Jordan Strohmeyer, ’26, arrived at NAU thinking he had it all figured out. He’s glad he didn’t. As the founder of NAU’s Audio Engineering Club and a participant in the Lumberjacks Thrive Externship Program, Strohmeyer is exploring how audio shapes our world. In this conversation, he reflects on mentorship, career exploration, and finding inspiration at the intersection of art and science.
What led you to choose NAU and the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering for your undergraduate studies?
I was born and raised in Flagstaff, and most of my hobbies revolve around the mountains and forests. NAU offered the best balance between my academic and career goals and my lifestyle. And among the schools I considered, NAU also offered the best scholarship opportunities.
When I enrolled, I thought I had everything planned out. I started with a degree in audio engineering, expecting it to focus more on music production. In the industry, the term “audio engineer” is a broad and can mean many different things, so I didn’t realize at first that the program was a true engineering degree. Eventually, I switched from audio engineering to electrical engineering, and I also shifted my music studies from a minor to a performance major and then back to a minor.
Through all those changes, one thing became clear: the deeper I’ve gotten into the technical side of sound, the more I’ve come to love it.
What has been the most rewarding part of your academic experience so far?
I’ve had the same professors for multiple semesters, which has allowed me to build strong, ongoing relationships. Combined with small class sizes, it’s created a great sense of community that makes going to class more enjoyable and engaging.
How has your time at NAU shaped the way you think about audio engineering?
My experience at NAU has fundamentally changed my understanding of what audio engineering is. I initially set out to pursue a career in music production by double majoring in audio engineering and music performance. While the two are closely connected, the coursework couldn’t be more different.
Studying both the scientific and artistic sides of audio and music has given me a unique perspective on what audio engineering is, and what it could be. I’ve found that musicians and engineers don’t really understand what the other does. It’s like two separate worlds. Naturally, this leads to discrepancies that can make collaboration difficult. I like the idea of being a bridge between the two and finding a career where I can apply both the technical and creative skillsets.
You’re the president of the Audio Engineering Club. Tell us about that.
The Audio Engineering Club (AEC) is a student organization on campus that aims to provide members with real-world, hands-on experience across several different disciplines of audio engineering. The three main focuses are studio production and recording; live sound and event production; and audio technology engineering and development.
I started AEC a year ago, and there were only seven people involved. We now have dozens of members, our network has expanded to include partnerships with local organizations, and we have raised close to $2,500 to buy equipment. The growth and support we’ve seen in just a year has been really exciting.
It’s incredibly rewarding seeing AEC members genuinely engaged and excited about the world of audio. Most people don’t realize how much sound impacts our lives or how far-reaching audio engineering really is.
You also participated in the Lumberjacks Thrive Externship Program. What was that like?
The Lumberjacks Thrive Externship Program has undoubtedly been one of the most impactful and unique experiences I have had at NAU. I applied for the program without knowing what to expect, and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be a gross understatement.
My mentor for the program was the head of studio production and operations for Amazon Live in New York City. We met virtually twice a month, where I was able to ask her about her experiences in the audio engineering industry and how she got to where she is today, while also brainstorming and discussing my own career aspirations. I also participated in numerous networking and résumé workshops, Udemy career prep classes, and several other professional development sessions. The highlight of the experience was the job shadowing trip, where I got the opportunity to go to New York City and see firsthand what my mentor’s job is like—all paid for by the Wilson Family Lumberjacks Thrive Fund.
The Lumberjacks Thrive Externship helped me gain a new perspective on what working in the industry is really like and opened my eyes to I wasn’t aware of. Plus, I still meet with my mentor now and again for advice, or just to chat and catch up. It’s a truly incredible program!
What are your goals for the future?
I might like to start a business focused on custom audio gear and repairs. The idea of owning a business has always intrigued me, and being able to design, build, and repair audio equipment sounds like an incredible path.
Regardless of whatever I do, my experience at NAU has been invaluable. It has helped me learn how to network, communicate with peers effectively, and conduct myself like a professional. I’ve also been able to build a strong, diverse network of professionals who’ve supported me along the way.
