From Student to Mentor: Bergman Prototyping’s Founder Gives Back to the Next Generation of Engineers at SJSU

At Bergman Prototyping, innovation isn’t just about creating cutting-edge medical devices—it’s also about investing in the future of engineering. Founder John Bergman III has dedicated his career to advancing mechanical design and manufacturing, and now he’s paying it forward as an adjunct professor at San Jose State University’s (SJSU) Mechanical Engineering Department.

A Spartan for Life: Supporting SJSU Beyond the Classroom

John’s journey has come full circle—from studying mechanical engineering to mentoring and teaching the next generation of engineers. Over the years, he has been actively involved with the SJSU Alumni Association, co-hosting events and fostering industry connections for students and recent graduates.

His passion for hands-on engineering led him to sponsor the SJSU Formula SAE team, providing custom CNC-machined parts for their competition vehicles. Now in his fourth year supporting the team, John takes pride in helping students bring their designs to life—from concept to fully functional race cars.

🚀 “Go Spartans!”

Teaching & Mentorship: A Rewarding Experience

Beyond industry involvement, John has taken on a pivotal role in the classroom, teaching courses such as:

📌 ME 110 – Manufacturing Processes📌 ME 136 – Mechanical Engineering Design📌 ME 154 – Design for Manufacturability

Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his teaching portfolio to include ME 186 – Advanced Mechanical Design and other courses, continuing to share his expertise in prototyping, product development, and design for manufacturability (DFM).

🎓 "Teaching is by far the most rewarding thing I have done to this point. I really enjoy coaching students on career paths, sharing my design experience, and reviewing senior projects."

Giving Back Through Industry Experience

With over 20 years of experience in medical device engineering and R&D, John is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications. Whether it’s through guest lectures, project reviews, or career mentorship, he is dedicated to helping Spartan engineers navigate the transition from classroom to industry.

His mission? Empower students with practical skills, industry insights, and hands-on experience to prepare them for successful careers in mechanical engineering and product design.

Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment to SJSU

As Bergman Prototyping continues to grow, John remains committed to staying involved with the Spartan community—mentoring students, advancing engineering education, and supporting SJSU’s legacy of excellence.

💡 Are you an aspiring engineer looking for guidance? Reach out to John or connect with him through SJSU’s engineering programs.

ts! 🚀