Industrial Technology Student Spotlight: Sara Mekideche

 

(April 11, 2024) -- This week is #StudentEmployeeAppreciationWeek at Fresno State, and we would like to recognize graduating senior Sara Mekideche, who works at our campus Center for Irrigation Technology.

The native of Algiers already had a master’s degree in industrial process engineering when she moved to Fresno in 2022, and her additional experience with our Industrial Technology Department is helping her shift her focus to an operations and project management career.

Owning a 4.0 GPA, she has also been active on campus by helping organize the Aspire to Grow conference in 2023, and serving as the president of the Agricultural Systems and Technology Club.

Read more about her impressive background in this recent interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

"I graduated from the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumedienne (USTHB) in 2018 with a master’s degree in Industrial Process Engineering. I started working in sales, and thrived in the business aspect of it, but I missed the engineering aspect. So, four years later, I started thinking about adding a degree that would allow me to combine technical knowledge and business skills, which would also help switch my career towards operations/project management."

"My brother and his little family were already established in Fresno for some years, and they suggested that I should research some of the degrees/courses offered at Fresno State. That is how I came across the Industrial Technology Department, which was a perfect fit." 

"IT classes complement my first degree perfectly with classes in programming, PLCs, robotic design, etc., and help me learn more about managing day to day activities, new technologies and overall operations."

 

Q: When do you intend to graduate?

May 2024

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of?

"I was born, raised and graduated in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. I moved to Fresno in 2022."

 

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?

"Dr. Arun Nambiar, who is the department chair, is the most dedicated person I have ever met. He always makes himself available for us students, and I commend him for it."

 

Q: Talk about any campus units you have worked at and skills you have learned that you can apply to your career.

"I am currently working at the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT), as a student assistant. I have been given multiple projects to focus on, which allows me to expand my experience on project and time management, and also learn how different the day to day office activities are managed here compared to back home."

 

Q: Do you have prior background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

"I had no knowledge whatsoever of agriculture. My move to Fresno State opened the door to a new industry that I never thought would have so many different dimensions. I am happy to learn more about it every day."

 

Q: What clubs and organizations at Fresno State have you been a part of?

"I have had the opportunity to served the Agricultural Systems and Technology Club as its president. Last year we participated and helped organize the first edition of Aspire to Grow event, which brings together a panel of industry professionals to speak about their careers in agriculture. The event helps broaden student’s perspectives when it comes to their future careers, this is especially valuable for someone like myself who is learning about agriculture."

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

"I received the Dean's Scholarship Tuition Fee Waiver (DSTW)."

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

"Moving to a different country, and leaving your life behind is never easy. Thankfully, I have a loving family here with me that supports and helps me through difficulties. I am also very grateful to the welcoming culture on campus."

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself?

"I have been able to maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA, for which I received student all star awards. I also received awards for student leadership from the IT Department.

"I was a semi-professional volleyball player, and now I enjoy playing recreationally. I enjoy traveling and visiting/discovering new places, and I love spending time with my family. My niece and nephew are my favorite ‘tiny’ people in the world!"

 

Q: What’s your potential next career step?

"I would like to work in an operations or project management position."