#CSUSocial Q&A: Getting To Know Michael Quinn

This is Michael Quinn. He’s the newest #CSUSocial intern, and he’s awesome.

We’re lucky to have discovered him, which he talks about in his blog post for this month. He’s a talented photographer and a student of mechanical engineering, but we’re learning that he’s so much more. I sat down with Michael and got to know a little bit more about the man behind the lens.

Name: Michael Quinn

Year: Junior

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Why did you choose CSU?

My time in California had come up. I was ready for the next stop, but not ready to leave the mountains.

Where are you from/where have you lived?

I was born in Tucson, Arizona, moved over to New Mexico, and out to Maryland. Then bounced across two different towns in Northern California, and now to the middle of the country here in Fort Collins.

Will you tell us a bit about your family?

They keep me going. Ground me, inspire me, support me, you name it. My older brother has influenced my life like no other.

What do you do when you aren’t working or studying?

Freshman year I joined the Student Sustainability Center which has led to my involvement with the Alternative Transportation Fee Advisory Board, Engineering College Council, and Student Education Garden. I have also met some incredibly adventurous people through the Photography Club here at CSU. With a single Facebook post, you can have a group of people ready to go drive into the middle of nowhere and hike that night. Beyond that, I’ll always have a frisbee on me, you’ll see me at the climbing wall twice a week, and biking or running around town late at night. Backpacking gear is ready to go, and a tennis racket or volleyball are patiently awaiting to be taken out the door. Don’t forget the games. A lot of boardgames and video games are played in our apartment.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

After routinely staying up until 4am over the summer (while this was an interesting experience, I do not recommend destroying your sleep cycle), I realized how peaceful everything gets at that hour. I would spend more time exploring the darkness.

Do you have a life philosophy? What is it?

I definitely have two mottos that I live by and they are by no means mutually exclusive.

  • Look where others are not looking, then show them what you see.
  • Make stuff. Do things. Make stuff do things.

What’s your future dream job?

The art of engineering + the art of photography and design = [the answer]

What class has been your favorite during your time at Colorado State?

While last semester was by far the toughest to get through, it did easily include my favorite course. My Engineering Design II class was both practical and incredibly enjoyable. My professor was fantastic and it was exactly the kind of experience I wanted to gain out of an engineering course. As a group of four, my team and I created a miniature autonomous device from scratch and generated an in-depth report on the process.

What are your three favorite things about Fort Collins?

The community. The sunsets. Calling it “The Fort.”

What’s your favorite social media platform and why?

Instagram has definitely become the most streamlined way of sharing content, while still generating some interesting audience interaction.

Is social media in your future?

Social media is a powerful too; it’s hard to pass up on using powerful tools.

Travel by plane, train, or automobile. Why?

Trains! Trains! Trains! In my ideal world, everyone travels by train. All different sizes; they will be able to transport people and products far more efficiently.

What is your biggest photography claim to fame thus far?

With almost half-a-million people reached, this photo has definitely had the largest impact on my photography career. Particularly since it led to this blog post and my involvement with Team Social.