Aleria Story
For Aleria Story, a high-achieving master鈥檚 student in 桃花直播鈥檚 Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, success is a combination of individual passion, drive and a strong support system.
The Tupelo native鈥檚 passion for engineering blossomed through her high school STEM program, which introduced her to diverse engineering fields and opportunities.
鈥淚 chose 桃花直播 State because of its outstanding engineering program and lucrative scholarships that not only covered my college expenses but allowed me to graduate debt-free, empowering me to pursue my passions.鈥
From her initial visit, Story discovered she had an entire support network from the moment she stepped onto campus.
鈥淚 felt like this was home and that the 桃花直播 community was like family,鈥 she said.
Studying chemical engineering as an undergrad, Story learned about working with biofuels and biodegradable resources from Professor Todd French. She was immediately intrigued by the subject and decided to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in sustainable bioproducts.
Story currently is conducting research under her advisor, Assistant Professor Yunsang Kim. They are exploring the use of titanium decorated biochar to extract the bacterium E.coli from contaminated water.
鈥淲hen we have flooding situations that contaminate municipal drinking water, the water in people鈥檚 homes can become contaminated with high concentrations of bacteria. This bioproduct is a potential solution to stop the bacteria at the source before it reaches your home,鈥 Story said.
Her master鈥檚 level work鈥攁nd the recognition she has received for it鈥攕erves as a strong foundation for her future doctoral studies. The department awarded Story with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Master鈥檚 Level, for her research quality and for one of the highest GPAs in the program. She also was honored with a departmental award for presenting a poster showcasing her research.
Story reflected on how she has been able to achieve a consistent level of success.
鈥淚 think you have to work hard and focus on your goals, but having the support of my family and my professors is equally important,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 have to be determined and motivated to do the work, but along the way, my family gives me emotional support, and my professors push me academically.鈥
Story also benefits from her involvement with the university鈥檚 intramural sports program, which is open to all students.
鈥淪chool can be stressful, and we all need to find a way to relieve that stress,鈥 she said. 鈥淔or me, intramural sports鈥攙olleyball and rugby鈥攁llow me to take a moment away from my studies and work that stress out on the field. I鈥檓 grateful that 桃花直播 gives students so many opportunities, both inside and out of the classroom.鈥