Jody Melds Innovative Engineering and Community Building to Bolster Regional Economies

Meet Our Fellows Blog Series: Jody Suryatna

Like many who are wrapping up their final year of undergrad, I was unsure of where life would take me next. For much of my life, I have planned my days in advance but, to be completely honest, I didn’t have a roadmap for what I would do with my college degree.

With many paths ahead of me, I decided to focus my attention on what I know I love: innovation. While earning an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, I felt most excited when classes exposed me to how our world has been disrupted, revolutionized, and engineered in a more hopeful direction. Of course, I sometimes enjoyed innovating a more fun or entertaining project. My favorite class, after all, involved using laser cutters, 3D printers, and various 3D modeling software to design and prototype a Purdue-themed version of the classic Rush Hour video game!

Outside of innovative engineering, I also love building community. To this end, I spent most of my undergraduate career volunteering for the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers where I not only developed my own leadership skills but also co-created a community of individuals that have become some of my closest friends.

Naturally, my twin passions led me to enFocus. Although initially unfamiliar with what this entrepreneurial, community-focused organization had to offer, I quickly realized that enFocus presents a unique opportunity to tackle my two passions throughout my fellowship. Although I joined enFocus recently in April 2021, I have already learned many new skills and achieved early project milestones. At enFocus, I am growing into a better professional with every passing second.

As time has passed, I fell in love with enFocus’ commitment to the South Bend-Elkhart region. I felt motivated to give my best at work as I knew my contribution has a significant impact on already thriving local communities. As part of the industry team, I am grateful to still have a finger on innovation, particularly in manufacturing. I anticipate contributing to and helping bolster regional economies.

Looking back on my first couple of months with enFocus, I realize that I have learned a good deal about what it means to be at once a professional and a community member. I am grateful for my position at enFocus, and look forward to continuing to meld my passions for innovative engineering and community building!

Learn more about the 2020-2021 enFocus Fellows weekly in our Meet Our Fellows Blog Series.