Okay, now, let’s hear from Isabella, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering. She’s had some cool research opportunities here at Mines, but that wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar professors who guide her through and push her to pursue her passions. Tell us more, Isabella.
– Salamat, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up in the Philippines, I didn’t get a lot of chances to study engineering, but I was always looking to study something new, innovative, and exciting. So when the opportunity came to pursue my PhD here at Mines, I jumped on it. Meeting my current research advisor, professor Leslie Lamberson, changed everything. She introduced me to a research field I never even knew existed. And now I get to do some of the coolest experiments on campus under one of the best professors in the field. I work at the Extreme Structures and Materials Lab where I break things at high speed, and use cameras that can image up to a million frames per second to observe material behavior under extreme conditions. With this research, I hope to develop better and stronger materials for aerospace applications. Professor Lamberson guided me from day one, and took a chance on a girl from the Philippines who didn’t know the first thing about aerospace. She inspired me to not only pursue my passion, but excel at it. Just like professor Lamberson, all the faculty and staff I’ve interacted with on campus are absolutely awesome, because they care about who you are and not just what you’re studying. Professors love bumping into students, whether it’s in the hallways, at the local climbing gym, or even breweries. Their faces light up when I see them on campus or around Golden, and that kind of interaction honestly makes my day. When I first moved to Colorado, I had no idea what to expect, and I’m glad I didn’t because everything here would have exceeded those expectations anyway. I truly feel like I’m part of the Mines family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I graduate, I feel confident that I will have the skills and support I need to contribute to the advancement of aerospace engineering. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Isabella, you are a rock star, and I’m so glad you’re able to find the support and inspiration you needed to thrive in your work here at Mines. Thanks for sharing your story. Cheers.
Next, we’re gonna meet Gabriel, a sophomore studying computer science. He’s gonna tell us more about what it’s like to gain a global experience at Mines, whether that’s through study abroad and international trips, or learning about and experiencing different cultures right here on campus. Gabriel, take it away.
– Thank you for that awesome introduction, Alex. Glad to be here. For me, the idea of learning more about anything always excites me After I moved to the United States from Venezuela, so many opportunities opened up for me that I didn’t know what to focus on. It was my junior year of high school when I first heard about Mines. By this point, I had already developed a passion for programming and technology. So when I heard that Mines was a STEM focused school that offer computer science as one of its majors, all while being just far away enough from home, I knew it was the one for me. At Mines, I’ve been able to explore all sorts of interests. From mentoring others, to getting involved with clubs on campus, and trying out all manners of sports. And in all those experiences, I found myself drawn to the different cultures of all the people on campus. Whether they’re from a nearby city or a country thousands of miles away, I always appreciate listening to them speak about their experiences and traditions that you can’t find anywhere else. With a large international student population and numerous global experiences, Mines students are able to learn the value of new perspectives and the benefits of collaboration. Whether it’s a service project to help out a local community, a study abroad opportunity in countries like France, Japan, or New Zealand, or checking out internationally on campus each year, Mines students have an amazing experience. No matter what path you take while here, you’ll be able to explore your interests and gain a global experience unlike any other. That’s all I’ve got. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing your perspective. It’s so cool that you can have a global experience at Mines sometimes without even leaving campus. Take care, Gabriel.
Now, Maryam is gonna introduce us to all the cool research happening at Mines. Maryam’s pursuing a PhD in civil engineering and is focused on solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Take it away, Maryam.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the idea of helping people in need. When I realized that improving infrastructure, water treatment plans, dams, and transportation system help to improve everyday lives, I decided to become a civil engineer to make this vision a reality. I wanted to come to Mines because it’s the home of the only underground construction antennal engineering graduate program in North America. The program develops new ideas and technologies for advancing civil infrastructure, and including space and structures for working, living, and playing, and tunnels for transit roads, hyperloops, water utilities, and energy. Plus, Mines is one of few universities in the US to offer approved grand challenges in engineering program, which prepares the student to become a global problem solver and tackles the problems faced in society now. Mines connects all the dots to achieve my dreams to become a successful civil engineer involved in solving global problems. I got to work on a cutting-edge research focused on sustainability and energy conservation. My research aims to employ a novel bike route for tunneling support as alternative to the ordinary cement, which is the second largest industry that lead to CO2 emission, a major contributor to climate change. With many world-class research centers enclosed industrial partnerships with companies like, Lockheed Martin and the US Geological Survey, not to mention some of the top certificates, masters, and PhD programs in the world, there is always interesting and innovative research happening at Mines, focused on finding solutions in energy, environment, manufacturing, robotics, even space resources. Mines is a place with world changing ideas where I can prove women can be part of finding solutions for grand challenges. And from what I have learned here, I can prove everyday lives and break stereotypes. This is my story. And now back to you, Alex.
– Maryam, that was so inspiring. It sounds like there’s no shortage of ways Mines students can help make a difference and work on some cool projects. Thanks for sharing, Maryam.
Let’s head over to meet Alina and learn more about the top rated student life at LIU. Alina is a senior studying business administration and international business. From leading a student run business to joining one of the largest national sororities, Alina does it all. And she’s gonna tell tell us about the nearly 200 student organizations and thousands of events her classmates can enjoy. Alina, you are on.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. It’s always been important to me to be a kind, mindful and engaged person who gives back to the community. I’m constantly looking for opportunities to excel professionally and surround myself with like-minded people. From Dean scholar to student athlete, to leader of my sorority and CEO of a student run business, I’ve immersed myself in every aspect of the campus experience. LIU takes experiential learning to the next level. As CEO of The Student Body boutique, one of the largest student-run businesses on campus, I’m gaining hands on experience running a retail business, from hiring to marketing to buying our own collections. It’s an amazing opportunity to build on my resume before I even graduate. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in New York Fashion Week every season and consult real business of a team of students from other global institutions. And of course, you can’t have student life without Greek life. As a member of my sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, I’ve been able to learn from my sisters, hold various leadership positions, get back to the community and make lifelong friends. I’m also proud to represent Shark Nation as a member of our Division I fencing program, which has recently won several national championships. I train their two phenomenal Olympic coaches and have met incredible athletes from all over the world that I get to call my teammates. But my journey doesn’t stop here. I’ve gained so many valuable skills and experiences throughout my four years here at LIU that will last a lifetime. With only a few months left till graduation, I’m confident and excited to go out and show the world what I’m capable of. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Alina. That was so so much fun. You are definitely taking advantage of every opportunity to meet new friends, create lifelong memories, gain real world experience and become a leader on campus. That is awesome. Well done. Thanks again, Alina.
All right. It’s time to learn more about the award winning top 30 theater program at LIU with the help from Francesco. He’s a senior with a double major in music theater and psychology, and he loves that his university helped him pursue his passion. His heart is on Broadway, and he’s gonna show us how his in-depth training can take him there. You’re up Francesco.
– Thanks Alex. When I was in high school, I thought I was gonna be doing something much different than what I was doing now. I was listening to other people rather than myself about the path I wanted to take in life. I knew my passion was for the arts and theater, so I finally took that leap of faith and LIU was there to catch me with open arms. LIU’s BFA and musical theater program focuses on independence and initiative. In other words, the more you put in, the more you get out. Students study voice, dance, and acting methods such as Suzuki, Stanislavski, Shakespeare, Chekhov, Meisner, and others. The students here are physically trained which means after your four years, you look outta here as a physically trained actor. I have taken part in many contemporary and naturalistic acting and plays and musicals, but my favorite by far has to be my Shakespeare one. I love the arts and musical theater is where my heart is. So it’s perfect that LIU is so close to New York City, the home of arts, entertainment, and of course Broadway. The short distance means I can easily travel to auditions and performances and so much more. I feel excited and confident that the skills and talent I have developed here have prepared me for a career as a professional actor. Look out for me on the stage of the screen in the near future. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow. Thank you, Francesco. There is no doubt that you and your classmates are preparing to perform on the biggest stages. And I love that you’re following your dreams. That’s what college is all about. Great job, Francesco.
Next up, we have Eliseo, a senior studying mechanical engineering. He is practiced at finding the balance between his academics and social life, mostly due to the close community he’s found here at Mines. Tell us more, Eliseo.
– Gracias, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I was a kid, I always wanted to be an inventor and change the world. So when I found out I had the potential to go to college, I made school my priority. I even rode the bus across town to go to a college prep high school. Once I found out about Mines being the top engineering school in Colorado, I knew I wanted to go here. Coming from an underrepresented background, I was used to the mentality that I had to work extra hard to find success. Success to me is building a balanced lifestyle between what you love and what you want to do. And for me, that’s family, friends, and building a professional engineering career to make change happen. Mines helps me achieve this by allowing me to dedicate my efforts to my studies while still challenging my academic skillset. Luckily, I’ve been able to find me familia on campus through the Multicultural Engineering Program and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. These student organizations give me the feel of a close knit family, which come in handy during late study nights. Mines make sure this is true for everyone, offering both social and professional events that bring the community together. With clubs and organizations that cover all interests and unique traditions, like the M climb and E days, and professional development opportunities, like our huge career fair specifically for engineers, scientists, and makers, there’s something for everyone to get involved and find their family at Mines. I know I can trust what I’ve learned here at Mines to kickstart my career and make change happen. That’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s awesome, Eliseo. Your experience of finding a community to help you through the rigors of Mines is a fantastic story. Thanks again for sharing that.
Okay. Now we’re gonna check in with Hayden, a junior studying computer science with a business specialty is gonna to tell us a little more of what it’s like to be a Mines student outside the classroom. Take it away, Hayden.
– Thanks, Alex. I appreciate you. Growing up, I could never settle on one individual interest, passion, or career path. Thankfully, at Mines, I can be whoever I want to be. I love being part of the community where I never have to be just one type of person. The faculty, staff, and talent at Mines work to make sure that you get to make the most of your student experience. Despite my busy course load, my advisors, supervisors, and professors make sure to help me so that I can be as involved as I want with my favorite clubs and organizations, undergraduate research, community service, and my creative passions. Orediggers value holistic learning and making sure you’re never just an engineer. I’ve been involved with the Mines Residence Hall Association, undergraduate student government, TAing, the Harvey Scholars Program, McBride and Blue Key Honors programs, student photography and video production, and the Mines Foundation. Whether you’re acting in Mines’ little theater, or participating in our world-class undergraduate research, showing your Oredigger in club rugby, making the project of your wildest dreams in our fully fledged maker-space, or involved with community service through our honor societies or undergraduate student government, there is a place that’s right for you on the Mines campus. Mines combines a world class education with a uniquely Golden student experience. Situated between the Table mountains and the Glowing Mines M, you can’t find a community quite like this anywhere else. If you come to campus, come check out any number of our amazing student experiences that makes Mines as incredible as it is. Mines has allowed me to find myself in a way that would not be possible at other schools. The close knit community, access to ample opportunities, in academics and extracurriculars, and the world-class education is what makes Colorado School of Mines so special. If you’re ready to make the most of your college experience, then Mines ready to make the most of you. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Hayden. You’ve tried a lot of different things in your time here at Mines. That is fantastic. Those special experiences will surely be some of the most memorable. Thanks for giving us a sneak peek into all Mines has to offer. Take care.