Outstanding seniors recognized
October 21, 2008
STARKVILLE, Miss- Representing the varied undergraduate programs of the Bagley College of Engineering, more than 90 students recently participated in the 12th annual Outstanding Senior Banquet.
An invitation only event, the banquet provided students the opportunity to meet with representatives of more than 20 companies in a more personal environment than is offered by most career fairs. The students, who were selected based on their grade point averages, were encouraged to submit their résumés to be included in bound books. These books helped provide the potential employers with a comprehensive guide to the next generation of industry leaders.
At the conclusion of the evening’s activities one student from each major was named the outstanding senior for that discipline. The awards were based on students’ grade point averages, credit hours, experience and activities.
Some brief facts about this year’s Outstanding Senior Award recipients:
Kyle V. Boudreau, a Kenner, La., native, is expected to graduate in May 2009 with a degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in mathematics. This outstanding senior designation helps round out his collegiate career, in which he also earned Freshman and Sophomore of the Year honors. As a student he has served as a resident assistant, teacher assistant, design team member and an undergraduate research assistant.
Brittany Lynn Sowell represents biological engineering. A native of Gulfport, Miss., she is expected to graduate in May 2009. She has worked as a research assistant and student researcher analyzing data and conducting experiments. Along with her exemplary grade point average, she has obtained membership in several honor societies.
In May 2009 Erin Melissa Smith is set to earn her degree in chemical engineering with minors in chemistry and general business. She has been an active member of numerous organizations including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers, in addition to serving as an undergraduate research assistant. A participant in the cooperative education (co-op) program, she spent several semesters working for Shaw Industries and, most recently, Chevron.
A graduate of Horn Lake High School, Zachary Bugg is on track to earn his degree in civil engineering. He is an active member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers serving as president and a member of the traffic bowl team. Earlier this year he won the organizations southern district student paper competition. He was able to spend much of this past summer traveling around the country presenting his paper, which was based on research into campus traffic flow issues.
A native of Madison, Ala., Paul Michael Weir is expected to graduate in December with a degree in computer engineering. Since 2005, he has spent many semesters as a co-op engineer with ADTRAN, Inc. He used his experience to work on many projects and serve MSU as a co-op ambassador and a teaching assistant.
Andy Lindeman is expected to complete his computer science degree in May 2009. He has twice been named an Outstanding Honors Student and he served as chair of the University Honors Council and Distinguished Scholars Board. In 2007, he received the university’s Spirit of State Award, and had a paper published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Laura Evelyn Hicks will graduate in December 2008 with a degree in electrical engineering. She has served as a mentor for the Engineering Living and Learning Community and an undergraduate researcher. Additionally, she has spent several semesters in co-op and intern engineer positions with Morgan Research, A Stanley Company, Phase IV Systems, Inc., and Dynetics.
Representing mechanical engineering, Peter Ireland in on track to graduate in December with his degree and a minor in mathematics. A native of Clinton, Miss., he has been a Hunter Henry Scholar for four years. During his collegiate career he has served as a research assistant at MSU and at an institution in Germany where he was chair of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. He completed co-op semesters with Eaton Aerospace.
Paul Thomas Weidick of Flowood, Miss., is expected to graduate in August 2009 with a degree in industrial and systems engineering. He is a member of several honor societies, as well as the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He has spent several years working with audio technology and served as a teacher’s assistant at MSU.
Jimmy Peason represents software engineering. He is expected to graduate in May 2009. He is a member of several honor societies including Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Throughout his collegiate career, he has worked to gain practical experience by working as a server programmer and Web site developer, in addition to completing projects though his course work.