Dieumerci Migani, Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Student, Men's Track & Field
1. What sport/position do you play? How old were you when you started playing your sport?
I run track and field here at Portland State University. I am a sprinter and a jumper, and I started running track when I was about 15 years old.
2. How do you balance the demands of being a student with demanding coursework and being a college athlete? What strategies help you manage your time?
I balance the demands of being a student with challenging coursework and being a college athlete by creating a weekly schedule. I include my practice times, assignment due dates, and other important deadlines. This approach helps me stay organized and manage my time effectively, so I don’t have to stress too much about getting everything done. It really allows me to stay focused on both my studies and my athletic commitments.
3. What drew you to combine athletics with such a challenging academic field? Was there a moment that sparked your interest in engineering/computer science?
I’ve always loved athletics and had a strong passion for mechanical engineering, so combining the two felt natural for me. There wasn’t a single moment that sparked my interest; instead, it was more about how much I love the idea of creating something out of nothing. The problem-solving and creativity involved in engineering really drew me in.
4. What skills from your sport have unexpectedly helped you in your engineering/computer science studies, or vice versa?
Discipline and focus from track and field have unexpectedly been really helpful in my engineering studies. As an athlete, I’ve learned how to set goals, stay determined, and push through challenges, which translates directly to the persistence needed in engineering. Also, balancing training and academics has taught me great time-management skills. On the other side, engineering has helped me think more critically about my performance, like analyzing movements and understanding how different forces impact technique, which has been useful for refining my approach in track.
5. Can you describe a typical day in your life during the competitive season?
During the season, most of our meets are typically on the weekends, so I use the weekdays to focus on getting my schoolwork done. This way, I can give it my all during competitions without stressing about assignments. A typical weekday includes classes, practice, studying, and recovery time, keeping me prepared for the demands of the weekend meets. This balance helps me stay on top of both academics and athletics.
6. How do you plan to use your combined experience in athletics and engineering in your career? Are there specific companies or industries you're interested in?
I don’t really have a set plan yet, and I’m not focused on a specific company right now, but I’m interested in combining my background in athletics and engineering to make a positive impact on sports technology. I’d love to work in an industry where I can design and improve athletic equipment or develop products that enhance performance and safety for athletes. With my experience in both fields, I think I could bring a unique perspective to creating innovative solutions for the sports world.
7. Are you considering continuing with sports after graduation, whether professionally or recreationally? How might that align with your career?
If that’s what God has planned for me, then I would certainly consider continuing with sports after graduation, whether professionally or recreationally. Staying involved in athletics would align well with a career in sports engineering or technology, as it would keep me connected to the needs and experiences of athletes. This connection would also help me stay motivated and inspired to create products that can benefit others in the sports community.
8. What advice would you give to incoming student-athletes who are considering engineering or computer science as their major?
My advice to incoming student-athletes considering engineering or computer science as their major is to stay organized and disciplined. Balancing sports and a challenging major can be tough, but creating a weekly schedule that includes both practice and study time really helps. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it's from professors, tutors, or teammates, because support is key. Also, remember why you’re passionate about both your sport and your studies—keeping that in mind will help you push through the challenging moments. It’s definitely doable, and the skills you gain from balancing both will help you long after college.
9. What's been your proudest moment so far, either in athletics or academics?
My proudest athletic moments so far have been breaking the school record in the 100m and the triple jump, and qualifying for regionals. These achievements were the result of a lot of hard work and dedication, and they’ve been incredibly rewarding milestones in my track and field career.