Two Oklahoma State University students have been selected for the IEEE Power & Energy Society Scholarship Plus Initiative, a national program that supports undergraduates pursuing careers in power and energy engineering.

Jacob McCoy and Braden White, both seniors in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, were chosen for the competitive scholarship, which provides financial support and connects students to industry experience in the energy sector.

The IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative aims to attract and support students who will help shape the future of power systems, from advancing grid reliability to developing new energy technologies. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 toward educational expenses while fostering direct connections to IEEE PES companies and internships.

For McCoy, the path to power and energy engineering began with an unexpected source.

“It started with the movie ‘Pacific Rim,’ and how there were giant robots powered by nuclear reactors,” he said. “That’s honestly what kickstarted my interest into nuclear BrBraWhiteenergy, which has now evolved into power systems.”

That early curiosity has since grown through hands-on experience. McCoy has completed multiple internships, including work in solar construction and, most recently, an electrical engineering internship on the power team at Burns & McDonnell.

“What stood out the most was how technically competent the engineers were, which really opened my eyes to how much more I have to learn in the field,” McCoy said.

The scholarship will help fund McCoy’s final undergraduate semester and support his plans to continue into graduate study. Looking ahead, he sees nuclear energy playing a larger role in meeting growing demand.

“I think we are at the brink of a nuclear revolution with small modular reactors ready to address the exponential demand of energy production required for new data centers being built,” he said. “I am hopeful I can contribute to the change of perspective on nuclear nationally.”

White’s interest in the field was influenced by family.

“My father is an electrical engineer in the power industry, so what first sparked my interest in power and energy was my desire to follow in his footsteps,” White said.

During his time at OSU, White gained industry experience through an internship with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, where he saw firsthand the complexity of maintaining reliable power systems.

“While I was there, I learned about how much work goes into keeping the lights on for our communities,” he said.

The scholarship has helped ease the cost of his education while reinforcing his transition into the profession.

“As with any internship or industry engagement, I am always hoping to build a strong network that I can utilize as I transition from a student to a full-time engineer,” White said.

White said one of the most pressing challenges facing the field is meeting rising energy demand while maintaining reliability.

“Finding a way to provide clean and reliable energy to all customers, from residential to commercial and data centers, will be a challenge,” he said.

Dr. Hamid Pouya, assistant professor for ECE, said the students’ selection reflects both individual achievement and the strength of OSU’s electrical and computer engineering program.

“What makes Jacob McCoy and Braden White especially compelling recipients is the combination of academic excellence, professional readiness and clear commitment to the power and energy sector,” Pouya said.

Pouya notes the department’s emphasis on engagement, communication and student development helps prepare graduates for immediate impact in the workforce.

“The fact that these students have earned competitive internships, full-time engineering positions, graduate school placement and nationally recognized scholarships demonstrates how this culture translates into tangible outcomes,” he said.

As the energy sector evolves, Pouya said students like McCoy and White are positioned to play an important role.

“Their success reflects CEAT’s growing role as a talent pipeline for the power and energy sector and reinforces the idea that CEAT graduates are not just filling roles, but helping shape the future direction, resilience and sustainability of the energy landscape,” he said.

Both students encouraged others to gain experience early, seek out opportunities and build connections as soon as possible while preparing for careers in energy.

Their paths forward reflect the Cowboy Code: rooted in hard work, integrity and a commitment to something larger than themselves. As they enter a rapidly changing energy landscape, McCoy and White carry that perspective with them, focused on contributing to systems that power communities and support future generations.