The class of 2030 is ready to engineer their success.

From studying abroad to studying under some of the best faculty in the country, the newest undergraduate students at NC State’s College of Engineering are ready to engineer their futures. 

“I am looking forward to trying new things and making friends along the way,” said Mia Martinez, student from Clover, South Carolina who plans to major in civil engineering.

They come from all over the world, but share one thing in common: all are ready to call NC State their home for the next four years.

“I’m excited to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact through sustainable engineering,” said Raven Melvin, an intended paper science and chemical engineering student. “I hope to take advantage of research, internships and leadership opportunities while contributing to the NC State community.”

Tell us about why you chose NC State.

iesha Landis, an intended biomedical engineering major from Creedmoor, North Carolina: I grew up participating in NC State programs and summer camps, including the Mathematics and Science Education Network Pre-College Program. When it came time to pursue further education, being familiar with the campus and knowing I could find a community there played a big part in my decision to choose NC State. I have known I wanted to be a biomedical engineer since elementary school, and NC State’s biomedical engineering program was another major factor in my college decision.

Josiah Oxendine, an intended civil engineering major from Pembroke, North Carolina: My interest in NC State grew from the recruiting trips I took during my high school tenure. I received several scholarships from other schools, but chose NC State because of the location and engineering college.

Mia Martinez, an intended civil engineering major from Clover, South Carolina: What set NC State apart was its exceptional engineering program. NC State is regarded as one of the best universities for civil engineering degrees. NC State aligned with my academic goals through its offering of many high-impact experiences, clubs and other activities.

Raven Melvin, an intended paper science and chemical engineering major from Fayetteville, North Carolina: NC State quickly became my top choice because of its engineering programs, hands-on learning opportunities and welcoming community. I was especially drawn to the paper science and engineering program and the opportunity to pair it with chemical engineering. The focus on innovation and industry connections made NC State the perfect fit for my career goals.

What else are you looking forward to doing on campus?

Landis: I am excited to start joining clubs and organizations such as The Helping Hand Project, the National Society of Black Engineers and Black Campus Ministry. As a person who likes to be busy, I am also ecstatic to get into research. I am an aspiring prosthetist and want to study the intersectionality of biomedical engineering and neuroscience to make autonomous prosthetics. At NC State, I am excited to make the most of my time through research and exploring that intersectionality.

Oxendine: I will be a part of the American Society of Engineers and American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Also, I’m not ruling out the opportunity to play football.

Martinez: This year, I want to join an engineering club as well as the intramural soccer team, but I’m also keeping my options open to other interests. I hope to study abroad, continue my community service work and get work experience while I am an NC State student. 

Melvin: I’m excited to get involved with engineering organizations, undergraduate research and professional development opportunities. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people, building relationships within the College of Natural Resources and experiencing everything NC State has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.

Have you been to campus yet? What stood out to you?

Landis: Before move-in, I had the opportunity to get involved with Advocates for Student Communities through Engagement, Networking and Development, during which I stayed on campus for a week this summer to get acclimated to NC State and all it offers. ASCEND was my first time truly acclimating to NC State’s campus, aside from visits while growing up. Of course, the sheer size of the campus stood out to me, but even more than that, the ability to still find your people and a community on campus, despite how large it is, has stuck with me.

Oxendine: I’ve been to campus numerous times. The amount of resources at NC State are limitless. The campus has so many great qualities that will allow me to achieve my educational goals. I have also been on Game Day visits and the atmosphere was sheer excitement.

Martinez: I have been to campus a few times, even before new student orientation. I also attended an Experience NC State event earlier this year. What stood out to me was the number of outdoor and recreational spaces for the students as well as the unique architecture of the school buildings. I noticed that the campus still feels manageable despite being in a large school.

Melvin: Yes! I’ve had the opportunity to visit campus several times through engineering events, orientation and Summer Exploration Experience Camp. What stood out to me most was how welcoming everyone was. I also loved the collaborative atmosphere, the engineering facilities and the sense of community that made NC State feel like home.

Who are your biggest supporters as you start this new chapter?

Landis: Coming to NC State was possible because of a village of people behind me. I would say one who truly stands out is my high school counselor from my first and second years, Ms. Jackson. Her support and genuine care are what helped me excel through school at my home high school, NCSSM and now here at NC State. I still talk to her today; she even supported me at my high school graduation, and I can’t thank her enough for the love and kindness she gave me. 

Oxendine: First, I would like to shout out my parents. They have supported and challenged me throughout my educational pathway. Plus, I would like to thank all of my previous teachers, guidance counselors, principals and coaches.

Martinez: I want to shout out my family, friends, mentors and close teachers at home for inspiring me, teaching me and supporting me up until today. I would specifically like to mention my mom for always encouraging me to reach higher and live to my full potential, my dad for helping me envision my next steps and creating an action plan and my little brother for always celebrating with me.

Melvin: I’d like to thank my family for always believing in me and encouraging me to pursue my goals. I’d also like to recognize my teachers and mentors throughout high school who challenged me, supported me and helped me grow into the person I am today.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us that we didn’t get to?

Oxendine: I’m ready to Think and Do.

Martinez: I would like to extend an additional thank you to those sponsoring my scholarships, which include the H. Carlisle & Frankie C. Booth Scholarship, the Chancellor’s District Merit Award and my local Knights of Columbus for the Rick Engle Scholarship Award. I am grateful to all of my sponsors for aiding me to  further my education. I would also like to thank Mr. Justin Richardson for being my first point of contact, notifying me about my NC State scholarships and helping me transition into a new member of the Wolfpack.

Melvin:  I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Wolfpack and for the support I’ve received along the way.