UMR freshman Adam Nisbett may study mechanical engineering, but science and technology aren’t his only passions. At 17, this artist has already won the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest, beating out 26,000 other entries with his acrylic painting of two ducks to win “Best in State” for Missouri.

“The contest is held every year,” says Nisbett, who read about it in Missouri Conservationist magazine. “It’s sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and proceeds are used to support environmental education and teach people about wildlife and the wetlands.”

Nisbett has been drawing wildlife, and birds in particular, “for about as long as I can remember,” he says. “I’ve entered the Junior Duck Stamp contest every year for the past seven years.”

Nisbet has won first place in his age group every year, taking Best of Show in Missouri for four years, and receiving national Top 10 and honorable mention awards before receiving first place overall in 2004.