Portraits: Francis Dierickx

North Dakota State University ag engineering senior Francis Dierickx has a vision. As part of an eight-man team, he is helping build the power train of a quarter-scale tractor that will be entered in competition against other schools in late spring in Periora, Ill. He works closely with team leader Michael Mecshke, who is also president of the Bison Pullers organization. "Besides the pulling competition, the tractor will be graded on building aspects such as maneuverably, design, safety and ergonomics. We also have to give an oral report and a marketing presentation," Mecshke said. "The main benefit of this project is the student being able to go from the raw concept stage through design and articulating that design into a computer file and working with fabricators and vendors to get the parts produced, and now we are at the step of assembling parts together. The entire objective is to go from zero to completed project, and that way the senior students get familiar with all engineering aspects that they can apply in a real-world scenario, most likely next year when they are looking for a job," Dierickx added. Landing that first full-time gig shouldn't be a problem for this team of dedicated students.