Eight Students Receive Hall of Fame Honors
April 29, 2014
WEST POINT, Miss — Eight students joined the Bagley College of Engineering’s Student Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Old Waverly April 21.
Students are nominated for the BCoE Student Hall of Fame by faculty, staff, and student organizations. Inductees are chosen based on his academics, leadership, work accomplishments, service, and character.
The BCoE Student Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognize students who display high academic achievements and exemplary leadership skills while engaging in several work experiences and student activities.
This year’s honorees include (by hometown):
BILOXI – Cody Peacock is a senior civil engineering major with a 4.0 GPA. He was described as hardworking, conscientious, and honest in his nomination letters. During his co-op rotations with Southern Company, he received two Southern Excellence Awards for his contributions to two large-scale projects. He is also a member of Tau Beta Pi and the American Society of Civil Engineers, which have allowed him to serve members of the community.
After graduation, he plans to join Chevron in Houston, Texas. While working, he plans to purse an MBA and a master’s degree in petroleum engineering.
BRANDON – Jonathan Lalo is a graduate student in computer science. He received a bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Mississippi State University. He is an ambassador for the computer science and engineering department and vice chair for the Association of Computing Machinery. He’s also a member of Tau Beta Pi, Upsilon Pi Epsilon, and the Philosophy and Religion Club.
Lalo has interned for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where he plans to return following graduation. His career goal is to work for the United States government protecting national security.
Blair Schumacher is a senior aerospace engineering major. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Tau, Theta Tau and the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. She has interned for major aerospace companies including Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems and GE Aviation in Batesville. She was awarded the Simrall Award for Engineering Excellence based on her community service, academics and professionalism.
Schumacher is a vital member of the Space Cowboys rocket design team where she helped the strong outreach subteam become a nationally recognized, award-winning program. She is described as a very significant, positive influence in the department of aerospace engineering, the BCoE and the university according to a faculty nomination letter. Her career goal is to work on propulsion systems for manned or interplanetary missions.
FRISCO, Tex. – Nibeer Dewan is a senior industrial engineering major. Since 2009, Dewan has been heavily involved in improving student life on campus by serving as president of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, public relations officer for the Indian Student Association and assistant director of the international student affairs committee for the Student Association Cabinet. He is a peer mentor for international students through the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center. In 2011, he received the Spirit of State Award, which is the university’s premier student award.
Over the course of his college career, Dewan has grown to become a global citizen and a engineer. He has been described as a self-starter with an eagerness to learn and a positive influence in many areas of campus life. His plans after graduation include working with a dynamic team focusing on the improvement of processes. His long-term goal is to continuously train, educate, and improve while growing to be a globally-renowned consultant in the field of process and business improvement.
GAUTIER – Khanh Nguyen is a senior computer engineering major with a minor in history. She was a study abroad participant at the University of Oxford where she further proved that an engineering student could excel in subjects different from her own. Outside the classroom, she has been involved in several organizations which include: University Honors Council, Alumni Delegates, Delta Delta Delta sorority, Vietnamese Student Association, and Engineers Without Borders.
Faculty members describe Nguyen as a dependable worker who has shown excellent interpersonal skills and a characteristic willingness to learn. Her career goals include becoming a software developer and a systems engineer.
KATY, Texas – Christopher Walton received a doctorate in mechanical engineering. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Tau Beta Pi honor societies. While at MSU, he worked at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems as a research assistant. He was able to publish journal articles and received honors for his research, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout graduate school. He also works to mentor younger students who are hoping to achieve success in a science, technology, engineering, or math field.
Walton received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a minor in mathematics from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. His career goal is to become an industrial research engineer.
STARKVILLE – Carla “Danielle” Grimes is a senior biological engineering major. She is the current president of the Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity where she has had a significant part in the continued development of the chapter. She serves as the assistant technical director for the Mississippi BEST Robotics competition and has also assisted in the BCoE Summer Academies and Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair Region V.
Grimes has been described as having a work ethic and drive that is second to none. After graduation, she plans to join a company to work on environmental policy. She hopes to eventually work for the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
TAFT, Tenn. – Timothy Hendrix is a senior software engineering major. During his time at MSU, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA while being actively involved in multiple organizations. He has held leadership positions in the Famous Maroon Band, MSU State Singers, and Blitz! MSU show choir. He also serves others by volunteering as a junior staffer at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference.
Hendrix has interned for Northrop Grumman in Baltimore, Md., where he will return after graduation to work in the professional development program. He plans to pursue a master’s degree through this program.
For more information about the Bagley College of Engineering, visit www.bagley.msstate.edu.
By: Jen Nguyen