Meet the Class of 2018

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This week marks the arrival of Missouri S&T’s incoming Class of 2018. The majority of this first-year class calls Missouri home, although the 1,300-plus members also hail from 32 other states, the District of Columbia and five foreign countries. Nearly one-in-four of them will be first in their family to attend college.

Popquiz-3Not surprisingly, the Class of 2018 is no stranger to STEM fields. Roughly 36 percent were involved with Project Lead The Way and 21 percent were involved with FIRST Robotics in high school.

We asked a few members of the Class of 2018 what was on their mind as they entered college. Here’s what they had to say:

What are you most looking forward to as an incoming freshman?

“The college life – living in the dorms and meeting new people.” – John Scott, Bryant, Ark.
“Meeting new people and getting opportunities to do engineering projects.” – Michael Alexander, Blue Springs, Mo.
“Not being in high school. That makes me happy!” – Leslie Bixler, Grain Valley, Mo.

Why did you choose Missouri S&T?

“Because it’s a great engineering school. I grew up hearing about it.” – Jason Buckingham, Cedar Hill, Mo.
“It was the best choice financially and academically.” – Abdullah Khan, St. Louis
“I came to Missouri S&T because it had my major – ceramic engineering. I like the chemistry of it.” – Evan Musterman, Troy, Mo.
“It seemed like a really good school, and I was willing to go out of state for it. On top of it, it’s cheap.” – William Kyle, Irving, Texas

What student organizations are you planning to join and why?

“I’d like to join a design team and find something like rock climbing.” – Logan Moore, Collinsville, Ill.
“I plan to join NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers).” – Kyla James, St. Louis
“I want to join the Spelunking Club.” – Simin Wu, Springfield Mo.
“I’m going to join the Cycling Club. It’s been a hobby of mine since I moved to Rolla.” – James Logiudice, Rolla, Mo.

Which degree do you hope to pursue and why?

“Chemical engineering. I find it very interesting.” – Katie Dundon, Arnold, Mo.
“Mechanical engineering. I like building stuff and it’s one of the most diverse engineering degrees.” – Madeleine O’Neill, Manchester, Conn.
“Biological sciences. I want to get MD Ph.D. and do research.” – Jenna Oldman, St. Louis
“Nuclear engineering. I like calculus!” – Whitney Vermillion, Marshfield, Mo.

View the story “#MinerMoveIn 2014” on Storify

Arrival survival: Project X helps drive S&T freshmen through Opening Week

Team 42 cheers its remote-control vehicle during the Project X competition. Photo by Terry Barner

Team 42 watches its remote-control vehicle perform during the Project X competition.

Meet Team 42:

They arrive in Rolla at summer’s end like explorers ending one journey and embarking anew.

After their mid-August move-in day, many of the arriving freshman class at Missouri S&T have decked out their new living quarters, met their roommates and realized their parents are no longer down the hallway.

But it’s still one week until classes begin. What is there to do for equilibrium?

Answer: Project X.

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PRO leaders ease transitions during Opening Week and beyond

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Missouri S&T PRO leaders with Project X vehicles (left to right): Seth Marton, Doris Ditter and Tim Clemon. Photo by B.A. Rupert

Missouri S&T attracts some of the best and brightest students, but even these high achievers get anxious when heading off to college. That’s where Missouri S&T PRO (preview, registration and orientation) leaders come in. They combine friendly faces with sage advice that can really help get new students off on the right track during Opening Week orientation, the week before classes begin on Aug. 22.

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