The following is an email interview between the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) and Sarah Cole (SC), a 2025 Top Ten Scholar honoree from the College of Engineering.
CEP: “What does it mean to you to receive the Top Ten Scholar honor?”
SC: “Receiving the Top Ten Scholar honor is very special to me because when I was a high school senior, I was mentored by a 2021 Top Ten Scholar student while I completed a research internship on campus through the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering. Now, my journey has come full circle by earning this accolade.”
CEP: “Talk about your time at Boise State. What clubs, sports, or other involvements are you part of?”
SC: “I participate in undergraduate research in the Advanced Materials Laboratory, where I study materials for nuclear energy applications. I also serve as president of the Nuclear Energy Club and vice chair of a national professional council called the Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation that meets in Washington, D.C. annually to discuss nuclear energy policy on Capitol Hill. Additionally, I interned through the American Nuclear Society in Washington, D.C. and at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University. My sophomore year, I played on the women’s club rugby team and I currently play intramural volleyball.”
CEP: “What has been your favorite part about attending Boise State? What should high school students know about Boise State if they’re interested in attending?”
SC: “My favorite part about attending Boise State was the unique experience of living in downtown Boise while also getting that ‘small town feel.’ On the weekends, my friends and I (frequently visit) coffee shops and farmers markets while being a 45-minute drive to the mountains. You can’t beat that!”
CEP: “Talk about the concurrent enrollment classes you took in high school. How did those credits help you get a head start on your college career?”
SC: “In high school, I took concurrent enrollment math, history, English, and Spanish classes. These credits helped me quickly advance into my engineering coursework without taking as many foundational freshman courses as I would otherwise. This meant I had more flexibility with my degree to pursue research and academic experiences outside of the classroom.”
CEP: “What are your current plans for after completing your undergraduate degree?”
SC: “I am pursuing my Ph.D. in nuclear science and engineering at MIT. After, I want to work for the Department of Energy to advance the nation’s nuclear energy fleet.”
CEP: “Anything to add?”
SC: “A big thank you to my concurrent enrollment teachers for helping me get to where I am today!”
Read more about Sarah Cole on the Boise State Alumni Website.