CSE senior takes advantage of undergraduate research opportunities

In between research and classes, Swartzendruber spent time mentoring first-year students

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/23/2025) — College of Science and Engineering (CSE) senior Samuel Swartzendruber was born in Ethiopia, but grew up about 10 light rail stops down from campus in Saint Paul. But it wasn’t just the proximity to campus that drove his decision to come to the University of Minnesota, it was the strong engineering programs and opportunities for research. 

Being interested in nanotechnology and materials, research became a large part in Swartzendruber’s college experience. He spent two and half years in Professor Frank Bates' Research Group working in polymer science. In addition, he spent a summer at Northwestern University taking part in a research experience for undergraduates. This past summer, Swartzendruber took his skill set to the Corporate Research Laboratories at Medtronic's Operational Headquarters for an internship.

Swartzendruber took advantage of his time on campus holding leadership roles in the student-led group Material Advantage, all while mentoring first-year students.

Swartzendruber received numerous scholarships and grants including the U Promise Scholarship, the 3M Impact Scholarship, and a Minnesota State Grant. He is most grateful to have been one of the University’s nominees for the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship.

In both the video and Q&A below, Swartzendruber reflects on the experiences at CSE and how he advises other students to care for themselves personally and professionally.

When did you know you wanted to major in Materials Science?

I knew in high school that I wanted to do something with materials science. I was drawn to nanotechnology and knew that materials science was a stepping stone to that end. After starting college in Fall 2021, I decided to add a second major in physics so that I could better understand the fundamentals explaining materials properties.

Tell us about your undergraduate research experience.

The biggest thing that stands out about my time in CSE would be my research experience. This allowed me to mature both as an engineer and as a scientist. I have been exposed not just to how science works, but, more importantly, how we can use it to create beneficial technologies for the rest of society. Through these experiences, I learned that science is fun and to never dismiss a research or business idea just because it sounds crazy. Sometimes the crazy ideas are the best ones!

What advice would you give to CSE students?

I would say to spend at least one semester focused on making a good pattern of study habits and sleep schedule. These will be invaluable skills you will use in later years of your undergraduate life and beyond. Then expand non-curricular areas (research, leadership experience, student government, music, sports, etc.). This allows you to gain non-academic skills, while being enriching. Make sure to have variety, but DO NOT stretch yourself too thin. If you need to drop something to make sure you can do other things well, do it. Your time, your sleep, your mental health and your overall growth as a person will thank you profusely.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will spend the summer teaching at a school in El Salvador. After that, I will attend the University of Chicago for graduate school. I will be getting my Ph.D. in molecular engineering. What I am hoping to do is take fundamental materials science research that branches into biological engineering, chemistry, and physics and translate that into meaningful technology for people. 

Story by Kalie Pluchel

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