Published on Aug. 17, 2024
Kiraly Vega had two items on her college wish list – a place where she could participate in undergraduate research and engage in an exciting study abroad program. Not only did the University of Missouri offer both, as a Stamps Scholar, Vega will be able to begin research during her first semester as a Tiger. She’ll also have extra funding to pursue study abroad.
“I’m just so excited,” said Vega, who is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. “I knew that I really wanted to do research in college right away, and it was awesome to learn that through the Stamps Scholarship Program I would be introduced to research early on. Study abroad is a priority for me, too. Having a scholarship that offered me opportunities for both was amazing. It was a game changer.”
While Vega had visited the MU campus before, she said the Stamps interview weekend was vital for her as she was making her college decision. She was able to go on an in-depth tour of the MU campus, meet with faculty and campus leadership, and interact with current Stamps Scholar throughout the weekend.
“I had a picture in my mind of what Mizzou was, and I soon found out it wasn’t correct,” Vega said. “The campus is so beautiful, with the flowers and landscaping and the really cool buildings. It was also so much more accessible than I thought. As I walked around during the interview weekend, I could envision myself as a Tiger.”
Vega plans to major in mechanical engineering at MU. Her passion for engineering was developed and grew as a member of her school’s FIRST Robotics Competition team. The competition has a team of students build and program industrial-size robots that compete in a field game against other squads. Vega served as her team’s head electrician and oversaw outreach.
“I love everything about this competition,” Vega said. “While building and competing was always exciting, I was also very dedicated to spreading engineering to the next generation and to communities that don’t have those opportunities. We had a huge robotics team at my high school, and it was always important for us to invite other schools in and show them the basics of engineering. I want students to see themselves as engineers, and to do that, we have to make it more accessible.”
Along with her robotics work, Vega also participated in several non-STEM research projects. She’s excited for the opportunity to explore all kinds of research at Mizzou.
“I love that I can look at projects outside of my major,” Vega said. “There will also be opportunities to potentially work with students in degree programs that are different than mine. It’s incredible that I’ll be able to explore my interests. I’m passionate about all forms of research, and Mizzou is very unique in that it offers opportunities to do so much.”
Vega’s second wish list item – study abroad – is something she’s ready to delve into as well.
“Growing up, I was deathly afraid of flying,” Vega said. “I was able to take a trip to Spain and Portugal when I was 13 years old, though, and it changed my perspective on the world. It’s vital to experience other cultures and meet others. I know Mizzou has so many incredible study abroad programs, and I’m ready to expand my interest in traveling the world.”