During S&T Giving Days, five students have agreed to share their stories that illustrate how scholarships have helped them to attend S&T and thrive as Miners. Support helps students like these individuals learn, lead and give back. Donate today at go.mst.edu/givingdays.

Brileigh Cates

A master’s degree student in applied mathematics who completed her bachelor’s degree through the accelerated program, Brileigh Cates is exploring statistics while considering careers in academia, clinical trials or pharmaceuticals.

Music has been a constant throughout her college experience. A saxophonist and current drum major for the S&T Band, Brileigh has found leadership, creativity and community through the Miner Band. She values the connection between STEM and the arts, where understanding the mathematics and physics of sound enhances her musical craft.

Scholarships have played a significant role in her ability to pursue both her academic and artistic passions, helping remove financial barriers along the way.

Amari Crawford

A junior studying geology and geophysics with a minor in geological engineering, Amari Crawford is turning her fascination with planetary science into her professional aspirations. She first became interested in space after hearing a geologist speak about NASA’s Mars research while she was in high school.

At Missouri S&T, Amari is involved in campus life as vice president and historian of Sigma Gamma Epsilon Eta and secretary of the C.L. Dake Geological Society. She participates in the National Society of Black Engineers and Black Gems, where she builds her leadership skills and community connections.

Service is central to Amari’s story. From STEM outreach to disaster relief, she is committed to giving back where she can. Scholarships and financial aid have helped make her experience possible, allowing her to focus on her studies and gain hands-on experience through internships and campus work.

Nicishatse “Oliver” Oliver

A dual major in engineering management and economics, Nicishatse Oliver – who goes by Oliver for his first name – is driven by a people-centered approach to energy and innovation. He serves as finance lead for the Solar House Design Team and has expanded his experience through research projects and campus innovation initiatives.

Oliver is involved in several student organizations, including the American Society of Engineering Management, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Association of Student Alumni and the Honors Academy. Through Greek life, he serves as finance chair for Sigma Tau Gamma, helping organize fundraisers that benefit organizations such as Special Olympics.

Whether mentoring new students or volunteering on local trails, Oliver looks for ways to make a positive impact both on campus and in the community.

Caleb Schwenk

Sophomore mining engineering student Caleb Schwenk’s connection to Missouri S&T began long before his first day of class. In high school, a scholarship allowed him to attend Explosives Camp on campus – an experience that confirmed his passion for mining engineering and set his path forward.

Caleb is also continuing a proud Miner legacy. His grandfather earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at S&T, and Caleb now carries that tradition into a new generation. On campus, he is involved with the Newman Center Outreach Committee, Delta Tau Delta and the History Club.

His dedication earned him multiple scholarships and an upcoming internship with New Frontier Materials..

Elijah Thomas

Sophomore civil and architectural engineering student Elijah Thomas is a leader, mentor and connector on campus. He holds leadership roles in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serves as secretary of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and works as a student engagement officer and fundraiser through the phonathon.

Elijah is also passionate about building inclusive spaces. He helped create a student-led think tank to uplift Black student voices and co-founded a campus Bible study group to foster connection and community. His commitment to service extends beyond campus through volunteering with local organizations.

Whether studying in the Innovation Lab or designing projects in Architectural Design I, Elijah focuses on using his education to make a difference.