Nick Shea, Project Engineer
What is the most interesting project you have worked on at DMC?
I worked on a large factory level startup in China for several months. The technical challenges, cultural challenges, and linguistic challenges made it even more interesting. We developed and commissioned the manufacturing control systems as the factory expansion itself was finishing up. We worked closely with the new factory engineers, technicians, and operators as the whole manufacturing process came to life. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn allowed for a smooth hand-off when everything was up and running.
Do you have any engineering related hobbies?
I occasionally tutor math, which allows me to express my enjoyment in that subject. I find math very elegant, in that there is beauty in solving complex problems. Sometimes the kids say I get a little too excited about it.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy running, playing soccer, volleyball, tennis, and whiffle ball when the opportunity arises. I am a big baseball fan, and especially enjoy watching the MLB’s best team, the St. Louis Cardinals. I also like rooting on Jayhawk basketball.
What does it mean to be a Jayhawk?
It is bittersweet. We’re fortunate to always have good players, and it’s enjoyable watching them compete. As a fan you always want more, however, and in my time as a Jayhawk fan we have only won one championship.
You are a proud native of St. Louis. What are the top reasons someone should visit?
It is a great place to watch a baseball game. St. Louis is the best baseball city and the fans are great. They know the game and are mostly courteous. The teams are usually competitive and fun to watch. There are lots of other good reasons to visit, too, like the Arch and the city museum.
You spent a year in Malaysia. What was it like?
The people are very friendly and relational. I learned a lot about Malay culture and the other prominent cultures there, namely Chinese and Indian. It’s a developing nation with steady economic growth and continued industrialization, so watching its progress in that capacity is interesting. I greatly enjoyed the food, which has Chinese and Indian influences as well as traditional Malay. My favorite is the Teh Tarik, which their sweet milk tea. You can find it in the states, but it tastes much better while sitting out at a café on a warm Malaysian evening after playing pick-up soccer in the park.
What are your favorite spots in Chicago?
I like all of the ethnic neighborhoods in Chicago, like the North African and Middle Eastern community in Albany Park and the South Asian neighborhoods on Devon. I also like biking and running on the lakefront path. I also enjoy getting out to a few professional baseball and football games throughout the year.
What do you like best about working at DMC?
I know other employees have said it, but the variety of projects we work on is great. It’s wonderful to work in a fast-paced, growing and vibrant company where we face technical challenges every day. Everyone here is very smart and supportive of each other.
How is married life?
Great. Kristie and I have been married for about 9 months now. I am blessed to have such a wonderful wife. For the readers out there who may not know, she is extra special because she’s also a DMC engineer.