Senior Junzhe “Sam” Sun, who studied geophysics for two years at China University of Petroleum-Huadong (CUPH) and for two years at Missouri University of Science and Technology, was recently accepted to graduate programs at both Stanford University and University of Texas at Austin.

Sun has been involved in the Missouri S&T geophysics department as well as many campus student organizations and professional societies during his time at S&T, including serving as president of the Chinese Student Scholars Association. He attributes his acceptance to Stanford to recommendation letters from his S&T professors who mentored him, his campus leadership role and a position teaching structural geology labs he held last fall.

Missouri S&T and CUPH signed an articulation agreement in October 2010 that gives CUPH students the opportunity to begin coursework at CUPH and complete a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree at S&T. Sun was part of the first group of CUPH students to transfer to S&T during their junior and senior years. He will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in geology and geophysics.

“I really liked the atmosphere in the geological sciences and engineering department here, the faculty-student relationships, small classes, getting to know my teachers, and the other opportunities available on a smaller campus,” Sun says. “I also enjoyed the breadth of topics in classes offered, and discussing how topics connect to one another – it’s a different kind of learning than in China. Missouri S&T is a respected university, and it was a perfect step for me, which provided the opportunity to go to a very highly ranked university for my Ph.D.”

When asked about his most memorable experience at S&T, Sun replied “Field camp! I got to practice everything I learned in my classes, I worked with people, met new friends, and got to travel. I especially thank my S&T geophysics advisors Dr. Steve Gao and Dr. Kelly Liu.”

I highly recommend coming here to study,” says Sun. “It was one of the best choices I have made. It’s really rewarding to come here if you work hard.”