When Gabe Pfeil receives his diploma from PennWest California on Dec. 13, he will be stepping directly into a full-time engineering technology role — the result of hard work, a hands-on major, and a meaningful industry partnership that shaped his final year. 

Pfeil, who grew up in Pittsburgh, chose mechatronics engineering technology because he wanted a broad and applied engineering degree. “I didn’t want to do solely mechanical or electrical engineering — I wanted to see it all,” he said. “Mechatronics lets you understand how everything fits together.” 

That breadth brought both excitement and challenge. Many courses pushed him into entirely new territory, and making progress often meant working through early failures. “You come in asking, ‘Where do I even start?’” he said. “But once things click, you start seeing how interconnected everything is.” 

Pfeil credits much of his growth to faculty who were invested in student success — especially Dr. Ghassan Al-Sinbol. “There were plenty of nights I emailed Dr. Al-Sinbol with questions, even on weekends,” he said. “He always responded quickly. Faculty commitment doesn’t stop when they leave the building.” 

That level of support, he added, sets a tone for the entire program. 

Pfeil completed his senior project early, working with a team sponsored by Integrated Mill Systems, an automation company that serves steel mills. Their task: create a small-scale stand rolling mill that the company could use for safe and portable demonstrations. 

The project required late nights, close collaboration with industry engineers, and plenty of problem-solving. “It was a lot of work, but I’m very proud of how it turned out,” Pfeil said. 

The experience also opened an unexpected door. After observing his work, the company interviewed Pfeil for a full-time position, and he will join the company full time after graduation. 

 “It was great timing,” he said. “They needed someone, and I was ready.” 

While his major defined his academic experience, Pfeil also found belonging through the Sustainability Club, where he worked at PennWest California’s SAI Farm and learned the value of steady, supportive leadership. Living on campus helped him feel connected too. “Everything I needed was here,” he said. “I never felt like I wanted to leave.”  

Reflecting on his years at PennWest California, Pfeil credits both the community and the curriculum for shaping his path. “The people here want you to succeed — that makes all the difference,” he said. “I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into the real world.”