my engineering knowledge to help solve problems that the agricultural field is facing. Agriculture is tasked in the coming years with feeding a burgeoning population and doing so in an efficient and sustainable manner. Engineers will be at the forefront of this battle.
