From campus to career: insights from two alumni

What does life look like after graduation? For chemical engineering alumni Brandon Dunbar (BSChE ’17) and Luca Martino (BSChE ’03), their journeys have been anything but ordinary. Now co-workers at Jackson’s Food company, these two graduates reflect on their time on campus, their careers, and the lessons they learned along the way. Their stories reveal not just what it takes to succeed, but how the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s unique environment leaves a lasting impact.

Campus Days: Engineering Friendships, Freezers, and Flavors

The Chemical Engineering program at UW-Madison is known for its rigor, but for alumni Brandon and Luca, it was also a time to discover what makes campus life unforgettable. They built lasting friendships, found joy in simple traditions, and created memories that still make them laugh today. 

On his freshman dorm floor, Brandon met his closest friends that lasted throughout his years on campus. “Every year, we managed to live near each other, cramming for exams to blowing off steam on the basketball court,” he remembers. “It made the challenging coursework a little easier knowing I had my crew to lean on.” 

Luca’s stories, on the other hand, were filled with mischief. “One of the best things we did was find this ancient freezer in a chemical engineering classroom that no one seemed to know about,” he recalled. “We chipped out eight inches of ice and cleared out food that might’ve been from the ‘70s. The room also had a stove and after cleaning it, we turned it into our own little kitchen. We’d cook pizzas and burritos there, and sometimes even played sports in the hallways. It was our secret weekend spot—total chaos, but unforgettable.” 

As far as famous UW-Madison traditions go, Brandon was a fan of “Sweet Caroline,” a crowd-pleaser at sporting events. “It’s such a unifying moment when everyone starts singing together,” he said. “I’ve always loved how it brings people together in a way that feels timeless.” Luca favors “Jump Around” and even witnessed the birth of the famous tradition. “I was at Camp Randall for the first-ever ‘Jump Around,’” he shared. “It was pure anarchy—no one knew what was happening, but everyone joined in. Being part of that moment was electric.” 

From Rigorous Studies to Diverse Careers: The Chemical Engineering Foundation

Both Luca and Brandon both attest to how the chemical engineering program prepared them for the real world in unexpected ways. Their time in the program taught them the skills needed for their career and lessons that they carry into every aspect of their lives. 

For Luca, the journey included some tough love and early lessons in resilience. “I was partying too much and struggling in CBE 250,” he admitted. “The professor pulled me aside and said, ‘Luca, I think you can do great things in chemical engineering, but you’re going to have to change your approach in your life if you want to.’ They suggested I drop the class, and that walk home for me was one of the hardest moments of my life. It was my first real failure, but it taught me the value of perseverance.” 

That resilience became a cornerstone of Luca’s career and laid the foundation for his early success in a traditional engineering career, excelling at companies like Cargill, where he won multiple awards. Over time, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, co-founding a probiotics startup that sold for $691 million. Today, he’s channeling his engineering expertise into designing LED lights for coral restoration. “It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about believing you can solve problems that seem unsolvable. That mindset shaped how I approached every challenge,” he explained.  

Brandon’s experience, while different, underscored the same takeaway: the value of problem-solving. “It’s not just about engineering. The program teaches you how to think critically and tackle challenges, whether in life or in your career,” he said. “It’s about seeing the big picture, identifying weak points, and improving them. That foundation is what has helped me transition into roles outside traditional engineering.” After starting in operations, Brandon found his niche in supply chain management. His ability to analyze processes, solve problems, and learn on the go helped him excel in his roles. “When I started in planning, I had little support, but that self-learning mindset from UW got me through,” he noted. 

Both alumni attribute their success to the foundation they built at UW-Madison. Brandon recalls the countless hours he and his study group spent in the Engineering Centers Building (ECB), tackling homework and preparing for exams. “It wasn’t just about getting through the material,” he said. “It was about supporting each other. We learned as much from our shared struggles as we did from the classes themselves.”  

Working together at Jackson’s, a growing food company, Luca and Brandon reflect on how their paths, while different, have brought them to the same place. “It’s funny how we started in completely different directions but ended up in the same place. It just shows how versatile a chemical engineering degree can be,” Brandon said.  

Luca summed it up best: “Chemical engineering gave us the tools to do the impossible. And that’s a skill that never goes out of style.” 

Advice for Students: Work Hard, Take Risks, and Build Connections

While their journeys were different, their advice to current students is clear: embrace challenges, build meaningful connections, and don’t shy away from taking risks. In their eyes, success doesn’t just come from mastering the coursework—it’s also about how you approach life and opportunities beyond the classroom. 

Luca’s advice is rooted in taking ownership of your future. He advises having a one-, three-, and ten -ear plan; not only for your career, but for other skills, finances, and personal growth. He also stressed the importance of being willing to take calculated risks and remaining open to unexpected opportunities. “If you want to be successful, you have to take risks,” he continued. “I was an engineer working for a giant corporation and then I pivoted into the startup world which I never expected. Sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding experiences. It was scary, but it worked because I believed in what I was doing.” 

The biggest thing Brandon learned was the importance of collaboration. “Find a group of people who lift you up and challenge you,” he recommends. “You need a team to succeed, especially in a demanding program like chemical engineering. My study group became my support system. 

Both alumni also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance. “Take care of your mental and physical health,” Luca urged. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your career or your passions. Working hard is important but so is having a life outside of school and work.” Brandon stresses finding time for yourself and your relationships to avoid burnout. “Those connections you build—whether with family, friends, or colleagues—will sustain you through the toughest moments,” he adds. 

“The world is full of opportunities, but you won’t see them if you stay in one place,” Luca concluded. “Be bold, be disciplined, and trust yourself. The rest will follow.” 

Closing Thoughts: A Legacy of Excellence

Luca and Brandon’s stories are a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the unique community at UW-Madison. Whether they were pulling all-nighters in Engineering Hall or enjoying cheeseburgers at Union South, their time on campus laid the foundation for their success. 

For current students and alumni alike, their advice is clear: embrace the challenges, savor the memories, and never stop pushing yourself. 

We’re incredibly grateful to Luca and Brandon for sharing their journey from campus to career. If their stories have inspired you, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to Claire Massey at cmassey2@wisc.edu.

---