Grads of distinction: Mouhamadou Guisse
Since he was a young boy, Mouhamadou Guisse has been fascinated with flight and the large jets he and his family took to visit relatives in Senegal. So when he decided to pursue an engineering degree at Ohio State, there was little question as to what he would study.
“I wanted to pursue a career in a field where I would learn more about these cool mechanical systems and apply my skills in math and science to what impressed me the most,” the aerospace engineering major said.
A first-generation college student from Cincinnati, Guisse has not only excelled in the classroom, he has also taken full advantage of all the university has to offer. He is president of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals at The Ohio State University, where he promotes STEM outreach in underrepresented communities. Those activities include giving talks about aviation history and career paths, doing STEM-related activities in schools and hosting students at the Ohio State Airport. He is also finance chair for Ohio State’s National Society of Black Engineers, where he helps create opportunities for fellow students.
Those positions not only enable Guisse to give back, but he has also gained valuable skills.
“In class we learn more the more technical side of engineering. Being involved in student organizations means I get to use other skills, like teamwork, leadership and communication, that aren't as heavily emphasized within the classroom,” he explained. “It's a great way to round out my experience and make sure that I'm learning and growing as both a person and a student.”
A member of Ohio State’s Young Scholars Program, Guisse is a mentor and peer-leader who helps first-year scholars from underserved communities successfully transition to college.
“When I think about my own experience, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere close to where I am without the help of mentors, faculty and staff,” he said. “So I think it's only right that I return the favor and give back to the communities and programs that have helped to get me here.”
Guisse also completed engineering internships at Xtek, Battelle and GE Aviation. This fall he will begin working at Northrop Grumman in Utah as an associate mechanical engineer.
As someone who both benefitted from Ohio State resources and served as a resource to others, Guisse urges students to “ask for help when need be and help others along the way.”
“There are lots of different mentorship programs, resources and student organizations that can help you not just in your classes, but to get to the best version of yourself,” he added. “I think it’s really important to reach out to those resources that are available to grow as both a student and overall as a well-rounded person.”
