Mathieu Davis is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, which is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has contributed substantially to their field in their early career years.
Mathieu graduated from the University with his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 2013. He then went to South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar to pursue research in biomechanics at the University of Stellenbosch and to mentor students at local grade schools in STEM fields. He now works as a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group and is the President and Founder of the OMEGA Promise Foundation, a non-profit that provides long-term mentorship to underrepresented minorities through K-12 and beyond.
Below, Mathieu explores his relationship with the department and the future of the discipline.
What does Michigan and Michigan Mechanical Engineering mean to you?
The University of Michigan and the Mechanical Engineering Department in particular, hold a special place in my heart, not just for the technical knowledge I gained but for the profound personal and professional transformation that occurred during my time there. When I first arrived as a part of the Summer Research Opportunity Program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But from that moment, I was welcomed into a community that truly fostered my growth. The mentorship I received, especially from Dr. Albert Shih, and the collaborative environment helped shape me into the engineer—and person—I am today. I met lifelong friends who together, navigated through the tough pre-Jim Harbaugh football days as well as late nights at “The Dude” studying for Quals. As a Jamaican guy who went to undergrad at the University of Florida, there’s just something about the Ann Arbor winters that, as cold as they are, truly create an environment that fosters laughter and togetherness. It was at Michigan that I learned the importance of aligning my career with my passions and values, and that mindset has guided me throughout my journey.
Michigan Mechanical Engineering, to me, represents more than just academic rigor. It’s a place where we’re encouraged to think beyond just solving technical problems and are pushed to understand how our skills can impact society in meaningful ways. My experiences here—whether it was presenting research internationally or mentoring others—have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to not only excel in my field but to use my engineering background to uplift and support my community. Michigan isn’t just where I earned my PhD; it’s where I found the confidence and belief to attack life and find my purpose.
How has your time in ME influenced your career so far?
My time in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my career, both in the technical and leadership aspects. The rigorous academic environment taught me how to think critically and approach problems systematically, but more importantly, it instilled in me the mindset that engineering goes beyond solving technical challenges. It’s about creating solutions that positively impact society. Whether it was the long days and nights in the Microscopy and Imaging Labs analyzing my bone samples, or the experiences presenting my research on the national and international stages, these experiences gave me the confidence and skills to navigate complex challenges in my professional and personal life. Getting a PhD is not an easy decision, and it is an even harder journey. The time and dedication required to press on, fosters resilience and resolve. These are all things that would prove critical in my job as an engineering consultant and now as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. Michigan gave me the confidence and belief in myself that I could apply for something like a Fulbright Fellowship, which prior to coming to Michigan, seemed as lofty a goal as anything I could have imagined at that point. Knowing that you have worked through the rigor of the ME department’s PhD requirements and stood in front of and defended your work in front of world-renowned professors, scientists, and engineers, instills a level of belief that you can always go back to for confidence.
Additionally, the collaborative and diverse environment within Michigan’s Mechanical Engineering department prepared me to thrive in multidisciplinary teams. It taught me that success comes not only from technical expertise but also from the ability to lead, mentor, and uplift others around me. This has had a direct influence on my career, from leading DEI initiatives in the workplace to building outreach programs for underrepresented communities both local and abroad. Michigan didn’t just equip me with technical skills—it gave me the tools to become a well-rounded leader wherever I have gone.
As an alumni, how have you stayed connected to the department and/or to the alumni network? What is the benefit of a robust and engaged alumni network?
The University of Michigan brand and alumni network is truly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. My mother jokes that she has never seen as many reactions on the street to a university, than when she sees folks wearing University of Michigan gear. I have never, and I do mean never, traveled anywhere in the world and not received at least two “Go Blue” salutes. The brand recognition is unparalleled. In the workplace, you are bound to encounter some Michigan alumni, or people who just admire the university. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into someone’s office, seen a Michigan mug, picture frame, or sticker somewhere, and immediately start a conversation about our times there. It is the ultimate professional ice breaker and bridge builder.
With University of Michigan students being in constant demand, my connection to the University is always leveraged wherever I have worked. Since graduating from Michigan, I have come back to the institution several times to recruit and speak to our amazing engineers. Students reach out to me regularly on LinkedIn to speak with me about my time at UM and ask for advice on how to navigate their careers. I truly think this is because of the strong culture and community that Ann Arbor and the University creates. It’s truly a magical and special place to live or earn your degree. This sense of camaraderie and willingness to help is generated on campus but continues throughout the alumni network. I think this is why it feels so natural for current students to reach out to and connect with alumni. I’m always happy and excited to play a part in anything the University would want me to do, and honestly, I think the University should tap into the alumni even more! So many of us love the school so much and are more than willing to help wherever we can.
Can you speak about the future of mechanical engineering? Where do you see mechanical engineers making a high impact difference in shaping the future of our world?
The future of mechanical engineering is incredibly promising, as the field is positioned to make a high-impact difference in several key areas that are shaping our world. One of the most exciting aspects of mechanical engineering is its interdisciplinary nature, allowing engineers to contribute solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges. Whether it’s in sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, or healthcare, mechanical engineers are poised to drive innovation that will redefine industries and improve lives.
In the near future, I see mechanical engineers playing a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices. From designing more efficient wind turbines and solar panels to optimizing energy storage systems, mechanical engineers will be central to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Similarly, advances in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence will continue to shape the future of manufacturing, where mechanical engineers will be essential in improving productivity, precision, and sustainability through smart manufacturing techniques.
Furthermore, in healthcare, mechanical engineers will drive innovation in medical devices, prosthetics, and biomechanics, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Additive manufacturing, for example, is already revolutionizing the production of personalized medical implants and devices. I believe that mechanical engineers will be at the heart of improving accessibility to food, water, housing, mobility, and all aspects that define our social determinants of health. When we assess the inequities that plague our societies, access to capital is often the missing catalyst that would lead to a rebalancing. However, mechanical engineers are often at the helm of ensuring these solutions are built and effectively executed. Our responsibilities as mechanical engineers truly cannot be overstated.
Overall, mechanical engineers will continue to be at the heart of technological breakthroughs, blending creativity with technical expertise to tackle the complex problems of tomorrow.