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What types of projects do engineers get to work on every day? What buildings do architects get to design? How does the work environmental scientists do help save endangered species?
 
Students in grades 7-12, curious parents and interested educators will learn the answers to these and other questions during Your World Empowered, a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) career event hosted by Burns & McDonnell.
 
The free program is designed to introduce students to job opportunities in engineering, architecture, environmental science and construction management and help them see how professionals in these fields make a difference in our world every day.
 
The evening event will feature a presentation on STEM careers and a panel discussion with professionals who will share experiences about their own career paths. This is a great event to help students realize the role they can play in shaping, changing and improving the future.

Event

Tuesday, Dec. 12
6-7:30 p.m. Central
In-person or virtual registration options

SPEAKERS

Panelists

Gyasi Talib

Assistant Electrical Engineer

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Gyasi is an assistant electrical engineer at Burns & McDonnell, where he spends his days identifying solutions for clients within the power and energy industries. Originally from Kansas City, he holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Kansas and is currently studying for a master’s degree in city/urban, community and regional planning from the Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning.

Kameryn Furman

Staff Mechanical Engineer

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As a student Kameryn gravitated toward STEM topics but wasn't sure where that interest would take her. After studying mechanical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, she recognized how important an engineer's job is and saw the value of mentoring students to help them shape future careers in STEM-related fields. She is now in business development within the Oil, Gas & Chemical Group at Burns & McDonnell. Outside of the office, Kameryn is a national medalist in synchronized skating (2011, 2012 and 2023), former Team USA synchronized skating coach, and a current coach for the nationally medaling KC MOMENTUM synchronized skating teams.

Scott Nakayama

Assistant Mechanical Engineer

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Scott has held a lifelong interest in STEM subjects, especially those relating to mechanical systems. Following a 10-year period after high school, during which he worked as a Ford diesel mechanic and U.S. Marine Corps radio repairman, he went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T. He is now in the Chemicals, Oil and Gas Group at Burns & McDonnell, where he assists in the design of rotating equipment. In his spare time, Scott likes to travel, dabble in various hobbies and spend time with his baby son.

Moderator

Melissa May

Senior Project Controls Specialist

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Melissa’s current role as a project manager is dedicated to process improvements for construction initiatives, which entails finding ways to help execute projects more efficiently, increase profits and keep projects ahead of schedule. Prior to this role, she was a project controls specialist, which focuses on cost management, earned value progress, and schedule management. During this time, she spent years on construction project sites, helping build everything from a natural gas processing plant to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to cat litter. Her background as a mechanical engineer and her master’s degree in business management has suited her to balance the technical and management skills needed to be successful. In her free time, Melissa loves to travel and has visited 41 countries; her favorite trip was hiking for three weeks through the Himalayas in Nepal. She also loves to be creative through outlets such as pottery and painting.

Emily Rhoden

Senior Community Relations Strategist

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As senior community relations strategist for the Burns & McDonnell Foundation, Emily facilitates programs and partnerships with schools, educators and nonprofit partners to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Her passions include connecting all students to STEM as well as developing and maintaining relationships with teachers and students. When she’s not connecting with schools across the country, Emily enjoys cheering on her children’s sports teams and kayaking.

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In-person or virtual registration options

Participants can attend in-person or virtually. Virtual attendees are welcome to join from anywhere in the world and will receive a link for the event upon registration. Those who would like to attend in-person can visit us at our world headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Light refreshments will be provided.