Hello, my name is Michael Timm, and I am a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering(originally from Allentown, PA), where I have recently declared my major in Industrial Engineering. My journey to the IISE department has been fueled by a lifelong passion for playing optimization-themed video games such as Satisfactory or Factorio, where the objective is to continually improve processes for the best possible outcome. Currently, I am working towards obtaining three different certificates: Supply Chain Management, Data Analytics, and Innovation, Product Design, and Entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, I am a very social individual who enjoys everything from study groups to competitive Spikeball tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunity to go to Greece for the Plus 3 Program to see these concepts applied at a global level.

My campus involvement includes:

• Vice President of Club Water Polo

• Member of Club Swim

• Hall Council Representative

• Honors Council Member

• Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Member

The Plus 3 Greece program is a great match for my academic objectives, especially in my goal to earn a certificate in Supply Chain Management. Greece, as a global leader in the maritime and logistics industries, represents a special classroom for studying “smart technology” as it impacts efficiency within factories. I am most excited about the chance to tour factories to see the process from intake to redistribution in a real-world environment. By studying this process from a global perspective, I believe I can gain a clearer appreciation for how international trade centers approach complex supply chains. I look forward to returning to Pittsburgh with a newfound global perspective that can only benefit me within a classroom environment.

On a personal note, I’ve loved history and exploring different cultures ever since the early days of visiting various temples to study theology. I can’t wait to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon, trek out to the Oracle of Delphi, or explore the Temple of Hephaestus. I’m also looking forward to swimming in the Aegean Sea and enjoying local staples like authentic moussaka and fresh octopus!

See you in Greece!