Geek of the Week: Aaron Gunzner (Senior, Mechanical Engineering)

A few students manage to make it out of Mines almost entirely normal. From start to graduation, they are able to largely conform to societal standards for acceptable behavior. The rest of the Mines geeks understand that complete normalcy is boring. Those in the latter category, like senior Aaron Gunzner, usually wind up just as successful and having a lot more fun.

[Oredigger]: Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering as a major?
[Gunzner]: When I got here I was pretty unsure, so I just went with a pretty common one and it turns out I really like it. It provides some fun opportunity and it’s widely applicable.

What has been your favorite class so far?
Machine Design. It was just really neat doing calculations on specific components of mechanical systems.

Are you a geek and why?
I am because of my passion for Magic: The Gathering. I, at one point, was ranked fourth in the state [of Colorado] and it’s a great time. It’s always on my mind.

What do you do with what little bits of spare time you can find?
[I] enjoy being a hall director of Maple, have philosophical debates, read webcomics, and have a jolly ol’ time.

What is your favorite thing about Mines?
The community. The people here are great. Everyone…we understand each other and what we each go through. People will generally help you out if you seek for it.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
[I would have powers] kinda like Rogue from “X-Men” where you can take other people’s power, not because I would want to take them, but because then I could have any other power.

What do you like about being a hall director?
The manager’s side of things, having a staff of fun people, and getting to know an entire building, especially one like Maple with how big it is.

What are your greatest accomplishments?
Three different internships in different states, three years with Res Life, and surviving and almost graduating [from] Mines.

If you could be dropped into any fictional universe, what would it be and why?
[The universe of] “Homestuck” because that’s just incredible. Time travel, so much goes on, and the trolls are amazing.

Assuming your basic necessities and expenses were taken care of, would you rather travel the world but have no extra money or travel a specific place with an unlimited budget?
[I would rather go] everywhere with no money [because] I really like window shopping. I could see way more of the world but wouldn’t have to get anything or pay for it.

What is your best nerd moment story?
Talking about “Firefly” with someone from a different college where it’s a lot less common to know about something like that.

Do you have any plans for the future?
Moving to Washington State, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and maybe working for Wizards of the Coast.

Do you have any advice for fellow geeks and Mines students?
Take risks, do new things, and talk to everyone you can.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“I hate turtlenecks. Wearing a turtleneck is like being strangled by a really weak guy, all day.” -Mitch Hedberg