From MCC to Mars: Dr. Stewart blazes mechanical engineering trail
At 30 years of age, Meridian native Dr. Blake Stewart has already carved out a path in the mechanical engineering field.
This Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University graduate is a research engineer at MSU's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems; Dr. Stewart's academic and professional journey is a testament to his dedication and innovative spirit.
Dr. Stewart began his college career at MCC; he was attracted to the financial savings the College offered – especially the MCC Foundation's signature program, the Tuition Guarantee. The Foundation guarantees the tuition to recently graduated students from high schools in Meridian or Lauderdale County or are homeschooled in Lauderdale County. Eligible students receive four semesters of community college tuition-free as long as they maintain a 2.0 GPA and take at least 15 hours a semester.
"The Tuition guarantee was too good to turn down," he explained. At MCC, Dr. Stewart began to redirect his career path from a pre-medicine focus to engineering, fueled by his interest in physics and engineering's practical applications.
After earning his associate's degree at MCC in 2012, Dr. Stewart pursued a bachelor's and a direct-admit doctorate in mechanical engineering at MSU. His research, crucial for future Martian explorations, focuses on ferrous alloy manufacturing on Mars using in-situ resources. Before returning to MSU, Dr. Stewart was a NASA civil servant and aerospace materials engineer at Marshall Space Flight Center.
Recalling his days at MCC, Dr. Stewart remembers participating in the inaugural Honor's College class, engaging in service projects, and learning invaluable lessons in chemistry instructor Dr. Angie Carraway's organic chemistry classes. "While I did not pursue chemistry, the lessons on operating as a researcher have been vital," he states.
Today, Dr. Stewart's motivation stems from a desire to make the universe a more understood and interesting place. "I just want the young me to be proud of the work I've done," he said.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Stewart credits much of his success and happiness to his supportive family. His wife Kelly, his biggest supporter, and his extended family and in-laws in Lauderdale County have been his rock. "My family... we're all very close, and no matter what, we're always there for each other," he said.
Dr. Stewart offers advice for those considering college or a career in engineering: "Do not chase the dreams that anyone else has for you. Look for what you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life."
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.