More than a degree: BGSU student builds future in engineering

Student Andrew Steinhour enhances career development through BGSU

By Patrick Pfanner ‘14 

For Andrew Steinhour, the road to an engineering degree wasn’t paved with straight lines and easy answers. The path was wired with late nights, full-time shifts and a drive to keep going. 

Steinhour, a Huron, Ohio, native, enrolled at Bowling Green State University Firelands in 2021. He was drawn to the University's regional campus for its affordability, community and proximity to home. But he didn't just enroll — he immersed himself in a demanding program while balancing a full-time job, determined to build a future in a field he loved. 

“I’ve worked full-time while attending classes full-time, all while managing friendships and relationships,” Steinhour said. “It wasn’t easy, but my professors were incredibly understanding.” 

At BGSU Firelands, one of those professors was Dr. Philip Weinsier, the coordinator of the electromechanical engineering program, whose open-door policy and realistic expectations gave students like Steinhour the breathing room they needed to succeed. 

“To be honest, the program likely wouldn’t exist if I weren’t willing to accommodate students’ varied scheduling needs,” Weinsier said. “They have jobs and families; real lives. My job is to teach them, yes, but also help them apply what they learn and find jobs they want.” 

That support made a lasting impact. 

“Dr. Weinsier played a crucial role in helping me balance school and work,” Steinhour said. “There were many times I had to make up class time or exams, and he always made it work. He gave me a head start on the electronics concepts I’d need later.” 

With an associate degree under his belt, Steinhour transferred to Bowling Green's main campus in 2023 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering technology, now known as robotics engineering, which is a blend of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. He'll graduate May 3.

But the degree is more than a piece of paper. It represents invaluable experience that’s already opened doors. Today, Steinhour works as an engineering technician, partnering with engineers and building the skills that will define his future career. 

“I plan to stay in this position and transition into a full-time engineering role after graduation,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without BGSU.” 

His education has shaped more than just his resume. Over four years, Steinhour formed friendships, overcame setbacks and found confidence in the life he’s building. 

“I’ve taken classes with people who started out as strangers and became good friends,” he said. 

As his courses grew more advanced, the support never faded. At BGSU, faculty offered individualized attention, detailed notes and in-depth instruction that has helped bring robotics and real-world applications to life. 

“Beyond electrical engineering, I’ve learned about object movement, how robots function and how they’re used in industry,” he said. 

For Steinhour, success hasn’t come easy. It comes through sacrifice and a spark — the kind that powers not just circuits, but careers.