Terriers in Charge: Ethan Strauther (ENG’22)
President of BU chapter of National Society of Black Engineers seeks to build Black STEM community
Now president of the student organization, Strauther says NSBE is dedicated to providing professional and academic opportunities, networking, and outreach, as well as hosting fun activities. He says the club has made a difference in his life, and he is determined to build the Black STEM community at BU. The best part of his job leading the chapter, he says, has been interacting with both new and old faces and getting to meet other Black students pursuing careers in mathematics, engineering, science, and technology. The self-described people person says the club provides a sense of community and offers a chance for undergrads to connect with upperclassmen willing to be mentors and offer advice on what classes to take.
“As a freshman and sophomore I had a lot of instances where I needed help and guidance with academics, planning classes, and professional development,” he says. “NSBE gave me a community of Black engineers my age and older who helped me build my social network.”
In addition to his work with NSBE, Strauther has been a student mentor with ENG’s Technology Innovation Scholars Program (TISP), which sends talented engineering students to predominantly Black and brown middle and high schools in the greater Boston area to teach fundamental engineering concepts and build interest in STEM careers.
This year, he’s also working as a student technician in BU’s Clinical Testing Laboratory. When he graduates this spring, the biomedical engineering major will be working for Merck in its manufacturing leadership development program.
“Without NSBE, I wouldn’t have gained the friendships and developed the leadership skills I have,” Strauther says. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
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