Pushed to succeed. Loving to learn. Not just a student. Giving.

For nearly 150 years, our students have been known as the Miners. We asked these six Missouri S&T students to tell us what qualities and characteristics define the term “Miners” in the 21st century, and this is what they said. Below is a Q&A with the featured students.

ANDREW HOFFMAN

Graduate student in nuclear engineering from Pocatello, Idaho

What does it mean to be a Miner?

“Lots of people think digging deeper means taking something, but I like to give.”

What’s next for you?

“I have a job offer waiting for me when I graduate working with corrosion engineering for nuclear reactor coolant piping. When interviewing for the position I had to give a technical presentation of my research here. I was asked if I did the work myself, and I was able to answer proudly, ‘yes.’”

In my free time:

“I am crazy about karaoke, and on Thursday nights you’ll find me at the Tater Patch singing my heart out to the Backstreet Boys and ‘80s love songs.”

You may be surprised to learn …

“I am actually an introvert. I come off as an extrovert.”

ARYANA MATTMAN

Sophomore in geology and geophysics from Branson, Missouri

What does it mean to be a Miner?

“A constant love of learning in and out of the classroom.”

What’s next?

“I love the earth, geology in particular, and I think working for the National Parks Service at some point would be an amazing opportunity. “

In my free time:

“I love writing fictional stories for myself and my friends to enjoy.”

You may be surprised to learn …

“I am a huge romantic.”

LUIS OCAMPO

Sophomore in information science and technology from Chesterfield, Missouri

What does it mean to be a Miner?

“To be involved in a community that pushes you to learn.”

What’s next:

“At the moment, I’m exploring roles in talent development and attraction within the technology field.”

In my free time:

“I love exploring new places, especially large cities, and my technology involvement has allowed me to explore new, urban cities for very little cost throughout the school year.”

You may be surprised to learn …

“I was recently named a Forbes Under 30 Fellow for my involvement in spreading hackathons as a means of technical education.”

VANESSA MALDONADO

Senior in business and management systems and information science and technology from Wentzville, Missouri

What does it mean to be a Miner?

“To me, it means being a little nerdy.”

What’s next?

“I would love to be a project manager or a business analyst. I want to be able to use my technological knowledge to help businesses improve the way they work.”:

In my free time:

“I enjoy shopping, watching Netflix, relieving stress with my coloring books and painting.”

You may be surprised to learn …

“I don’t talk a lot in class. People are surprised I wanted a job talking to people.”

MAHAL MOHAMMED HAJJAJ

Senior in architectural engineering from Saudi Arabia

What does it mean to be a Miner?

“The people here in Rolla will affect your life forever.”

What’s next:

“I want to be an architectural engineer and work for my country and also build an office for my family.”

In my free time:

“Socializing, playing soccer and dancing.”

ASHLEY SCHMID

Senior in mechanical engineering from O’Fallon, Missouri

What does it mean to be a Miner?

“Being an S&T Miner means so much more than just being a student. No one is here just to get a degree.”

What’s next?

“I hope to go into research and development. I love the process of finding what works and what doesn’t, and I feel like the work is very fulfilling. I’m sure whatever field I find this job in will be exciting and exactly what I am looking for.”

In my free time:

“My hobbies include 3-D printing, working on my 3-D printing company and watching documentaries.”

You may be surprised to learn …

“I joined a sorority as a sophomore.”