Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Thursday, 5 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
At the young age of 17, Jayesa S. Jayaratne planned to attend a university in the United States that offered opportunities for research in her field of chemical engineering. With the guidance of ‘Scholarships for USA’ Jayesha selected Montana State University because of its high national ranking for research opportunities, especially for undergraduates.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies MSU as one of only 108 colleges and universities in the nation (out of more than 4,600) that maintain ‘very high research activity’. Of those 108 institutions, only 51 are also classified as having ‘significant commitment to community engagement’. This means that MSU undergraduate students have access to cutting-edge research and creative opportunities to link with the community; an engaging educational experience that fully integrates learning, discovery and service.
Jayesha felt connection to the city life in Colombo, Sri Lanka and uncertain about the move to Bozeman, Montana. Three years later, she knows she made the right choice. She mentions the great friendships developed in the dorms, the small class learning opportunities and the individual attention from faculty and professors, all confirming her decision.
The overall experience of living in a college-centred town in Southwest Montana cemented her choice. Embracing the healthy lifestyle many MSU students maintain and the ability to reach her goal of gaining research experience as an undergraduate student, Jayesha knows she is gaining the experiences necessary to fulfil her future goals.
Living in the dorms for the first year is recommended for all MSU freshmen and looking back Jayesha now understands why. Her roommate is a nursing student from Kalispell, MT. They became close friends and she gained a second family in the Flathead county who provided memorable family outings and activities during school breaks. One of her fondest memories while at the dorms was when she asked friends to teach her how to ride a bike. Everyone came to help and give pointers and she now uses her bike as her main mode of transportation. She currently enjoys living off-campus with fellow MSU roommates.
In terms of student and campus lifestyle, MSU is a perfect place to achieve a four-year degree. Jayesha likes to keep a balance between her academic and social life. She really appreciates Bozeman’s outdoor beauty and enjoys the benefits of an active life. Eating healthier and running/hiking has become a daily routine and feels good about maintaining these healthy habits for life. Outside the classroom she finds time to share her culture and dance at international events on campus. She is active in the MSU ‘Women in Engineering’ a campus organisation that encourages young people to explore options in engineering. Jayesha is thrilled about the new engineering labs and knowing that world-class research is being developed right next to the UG classrooms, she feels part of something bigger. A place where professors know you by name, take a personal interest of where you intend to go and ultimately help guide you to your educational future.
When Jayesha’s professors knew she was ready academically, she was encouraged to apply for her own research lab, through the Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP). This program helps undergraduate students in all disciplines pursue research, scholarship, and creative projects. USP facilitates, supports, and promotes undergraduate research and scholarship by providing funding and logistical support directly to students.
In the fall 2014 Jayesa was awarded the USP Award and now runs her own chemistry lab in the study of ‘Rheological characterisation of wormlike micelle solutions with concentration and temperature variations’ and is being mentored by Jennifer Brown PhD, assistant professor in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department. Asked what she plans on next? Jayesha will apply for another research lab grant in order to further her career interests. She has found the right place – MSU Bozeman and is taking full advantage of all the opportunities.
