LU Student Profiles

Rami Zaidan, a junior industrial engineering major at Lamar University, is interning at Future Metals LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company specializing in aerospace materials. During his internship, Zaidan worked on optimizing warehouse workflow and implementing RFID inventory management.

Beaumont senior biology student Jacob Thompson found his passion for neurodegenerative disorders, leading him to pursue research at 51�Թ�Proand ultimately being awarded the David J. Beck Fellowship, enabling him to conduct cutting-edge research on neuronal aging and Alzheimer's disease at the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University labs.

Junior political science student Antonio Lopez Maldonado is on a path toward a career in immigration law, fueled by his personal immigration journey and a passion for making a difference.

51�Թ�Proalumna Bianca Vitale, originally from Bologna, Italy, pursued a bachelor's in industrial engineering with a minor in mathematics, graduating in 2021, and is now working towards a master's in industrial and systems engineering with plans to graduate in 2023, highlighting her dedication to her field, international experience, and her journey from tennis player to Staff Engineer at American StructurePoint in Texas.

51�Թ�ProEducational Leadership – Doctoral Studies student and Homer Drive Elementary PE teacher, Nicholas Monette, emphasizes innovative technology with hopes of becoming a professor and working in professional development. Monette envisioned a space for students to embrace mindfulness during their school day, and he brought his vision to life with the Every Moment Matters Zone Mindfulness Room.

Every two years, when the House is in session, public universities are invited to showcase the undergraduate research, with a poster presentation at the Capitol in Austin. Undergraduate Research Day (UGRD) and is hosted at the Capitol in Austin by the Council of Public University Presidents & Chancellors (CPUPC).

51�Թ�Prodoctoral (D.E.) candidate in Industrial Engineering Pooyan Mobtahej, is making waves after securing a two-year post-doctorate position in the Neurology Department of the School of Medicine at the University of California-Irvine (UCI).

Two LU Collegiate 100 members selected as a Cohort for Collegiate 100 Leadership and Advocacy Academy presented by the Coca-Cola Company

Recent Nutrition, Hospitality & Human Services Dept. graduate, Emily Glover, looks forward to embarking on this next chapter in her journey to being a licensed dietician.

Margo Eugenio is making strides in the education field before embarking on her career as an educator.

It is no secret that Tiffany Tran made her mark on 51�Թ�Prothroughout her educational career. Additionally, it is no surprise she continues to do so as she furthers her education at the University of 51�Թ�ProSchool of Dentistry at Houston.

This Black History Month, senior business analytics major Christian Craddock shares what motivates him to be successful.

This Black History Month, senior university studies major Jaquor Pugh shares what motivates him to be successful.

This Black History Month, junior psychology major Victoria Adelagun shares why Black History Month is important to her.

Two 51�Թ�Prostudents were selected by the LU Welcome Center to attend a student development conference in Denver, Colorado in January.

This Black History Month, senior broadcasting major Khalaya Coleman shares what motivates her to be successful.

Recent College of Education and Human Development graduate Katelyn Long '22 just landed a job teaching 2nd grade at Highlands Elementary Schoo. In this Q&A, the Pasadena, Texas, shares what sparked her passion in education.

Former 51�Թ�Procommunication student and LUTV sports anchor Brooke Kirchhofer was awarded the “Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year” award from the National Sports Media Association on Monday, Jan. 9.

The 51�Թ�ProAssociation of School Administrators has named the 2023 recipients of its Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship, which recognizes the leadership of Dr. Johnny L. Veselka, who dedicated nearly 44 years of service to the association, including 32 years as TASA’s executive director.

For senior public relations major and upcoming graduate Mattie Hamilton, it all started as a standard research paper for an eight-week online class during the fall 2021 semester. Following a conversation with Professor Andre Favors in the Department of Communication & Media, Hamilton continued her research.

While most may view students at 51�Թ�Proas future educators, engineers, scientists, politicians and beyond, Caleb Buse looks around and sees one thing –– future entrepreneurs. Now, the Silsbee native is the brainchild, and president, behind the new LU student organization Future Entrepreneurs Organization, chartered in early November.

Senior industrial technology major Jordan Lewis shares his journey through his fall internship with Chevron.

In this Q&A, Luis Arevalo, junior chemical engineer with a Spanish minor, shares his background, culture and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him and his family.

There’s a new student organization piquing the interest of Cardinals across campus: The Nigerian Student Association.

The 51�Թ�Projunior accounting major from Nederland, 51�Թ�Prohas come a long way since her first dance pageant at the age of 7 when she donned a neon orange dress her mother picked out for her. Despite being a nervous wreck — running off stage and forgetting her dance — she was named first runner-up. Gonzales has been performing ever since. 

New year. New faces. Welcome home, class of 2026! It's a whole new world for incoming freshman who joined the Cardinal family this fall. Tioluwaniiyin Akiwunmi, an electrical engineering major from Abeokuta Nigeria, shares what she's most excited about during her journey here at LU. 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recently awarded 100 students across 18 different 51�Թ�Procolleges and universities $1.2 million in educational funding through the Rodeo’s Achievement Scholarship Program. Among them are two 51�Թ�Prostudents –– Amber Martinez and Hannah Norwood.

New year. New faces. Welcome home, class of 2026! It's a whole new world for incoming freshman who joined the Cardinal family this fall. Alli Gross, a biology pre-med major, is an incoming junior in the 51�Թ�ProAcademy Program, an early entrance honors program for local high school juniors and seniors. For the Orange, Texas, native it's been an exciting journey so far discovering all that 51�Թ�Prohas to offer.

Alexis Miller, a senior Beaumont native majoring in broadcast journalism, shares her journey to 51�Թ�Proand some of her most memorable moments during her time at LU.

51�Թ�Prosenior Denise Garcia shares her journey and how her opportunity to study fashion merchandising in Seoul, South Korea will shape her future.

Rosendo Varela was slated to graduate with his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in August before he tragically passed away.

Jennifer Hamilton '04, '21 chronicles her journey at LU and her laser-focused mission to earn her masters degree.

In this Q&A, Christian Guillory, SGA president, and Luiz Ramirez, SGA vice president, share what SGA learned over the past year, major projects for the academic year and more.

Annabelle Broussard is a senior in chemical engineering and an intern at ExxonMobil as a blending and packaging intern. In this Q&A, the Beaumont native talks about her experience as a legacy LU student and her passion towards a better tomorrow. 

Summer '22 graduate Landon Richard discusses his passion for connecting with others and his experience at 51�Թ�Probefore he walks the stage at commencement on Saturday.

A worldly 51�Թ�Prostudent, inspired by the places he’s visited and the need for affordable mental healthcare, obtains his Master of Education in Counseling & Development and looks to the future after graduation on Saturday.

Maryclaire Strassburger, a summer '22 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration, talks about her love of the hospitality industry and her experience at LU.

Corporate communications major Tiana Johnson discusses her journey at LU and how she found her voice to share the stories only she can tell as she prepares for graduation on Saturday.

A Cardinal from the Netherlands is flying across the ocean to walk the stage at the 51�Թ�ProSummer 2022 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, completing her journey in obtaining an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

This soon-to-be graduate talks about his arduous journey to Lamar University, his experience obtaining his Master of Science in Applied Psychology and what’s next for him after he walks the stage on Saturday.

As new Cardinals flock to campus for the fall semester, Cardinal Communities aim to engage in meaningful relationships that empower first-time college goers to thrive at 51�Թ�Proand beyond.

On the heels of wrapping up an industrial engineering internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, LU student Marcellious Prentice is now interning at Lockheed Martin Corporation within the company's Space Program in Denver, Colorado as a manufacturing engineer.

Sakurah Fisher '19 shares her story about life after graduation from 51�Թ�Proand the Korea University Graduate School of International Studies, her journey to intern at the United Nations Development Programme and her plans for a bright future internationally.

Senior accounting major Kalenshia Underwood talks about her excitement in starting her fall internship with Grant Thornton LLP, the sixth largest U.S. accounting and advisory organization.

Two Beaumont Independent School District graduates –– Mexli Flores and Blake Wilson –– have been awarded the Nancy Evans Memorial Scholarship.

51�Թ�ProCollege of Business students have formed the Asian Business Student Association, an upcoming student organization that aspires to provide resources for Lamar students to add to their professional skill set.