In Their Own Words: From CEAT’s 2023 W.W. Allen Scholars
Monday, September 25, 2023
Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu
Earning a scholarship can change your entire college career, but it is a competitive process.
In Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, the W.W. Allen Scholars Program offers engineering students over $135,000 in scholarship and enrichment, industry networking, study abroad, mentorship, an annual scholarship of $7,500, plus full tuition and housing for a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
The W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Club Scholars Program awards an incoming freshman between $19,000-$55,000 per year for up to four years of study toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering. This includes an OSU tuition waiver between $4,000-$40,000 and an annual CEAT scholarship of $15,000. Additionally, each scholar will participate in funded enrichment, travel and networking opportunities. Each year, only one W.W. Allen Boys and Girls Club Scholar is selected.
Here is what our 2023 Allen Scholars had to say.
2023 W.W. Allen Scholars
Sheridan Sherrer
Math has always been my strength because it is like a logic puzzle waiting to be solved. My skill of organizing data appeared when I created the SPUD (Philanthropy at Norman North) records committee. My organizational skills helped us to surpass records in money raised ($257,000) and service hours performed. I also really enjoy working with all different types of people. I think a degree in industrial engineering will allow me to use my natural skills in math, data analysis, organization and leadership to make a difference in my community. It will perfectly combine my love of math with my ability to work with people.
One of my favorite things about industrial engineering is that it is about creating more efficiency for people. I want to create a way for all people to find shortcuts to make life easier and better. Once I realized I was interested in industrial engineering, interviewed a lady who had graduated with an industrial engineering degree.
She talked about how one of her biggest projects was organizing tools at a factory in a way that they took up less space and didn’t get lost. She made it clear to me that to be an industrial engineer, you have to think outside the box, which is something I love to do. I also really want to make a difference for people even if it is something as small as organizing tools.
I think one of the most important things I can take advantage of is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who speak and work differently. I plan to continue to make a difference in the communities I am in. Leadership, philanthropy and community service matter deeply to me. Diversity creates a better group; different gifts and ways of looking at things bring success. Details and double checking are a strength of mine, but I am also good at working in a team and making it the best that it can be. I can learn from watching and working with others to learn from their strengths.
I want to participate in research while at Oklahoma State University. I believe that learning through experimentation creates an understanding of a subject that others may miss. This fact has created in me a drive to not just accept what my teachers tell me, but to figure out for myself how what they are teaching will shape my future. I think research would help me to better understand and apply the concepts I am learning in class to the real world.
“Leaving my mark on the world is my goal. I want to positively impact the greatest number of human beings using my mathematical gifts, global thinking style and high level of education in which I was blessed. Intelligence does not make a difference if we keep it to ourselves.”
Leaving my mark on the world is my goal. I want to positively impact the greatest number of human beings using my mathematical gifts, global thinking style and high level of education in which I was blessed. Intelligence does not make a difference if we keep it to ourselves. We must work in a team with clear communication and measurable goals to make a difference. A high-level education from OSU and then Cambridge would put me in a place where I could get a job in a company that affects numerous people. An industrial engineering degree gives me many options to help others. I can do something small like organize distribution of goods, or I can do something big like draw out the theme park lines for Disney. Being around gifted students and connected professors will help me excel in making a bigger difference in the world.
In 25 years, my company and I will have organized many systems that will have made an impact on numerous businesses. At that point in my career, I will be successful enough to focus on the next generation of young leaders.
As a member of Leadership Oklahoma, I got to see firsthand the need for young professionals like me to stay and make a mark on our state. I love Oklahoma and I plan to make a difference for people all around our state. I also plan to be able to give back to the place that made my success possible, Oklahoma State.
Dayton McCall
3…2…1…Blast Off! Suddenly, you’re hurled at a speed of 60 miles per hour, and it’s pitch black. Where are you? You’re at the best ride in Disney World, the “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster” which triggered my initial interest in engineering.
I was 12 when I first rode the coaster, and my initial focus was the thrill that the ride provided. As an adrenaline junkie, I loved being shot into the dark and immediately going into an upside-down flip followed by a barrel roll. Ending with insane deceleration always left me exhilarated and wanting more. I’ve always been curious about how things work, and after a few rides, I started to wonder about how the roller coaster functioned.
I mentioned this to my dad, and halfheartedly listening, he replied, “It’s all physics, but did you know the engineers designed not only the ride but also the line to get to the ride and the overall flow of people throughout the park?”
I replied, “If engineers designed the lines, why are we waiting so long? There must be a better way.”
He responded, “Maybe there is, and given your impatience, you can be the one who figures it out.”
It was the first time I had given thought to being an engineer. Maybe I could design roller coasters or, even better, get people to the ride more quickly.
During school, I discovered I had an aptitude and strange enjoyment for advanced mathematics. I knew I wanted a career that utilized math, and taking an engineering and design class reinforced my interest. My interest in this field was further reinforced by my internship as a sustainability engineer at ABB Inc. in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Through my internship, I learned small improvements in design and production can make a big difference in large-scale manufacturing. The experience was fascinating because I observed how engineering could not only reduce production time but also manufacturing waste. What started as a simple question in line for the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has expanded into a desire to pursue a degree in industrial engineering where I can focus on process improvement. I’m interested in reducing uncertainty and improving efficiency within processes and systems, helping eliminate waste, conserve water usage and possibly reduce wait times.
My plan for my time at OSU is to obtain an education while gaining exposure to new ideas and experiences. First, and foremost, I am attending college to obtain a degree, so learning as much as I can is extremely important to me. I plan to supplement classroom learning by obtaining relevant real-world experience through course projects and participation in undergraduate research. I am excited to learn and conduct hands-on research in the lab myself and participate in more formalized undergraduate research opportunities or programs.
An additional goal I have set for myself is to pursue an Honors College degree. Participation in the Honors College will allow me to work on my verbal and written communication skills, as well as participate in conversations that challenge my current way of thinking. Achieving my goal of graduating with an Honors College degree will enrich my overall learning experience.
Continuing my education by obtaining a master’s degree in liberal arts will expose me to new and different ways of thinking. Most engineering students are inclined toward math and science and approach issues from a logical and linear way. Liberal arts will expose me to students from different backgrounds, immersing me in an environment of diversity of thought and increasing my awareness of ideas beyond an engineering perspective.
“Understanding that my solution is not always the only right solution and developing an appreciation for ideas that di er from my own will make me a stronger and more well-rounded leader. I truly believe learning is a lifelong process and through advanced study and continuing to pursue educational opportunities, I can become the best version of myself.”
I recognize the importance of being a continuous learner. In addition to a master’s degree, I plan to continue my education outside the classroom by participating in training, seminars and pursuing professional certifications. Involvement in these activities will ensure my knowledge base remains relevant. Furthermore, consistent exposure will keep my mind agile and receptive to new ideas. In my career, I plan to be a leader. The knowledge I gain from studying liberal arts will strengthen my leadership capabilities by building empathy, understanding and the ability to communicate with others. Understanding that my solution is not always the only right solution and developing an appreciation for ideas that differ from my own will make me a stronger and more well-rounded leader.
I truly believe learning is a lifelong process and through advanced study and continuing to pursue educational opportunities, I can become the best version of myself.
The best leaders are visionaries with expertise in their field who can inspire, empathize and appreciate diversity of thought. Combining a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a Master of Philosophy degree will allow me to graduate with both technical skills and a stronger appreciation for different perspectives and ideas. Within 25 years of graduation, I plan to utilize these skills to create and lead an Oklahoma-based sustainable engineering firm focused on reduction of industrial waste and conservation of water.
Mallory Reed
When looking for an opportunity to give back to my community, the Boys and Girls Club was a natural draw. I have been fortunate to grow up in a community with a revitalized Boys and Girls Club and got to witness many friends benefit from its programs including the after-school program, summer activities and sport programs. Having seen the positive impact the Boys and Girls Club had on my friends and my community as a whole, I wanted to help continue that legacy.
At my local Boys and Girls Club, I have been an active volunteer during the 2022-23 school year. During my time as a volunteer, I helped kids in the after-school program reach their full potential through encouragement and demonstrating the characteristics of a model citizen. I also served as a mentor to any kids who needed extra help with schoolwork, encouraging them to reach their full potential to become productive, responsible citizens through hard work, determination and goal setting.
The Boys and Girls Club opened my eyes to a new perspective on the lives of others. Growing up, I had great parents who believed I could succeed and always encouraged me to be the best version of myself that I could be. While I knew not everyone was as lucky as me to have people who believed in their aspirations, I did not fully grasp how much the lack of support can affect someone. There were many kids at the club that didn’t have a good support system at home. Every time I would complement a kid’s drawing or congratulate them on memorizing their times tables, I could see the way their faces lit up. In these moments, I realized how much of an impact my kindness and encouragement have on these kids’ lives. In those moments I am these kids’ support system, just like my parents were my support system. Because of the Boys and Girls Club, I’ve come to truly understand the impact an unsupportive home life has on kids. But more importantly, I’ve learned that I have the ability to help give these kids the support they need to become the best version of themselves, which, in turn, helps the entire community.
As a kid, the subject I found to interest me the most was mathematics. The concept of math instantly clicked inside my brain and, as a natural problem solver, I saw math as more of a fun puzzle waiting to be solved than schoolwork. As I got older and started thinking more seriously about potential career paths, I came across the wide field of engineering. At first glance, it honestly didn’t sound very interesting to me. I couldn’t see myself being fulfilled with a career in engineering. It wasn’t until my sister went to college to study chemical engineering that my eyes were opened to the true nature of engineering. She told me about different projects and experiments she did during her freshman year, and I realized there was much more to engineering than solving equations all day. Engineering requires creativity and critical thinking to solve problems and help those around us in a very real, tangible way. Once I understood the impact that engineering has on all the advances around me, I knew it was everything I was looking for in a career.
At OSU, I plan to use the unique and specialized opportunities available to help further my education, while also seeking to expand my horizons past my comfort zone. One way I plan to accomplish this is to take advantage of the multitude of resources at OSU, such as the ENDEAVOR lab, to gain experience in researching and exposure to the latest technology. Understanding and participating in research will help me understand the process and contribute to advancements in the field. I want to utilize all of these opportunities OSU offers so I can be a driving force toward the advancement and success of future engineering projects.
“Engineering requires creativity and critical thinking to solve problems and help those around us in a very real, tangible way. Once I understood the impact that engineering has on all the advances around me, I knew it was everything I was looking for in a career.”
After graduating from OSU with my bachelor’s degree in engineering, I plan to complete a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics and acquire the certification to become a prosthetist. After graduating with my master’s degree, I plan to seek employment with a medical device company where I can work as a prosthetist, but also contribute to groundbreaking research on the technological side of prosthetics. As I gain more experience and move up in the company, I plan to become a leader on the research team. With that success, I want to mentor and inspire others in their career paths, specifically those populations who are underrepresented in engineering. I want to encourage women and Native Americans, in particular, who possess the necessary skills and abilities to consider engineering as a viable option for them. And, for those with the drive and passion for engineering, I want to help mentor them in their career path.
With my engineering education combined with my experience, I can contribute to the prosthetic field in a significant way that moves the advancement of the technology forward, while also advancing the company and my coworkers. I will strive to achieve all of these goals in order to help those in our community in need of cutting-edge prosthetics, but also to help mentor the engineers that come behind me, especially women and Native American engineers.
Photos: Provided | IMPACT Magazine