Giving Students a Taste of Engineering

Each year, the Women and Minority Engineering Program (WMEP) ties engineering disciplines to food with Taste of Engineering. The event gives first-year students a chance to learn and network with fellow students and faculty members. The Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) program was represented among other College of Engineering departments to give students insight into what engineering can look (and taste) like!

The PSE program teamed up with Sustainable Materials and Technology (SMT) to highlight the engineering opportunities that the College of Natural Resources fosters. Student volunteers chatted with attendees about curriculum and professional development that PSE offers while handing out some delicious Chick-fil-A. Bryanna Lawry, a junior in the PSE and Chemical Engineering program, emphasized the importance of these events for undecided students, “I love meeting people that could be a part of PSE in the future. The tight knit family that we have is why I love the program so much.”

These Events Shape Futures

Sami Anthony, a junior in PSE, explained that “college is a time to explore and find new opportunities; however, it can be difficult to find a place that you fit in. As a freshman, I decided to switch into PSE because of the enthusiasm current students and faculty showed. I would not be where I am today without events like these, and that is why I choose to volunteer. I want to help people like me find a place where they belong.”

PSE Prides Itself on Professional Care and Commitment

Choosing a major can be extremely difficult, especially when NC State is home to world-class faculty and programs. PSE prides itself on their commitment to a student’s academic and professional career. Taste of Engineering attendees were educated on the numerous scholarships and research opportunities provided by the program, as well as their dedication to industry involvement highlighted by the Pulp and Paper Career Fair and company interviews scheduled each fall.

Volunteering Creates Community

Bryanna added, “I volunteer to continue the tradition of being close with the people around you. In my opinion, meeting people before they even join the program is the best way to keep those relationships up. It also is so much easier to join something if you already have familiar faces there. As a freshman coming from out of state and knowing no one, I wanted to have those little familiar things to hold onto.” As a small program, representation is integral to recruiting promising PSE students. Events like Taste of Engineering are beneficial for all involved, and would not be a success without the dedicated student volunteers and staff members that help plan them!

by guest blogger Sami Anthony