Now it’s time to meet Zachary, a second year Doctor of audiology student and Sierra, a first-year audiology student. Zachary is a Philly native who already knew all of the potential packed into Philly’s prime location. Sierra on the other hand had to travel a little bit farther to attend Salus and become a local in the Philadelphia area, which is known as a leader in the healthcare industry, as well as a recreational hotspot offering easy access to city life, wildlife, basically anything you crave. Relocating from Oregon to become a Salus student is a move Sierra will never forget nor regret. Please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. What’s up everybody. With a city that has so much to offer, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia is one of the leaders in the healthcare field, attracting students from both near and far, just outside of Philadelphia in a smaller part of town is a university with a big attitude, Salus University. Salus University isn’t just your average university, it seeks those with passion, those who value hard work and dedication. Philadelphia, the city I call home and the place so many others seek out for its rich tradition and countless shall opportunities in the healthcare field. A city built on hard work, passion and a diehard fan base, Sko birds. Philadelphia is anything but ordinary. Whether it’s the city life you seek or a quiet place to enjoy nature, Philadelphia provides countless opportunities for all to find. If you ask a local Philly guy like me, choosing Salus wasn’t hard, especially with a great opportunity right down the street. The university located in the Mecca of healthcare, local to some of the greatest hospitals and medical facilities combined with hands-on experience from day one, Salus university makes no excuses when it comes to providing the most for students. Those who come from near and far. Hey Sierra.
– Hey Zach.
– Tell us a little bit of how you came up from the West coast to come to Salus.
– Yeah, absolutely. So I’ve always been such a home body, staying near my home town of Portland, Oregon. So when the opportunity to attend Salus came along, it really rocked my world. But how often in life can you pack up everything you own, drive over 3000 miles across eight States and experience an entirely new world? I’d only been to the East coast one other time before moving to the Philadelphia area but I fell in love instantly. Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States so there’s always something to learn and explore. Remember back to your fourth grade history class when you learned how Betsy Ross made the American flag we know today? You can set foot right into her sewing room. Or how about Valley forge for George Washington set up camp during the revolutionary war? Well, I just took my dog on a walk there last weekend and whenever I’m missing home, I had the opportunity to see the breathtaking beauty of the Pocono mountains, or if I’m in the mood for some city lights, downtown Philadelphia is the ideal location. The best part about living here is you’re so close to so many other States and major cities such as New York, Washington DC, Boston, Baltimore and the Jersey shore. You can visit a new place almost every weekend when you’re a Salus student. That way, when your clinical rotations begin, you’ve already fallen in love with your next adventure. Back to you, Alex.
– You said it guys, from East to West coast, Salus students share the love for Philly, quickly feeling at home, not just in the city of brotherly love but also at the university, a whole community in itself. Thanks again for sharing that guys.
Okay, everyone, now let’s head over and meet Robert who is the Chair and Program Director for the speech language pathology program right here at Salus University. And he’s gonna be talking to us about how graduates of this program and all of the programs Salus offers will receive the necessary education and training to become integral members of today’s healthcare and education teams as well as leaders in their profession. Robert it’s all yours.
– Thanks Alex, speech language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat people from across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly who are experiencing communication and swallowing disorders. My path brought me to the career because I was looking for a variety of choices in practice settings, a great salary, and the ability to balance work and life. The median salary of an SLP is around $80,000. Research shows that there’s more than 162,000 jobs available for SLPs with an expected 25% growth in employment outcomes over the next decade. And there are many other programs here at Salus experiencing the same growth. It was no wonder to me that speech language pathology was number seven on the list of US news and world report best jobs in 2021. In fact, Salus had three other programs on that list. I joined the Salus university faculty here in 2014 as the department was first formed. Being able to develop a new program with state-of-the-art facilities and begin to teach the next generation of SLPs has been the culmination of all the best parts of working in this field. Here at Salus, all of our programs offer a world-class education with hands-on training in early clinical experiences that move theory to practice. Whether working one-on-one with one of our amazing SLP students or on a research project in the community. My role is to foster critical thinking, apply evidence-based practice and individualized programming for competent care in the real world. The ability to affect the lives of others who are struggling to communicate demonstrates the value of the profession and the rewards of being a speech language pathologist. And the true gift is being able to provide students with a worldview through a Salus education in the field I hold so dear. I’ve always loved the ability to affect change in the lives of my patients and their families. And now watching students go through this, has even deepened my excitement in this career. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Bob. With speech language pathology being one of the top professions in the country now that allows students to work in a variety of settings. It’s easy to see why SLP students who receive a world-class education that provides hands-on training with early clinical experiences are well-positioned for the future. Cheers Robert.
We are now gonna hear from Carolyn, a senior nursing major. SDSU College of Nursing is consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation and prepares its graduates for a number of professional opportunities, from work as a registered nurse to opening doors in numerous healthcare fields. Carolyn, we’re excited to hear from you.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everybody. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mom has been a nurse for many years and she’s a great role model for me. I chose SDSU partially because of its great reputation in medicine, but mostly because it felt like home when I toured campus. The College of Nursing has provided me with many different ways to get plugged in here on campus, even before I was accepted into the program. Between the Student Nurses Association Volunteer Events and giving tours to incoming students, I have met so many people. Each semester the college accepts students to programs in multiple locations throughout the state, including programs available here on our Brookings campus. The small classes allow for a great support system as you go through nursing school. I have made lifelong friends in my nursing classes here at South Dakota State. Our program consists of three semesters of pre-nursing classes. You get to be in one of the best anatomy programs in the country and work with human cadavers. As well, you’re provided great academic resources, such as supplemental instruction and tutoring. After this, you start your five semesters of nursing school. During this time you get hands-on clinical experience that prepares you well for your future career. SDSU nursing students have a 98% pass rate on national board exams, and almost all of our students have one of their chosen job placements within three months of graduation. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at South Dakota State, you’ll get to experience it hands on. When I started college, I would not have imagined I could have learned so much. The College of Nursing truly set me up for success. I started my senior year with a full-time job offer at one of the top hospitals in South Dakota. I’m so grateful for all of the amazing support SDSU provides and all of the impactful experiences I have gotten these last four years. From amazing friends, insane school spirit, and memories that will last a lifetime, SDSU has truly given me more than I could have ever imagined. That’s my story! Back to you, Alex, and go Jacks!
– What a cool story, Carolyn! Thanks for sharing it. We know you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of others, and that is amazing. Take care.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to get to our next student, Pierre. He’s a junior majoring in sport and recreation management with minors in marketing and facility management. And he’s ready to talk about one of the fastest growing programs at SDSU. Pierre, what do you have for us?
– Thanks, Alex. My story began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, when my birth parents decided to give me the opportunity of a lifetime. Shortly after the earthquake in 2010, at age nine, I was adopted by the Lear family from Morristown, South Dakota. It took a while to adjust to the winter weather, speaking English, and the American culture, but I had hope the best was yet to come. I am grateful and humbled for my athletic success. I received many offers from different colleges because of it, but it quickly became clear to me that SDSU was the college for me. When it came to picking a career field that interests me, the Sport and Recreation Management Program seemed like the perfect fit. It is full of students with similar interests and passionate about helping others. Right here at South Dakota State University, I have gained big-time experience working the high level NCAA athletic events and the ESPN College Gameday through the Sport and Recreation Management Program. We hosted the South Dakota High School Football Championship right here on campus. My program has also helped with the PGA Champions Tour, the Summit League Basketball Tournament, and the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Through the Sport and Recreation Program I have met some incredible people, as well as finding summer jobs, and exploring future career opportunities. South Dakota State University prides itself on having a curriculum that centers around students and experimental learning. I look forward to seeing what the remainder of my time here at SDSU has to offer. I am forever grateful for each opportunity that the Sport and Recreation Management Program has provided me. And as always, go Jacks! Back to you, Alex.
– Pierre, nice jump! That is so impressive! Not only can you have a great time as a student here, but the experience you’ll gain in this program can prepare you for dream job long before landing your first job, which is incredible. Thanks, Pierre, keep up the great work
Okay, everyone next let’s meet, Erin. Erin is a junior majoring in Human Biology with minors in Health Science and Chemistry. She’s gonna talk about the opportunities for undergraduate research and the awesome pre-professional programs here at SDSU. Erin, the floor is all yours.
– Hi, Alex. I fell in love with South Dakota State University for a couple reasons. With my parents both being alumni, and my older brother attending at the time, campus was familiar to me. I wasn’t exactly sure what to make during coming out of high school, mathematics or biology, and SDSU has great programs for both. As a freshman I got involved in intermurals to meet people with the same interest, which ended up being a fun study break hobby. I’m also an Admissions Ambassador, and off campus, I spend my time as a Brookings Youth Mentor. Making my way through more challenging classes, I leaned on school clubs and tutoring for support. Preprofessional Club and American Medical Students Association are clubs I’ve joined that have helped me solidify that I want to go into medicine. There are so many possibilities to be learn hands-on at SDSU, but my personal favorite is our anatomy program. From being a student to an intern, to now being a teaching team member with my own students, I’ve been able to spend three semesters in the lab working with our cadavers. Another thing that sets South Dakota State University apart from its peers is that you don’t have to be a graduate student to be a part of important research opportunities. Undergraduate students are involved in research through the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Day Program, the South Dakota Legislative Poster Session, and through the Journal of Undergraduate Research. It’s easy to get involved and we’re super lucky to have faculty on campus that want us gaining experience from day one. SDSU has not only the resources, but also faculty, willing to take the time to mentor undergraduate researchers. As I’m at the end of my time at SDSU, I had no idea coming into college how much I would grow. The welcoming attitude of all staff, faculty, and other students have enriched my time here more than I would’ve ever hoped for. SDSU is inclusive enough to where I feel confident becoming my future self, but diverse to where I don’t feel any limitations. I hope I was able to share why I love SDSU and I hope you do too. Back to you, Alex.
– Erin, it was great to hear about your college journey and how South Dakota State University has allowed you to explore different paths and grow, both academically and personally. You have such a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us today. Take care.
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.
Okay, everyone, we’re gonna to head over to the Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technology Center and meet up with Craig, a mechanical engineering professor and director of the Advanced Manufacturing Program here at Mines. He’s gonna share more about the benefits Mines’ close industry connections have for students and future innovation. It’s all yours, Craig.
– Thanks, Alex. Before becoming a professor at Mines, I worked collaboratively alongside faculty and students as an industry researcher, developing advanced manufacturing and materials. Mines is a place where students are introduced to the cutting-edge. I see this happening in the advanced manufacturing program that I lead, where we are driving implementation of 3D printed parts in a wide variety of industries. And Mines is paving the way in other emerging industries by offering new programs, such as the first space resources graduate program in the solar system, and one of the nation’s first quantum engineering programs. So whether a student’s interest is in the vastness of space, the quirks of the subatomic, or anywhere in between, Mines has them covered. But how does this innovation happen? Well, thanks in part to Mines’ close ties with industry and by giving students hands-on opportunities to work on real world projects from day one. I work closely with an industry consortium, the Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies, or ADAPT, where we develop and implement 3D printed products in a variety of industries. National labs, like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, help us build top notch programs and pipelines for our students. Student projects, including capstone design, and various out of the classroom innovation challenges bring leading industry experts to campus to provide face-to-face feedback and mentorship. We’ve even had some TV stars on campus, like Adam Savage, who was so impressed with the work we’re doing here and our students, that he asked us to help him build a titanium superhero suit that flew in 2019. At Mines, students don’t just learn the basics, they get to try their hand at cutting-edge technologies on projects with top companies, government agencies, and national labs. This gives them an inside look at the working world, and puts them at the forefront of innovation in a way that they can’t find anywhere else. Take it back, Alex.
– That’s incredible, Craig. Where else can you work on a real life superhero suit? Hearing about all the opportunities to work on interesting projects with real world applications is so cool. Thank you for sharing that with us. Take care.
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.