Two engineering students selected for 2020 Dow Diamond Symposium

August 31, 2020

A pair of Mississippi State chemical engineering students were recently selected to attend the prestigious 2020 Dow Diamond Symposium.

Jacob Anaya and Lisa Phan, both seniors in the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, were among just 45 students from across the country chosen to participate in the highly selective event. The symposium is usually an all-expenses paid, in-person program for students but was held virtually this year.

“Not only did we get to hear from awe-inspiring speakers, but we also got to talk, connect, and receive feedback with them afterward,” said Phan. “The student attendees had to give a two-minute presentation where we had a chance to showcase ourselves to Dow employees and recruiters. This remarkable, unique experience enabled me to improve my skills and network and enhanced my focus on the importance of sustainability, diversity, inclusion.”

According to the Dow website, the Diamond Symposium is a student engagement event intended for top, underrepresented minority undergraduate students from universities across the United States. This year’s attendees had the opportunity to network with both Dow leaders and fellow participants. Attendees were required to do a “Day in the Life” activity and give a two-minute presentation on the topic of their choice.

“During the second day, I gave my technical presentation over a piece of equipment that I worked on during my past Co-op,” said Anaya. “The students who were invited even played a virtual challenge that had to meet energy requirements while maintaining the integrity of a plant. We were all able to work together and was a very fun experience.”

Anaya said he was able to learn a great deal about Dow while interacting with current employees, learning about the work environment and showcasing his personal skills and knowledge.

One goal of the symposium is that connections between Dow and students lead to internships, co-ops or job offers.

The Bagley College of Engineering is online at www.bagley.msstate.edu and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @msuengineering.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

By Abbie Kate Hancock

Link to article on Bagley Newsroom: https://www.bagley.msstate.edu/news/two-engineering-students-selected-for-2020-dow-diamond-symposium/