Michael Mehta is a University Innovation Fellow candidate studying mechanical engineering at Santa Clara University in the

heart of Silicon Valley. Michael is originally from Chatham, New Jersey where he discovered a passion for physics and mathematics from a young age.

Since coming out to California, Michael has been exposed to a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that has peaked his curiosity. Through Santa Clara University, Michael has participated in the Santa Clara Innovation and Design Club gaining experience in design thinking through participating in entrepreneurial mindset challenges and “design-a-thons”.

At Santa Clara, Michael is also involved in the Engineering Peer Advising Program, providing mentorship to incoming first-year students and helping them get on the track to success in their undergraduate engineering careers. He also is a member and founding board member of the campus’s colony of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity, an organization that serves to building long-lasting relationships, professional skills and gives back to the community.

As a UIF candidate, Michael hopes to be a part of the continuous improvement and development of the innovation and entrepreneurship education on campus at Santa Clara.