Matthew Decloedt

Class of 2021-2022

Purdue University, 2021
Aerospace Engineering

Why I chose ESTEEM ?

I've been a lifelong fan of Notre Dame, especially with living local and being able to experience a lot of what the university has to offer. This never extended into the academic scope until I learned about ESTEEM though. After graduating from Purdue, I realized I wanted to be able to make more of an impact on the world rather than just doing a desk job and this is exactly what the program offers. A chance to be something bigger, build your own path, and make a change by leading and innovating. On top of this I was also drawn into the fact that it's a one year program, meaning I have a chance to get into what I want to do sooner!

My capstone project and why I'm excited about it ?

My capstone is called Functional Nano Printing and it is based on colloidal nano surfactants. This brand new environmentally friendly ink is atomized into an aerosol and can be 3d printed on almost any substrate to create a flexible microchip with improved device performance. My job is to determine if and how this can be made into a business or integrated into another. I'm very excited about this project because it uses a spectrum of fascinating equipment and has the opportunity to make significant changes on how we view printed microchips and deal with flexible electronics while also being improved and more sustainable.

What I hope to do after ESTEEM ?

I don't have any set plans on what I intend on pursuing after ESTEEM, but I hope to get into something on the cutting edge of engineering with aims of benefiting our world. Then after or concurrently also pursuing real estate and my dreams of one day owning a power lifting gym.

What I like to do when I'm not working ?

I have many hobbies outside of school but my main extracurricular is power lifting. I love to compete and see how far I can push myself beyond what I think. I also enjoy riding my electric long board, flying drones, 3d printing, and most physical activities or sports are fun!