engineering diversity at mississippi state university
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As a profession, engineering requires diversity, in ideas, technical specialties and people. This publication shares how the Bagley College of Engineering provides our students and faculty with a variety of opportunities and fosters a culture of encouragement and support for people from all different backgrounds.TRANSCRIPT
Dear Colleagues and Friends;
As a profession, engineering requires diversity,
in ideas, technical specialties and people. With
this in mind, I am proud that the Bagley Col-
lege of Engineering provides our students and
faculty with a variety of opportunities and fos-
ters a culture of encouragement and support
for people from all different backgrounds.
Organizations, such as the National Society
of Black Engineers and the Society of Women
Engineers and programs, such as the MSU
Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Edu-
cation (IMAGE), enhance our academic en-
vironment by providing students the support
necessary to succeed. Such encouragement
is illustrated by the stories of Vanessa Daniels
and Terrance West, who found their calling as
engineers through their experiences with such
programs.
From receiving an invitation to the next presi-
dential inauguration to overcoming language
and technical difficulties to delivering an
award-winning presentation, our students are
perfect examples of how far a person can go
with a little encouragement and determination.
All my best,
Sarah A. Rajala
Dean of the Bagley College of Engineering
Soumya SrivaStavaChemiCal engineering
“
If there is an accident, a flood, or some other type of disaster, doctors
often need to know a person’s blood type for effective treatment,” Srivastava
said. “We also want to branch out into diagnostic test which can help in de-
veloping countries where getting lab results is slow, if not impossible.”
“
Bagley College of engineering 09
Every engineer has their own reasons
for entering the field. For some, it’s the
love of math and science, while oth-
ers are drawn in by a desire to improve
daily life, but whatever the reason each
engineer must begin their career with a
quality education.
With hundreds of different universities
around, students can easily become
overwhelmed when trying to choose the
right one for their needs. However, for
students like mechanical engineering
major Vanessa Daniels, the choice can
become clear with just a little
experience.
As a high school stu-
dent, I attended a few
summer programs at MSU
centered around engineer-
ing. I was very comfortable
with the university and the
BCoE,” Daniels explained.
“The programs were well
thought out and very infor-
mative. At the end of it all,
there was not a doubt in my
mind that I wanted to attend
MSU. Being in engineering
at MSU is like being a mem-
ber of your own small com-
munity on campus.”
“
Bagley College of engineering 11
Having been in Starkville for four years,
Zachary Bugg understands the trials
of being a commuter student at MSU.
However, unlike most, he is in a posi-
tion to help the situation. Using research
methods learned through his Bagley
College of Engineering course work, he
has analyzed campus traffic flows and
found evidence to suggest a necessary
change.
Drafting a paper from his findings, Bugg
took top honors at the American Society
for Civil Engineers (ASCE) Deep South
Region 4 undergraduate research paper
competition and has since presented his
research at meetings across the south-
east. While he is grateful for the peer
recognition, he has other ideas for his
research that will seem more tangible for
his fellow Bulldogs. He plans to put his
research results into action by drafting a
proposal for MSU, which he hopes will
have a positive impact on campus.
I can’t really force a
change to happen, but I can
present my findings in hopes
of sparking some action,”
Bugg said. “However, no
matter what campus deci-
sion makers decide, con-
ducting this research was a
great experience for me.”
“
12 www.bagley.msstate.edu/diversity
Call him whatever you like – trail-blazer, pioneer,
ambitious – just don’t call Terrance West unmoti-
vated. Upon receiving his bachelor’s in electrical
and computer engineering, the Meridian, Miss., na-
tive became the first member of his family to earn a
college degree. Now, with undergraduate work and
a master’s degree behind him, he is on track to earn
his Ph.D.
Although conducting research in signal image
processing puts many demands on his time, West
still participates in campus organizations. An active
student since his freshman year, he credits some
of the campus programs with helping him find the
motivation to succeed. Now, as a graduate student,
he holds leadership roles in these same organiza-
tions with the hope of helping other students find
their home at MSU.
14 www.bagley.msstate.edu/diversity
For anyone like me who wants a degree and thinks they can’t get one,
programs like the NSBE, Summer Bridge and IMAGE, as well as having a
great advisor like Lori Bruce, make it all possible,
West explained.”
“
White 84%
international 1%
Black 11%
american indian 0%
asian/Pacific islanders 2%
hisPanic 1%
not identified0%
White 44%
international 42%
Black 7%
american indian 0%
asian/Pacific islanders 4%
hisPanic 1%
not identified 1%
men 83% Women 17%
DR. LAKIESHA N. WILLIAMSBIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
I am at a position where
I have an opportunity to cre-
ate change,” Williams said.
“If you look at the statistics,
many females stray away
from engineering, but if I can
help them in anyway to find
their path, then that’s why
I do it. ”
“