FOSSI | Meet Brian Pugh: 2021 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State

Meet Brian Pugh: 2021 FOSSI Scholar Attending North Carolina A&T State

November 22, 2021

FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born to two loving parents. My parents separated before my first birthday. As a young child, I was intrigued by science. As a result, my mother nurtured my curiosity by exposing me to a variety of scientific institutions throughout the city.  The Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and Children’s Museum enhanced my perceptions of the scientific community. At the age of three, I began taking piano lessons. I continued taking lessons for the next ten years.  Playing the piano continues to be relaxing, and enjoyable. I attended a classical elementary school and was a straight A student.  At age nine, I became a competitive swimmer and continued to compete as a high schooler.  At age twelve, I began my high school career.

These experiences have shaped me as a person. I have a sense of curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and perseverance to always learn and do more. In the fall of my freshman year, I became a member of Kappa League Chicago. The Kappa League taught me how to present myself and speak with confidence and pride. Likewise, I acquired life lessons such as: follow through on your commitments, always have a growth mindset, and have a strong work ethic to accomplish your goals. I also enrolled in a variety of engineering courses to broaden my conceptual and practical understanding of engineering and robotics. The tools and knowledge that I have gained will support me in my growth as I continue my journey as an engineering student in college. 

FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?

I will be attending an HBCU this fall. This scholarship helps to make paying for school affordable. It is also encouraging to know that I have stakeholders investing in my education as I pursue a career in engineering. Having an industry leader as a mentor will provide me with the guidance and support needed in this highly competitive field. Likewise, the hands-on experiences that I will gain through summer internships is priceless.

The FOSSI Scholarship is important to me because it provides me the opportunity to learn how renowned engineering companies run efficiently and develop products to better the world, while providing me with state of the art training that will increase my skill set as I prepare to enter the job market.  Lastly, I will have the opportunity to network with the next generation of STEM leaders.  This scholarship will support me in accomplishing my goals.  

Fun facts about Brian.

I am an only child of two only children. At the age of three, I began taking piano lessons. I continued taking lessons for the next ten years.  Playing the piano came easy to me. It continues to be relaxing, and enjoyable. I am a competitive swimmer. I continue to compete in local swim meets. My favorite swim stroke is the butterfly. My education has afforded me the ability to speak English, Spanish, and Arabic. My favorite video game is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice because of its engaging story, and difficult gameplay. I love gummy bears, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and cheese burgers. I despise milk, ice cream and chocolate. I would rather watch a science documentary than a scary movie.