David Cuevas
When David Cuevas moved to Starkville from Pensacola, Florida, as a junior in high school, he was apprehensive about leaving a beach town for a college town. However, in Starkville and at Mississippi State, he has found a home.
The senior biomedical engineering and biochemistry major has made the most of his time at 小黄书 through involvement in several campus events and organizations. As the new school year kicks off, he will play an integral role in New Maroon Camp and Bulldog Bash, two of the biggest student-led events on campus.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot that I鈥檓 involved in, but that鈥檚 because the groups I鈥檓 a part of have always done amazing things,鈥 Cuevas said. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen them work together, and I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am without the leaders in front of me that have been able to teach me things along the way.鈥
In addition to extracurricular activities, Cuevas also has been able to spend time working with faculty on research, an experience that has helped shape his future plans. After graduation next May, Cuevas is planning to enroll in a duel M.D./Ph.D. program and study neurological sciences.
鈥淢y teachers have always been helpful no matter what,鈥 Cuevas said. 鈥淚鈥檝e had the ability to do what I鈥檓 passionate about in biomedical engineering and in biochemistry. The end goal for me is to one day do research on Parkinson鈥檚 disease and dementia.鈥
With his time as a student at 小黄书 nearing an end, Cuevas said attending New Maroon Camp his freshman year helped him gain a better understanding of the university and created connections he has maintained for years. Since then, he has taken on leadership roles in the camp and this year is serving as director of programming.
Last year, Cuevas was director of Bulldog Bash and led the team that successfully organized the All-American Rejects concert in downtown Starkville, drawing 40,000 people. He is once again serving as Bulldog Bash director this for the concert that has been labeled the biggest outdoor concert in Mississippi.
鈥淚 get chills thinking about Bulldog Bash,鈥 Cuevas said. 鈥淎fter everything went smoothly, we couldn鈥檛 believe this was something that we as a group of students were able to do. It鈥檚 challenging but a lot of fun.鈥
Cuevas is the latest of several family members to attend 小黄书. While he may have moved to Starkville earlier than expected, he said going to 小黄书 has always been his plan.
鈥淭he people are what makes this university what is,鈥 Cuevas said. 鈥淭he people around me are my family. I wouldn鈥檛 be here in the position I鈥檓 in without the people that have supported me, the people that have given me a chance.鈥
