One on One with Becky

Becky Grove
’06 B.E., Mechanical Engineering/B.A., Mathematics
University Scholar
Farmdale, OH

How I got to YSU.
I grew up in Farmdale, Ohio, but went to a Catholic high school in Warren. When it came time for my decision about college, Youngstown State University was in the mix. I was thrilled to be accepted to YSU in the Scholars program, and I knew that I would get a great education.
My decision has been reinforced every single day I’ve been here. Whether it was changing my mind and my major during my first year or getting involved in campus activities, YSU has provided me with many opportunities.

What surprised you most about YSU?
I come from a long line of YSU graduates—my grandfather, my parents, and my sister—so I kind of knew what to expect when I got here. But the people did surprise me. I expected everybody, especially in the University Scholars program, to study most of the time, but everyone was very involved in campus activities, very open, and very accepting.

How has YSU changed you?
How hasn’t it changed me?! My time at YSU has made me grow up and discover who I am. I’ve met so many kinds of people, from all over the world and from all walks of life. I’ve really learned what diversity is all about and learned to embrace my own differences as well.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishments at YSU?
I could name some specific things, but overall, I feel best about getting a quality education while maintaining involvement in other activities. I got to do research here as an undergraduate that is only available to graduate students at most universities. I’ve presented papers at regional and national conferences, and our math modeling team placed in the top 15-20 percent in the world at COMAP (Consortium of Math and Its Applications).

What about the future?
The Ph.D. program at Yale in mechanical engineering with full funding. Once I earn my doctorate in mechanical engineering, I hope to spend some time doing research before heading back into the world of academia to teach engineering at the college level.