December 08, 2023

At Mizzou, Jack Shultz has had the opportunity to explore a variety of academic interests including business and athletic training. He ultimately opted to combine his passion for math and chemistry and pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

Shultz said he was grateful that Mizzou provided the opportunity to create his own path. Upon graduation, he will be forging ahead, joining Burns & McDonnell as an Assistant Chemical Engineer with the Oil, Gas, and Chemical group in Kansas City.

Read on for a Q&A with Shultz about his Mizzou experience.

Why did you choose Mizzou?

While neither of my parents attended Mizzou, both of my grandparents pursued their studies here, laying the foundation for my journey to become a Tiger. My passion for Mizzou started as a young child cheering for the family favorite Missouri Tigers football and basketball teams. Over the years, that enthusiasm has grown through road trips to Columbia, attending events in Kansas City, and even a trip to a football bowl game in 2008. My family has been a big part of my life since my childhood, and I am very grateful for their love and support.

What made you interested in your major?

My first year at Mizzou I was undeclared. I investigated pursuing business, physical therapy, pre-dental (my dad is a dentist) and athletic training. So, I had many options from which to choose. Toward the end of my freshman year at Mizzou, I sat down and really reflected on my skills and interests. Through that process, dating back to high school, I always enjoyed math and chemistry, so I put those two together and chose Chemical Engineering.

How did you get involved at Mizzou?

There are a few organizations I have been involved with throughout my time at Mizzou. Lions Club, Tau Beta Pi (the Engineering Honors Society), and AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) are all clubs I have been involved with for multiple years. The organization I have been heavily involved with throughout my time at Mizzou is Student Mobilization (StuMO). They are a faith-based organization that helps students grow in their character and leadership. Through them, I have had the opportunity to go to their summer project called Kaleo in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in 2021 and this past summer had the opportunity to spend 6 weeks in the Philippines.

Currently, I am finishing research for Dr. Matthias Young on electrochemical properties of PEDOT. Also, I completed research for Dr. Joontaek Park this fall working on summarizing safety incidents to help expand his presentation ideas in Chemical Process Safety and Ethics (CH_ENG 3307).

How has Mizzou Engineering helped you achieve your goals?

My professors in the chemical engineering program have been a blessing throughout my time at Mizzou. Over the past four years, the professors in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering have been an amazing source of guidance and support. Their dedication to each student’s success has been truly exceptional. They go above and beyond to ensure we excel academically and personally. I cherish the relationships I have built with them.

Why are you proud to be a Tiger? 

I am proud to be a Tiger because being a Tiger is more than just going to college. The environment at Mizzou has helped me succeed not only in the classroom, but it has also allowed me to grow so much personally. I am grateful for the university’s commitment to diversity, its fascinating history and how Mizzou equips students to be sent out to make a real impact in the world. Being a part of the Tiger family has allowed me to form incredible friendships and connections while pushing toward shared goals of success.