December 03, 2024
Miles Kousoulas, a soon-to-be industrial engineering graduate, came to Mizzou from a small town and is graduating intending to make a big impact.
Drawn to industrial engineering by his fascination with how systems work, flow, and operate, Kousoulas cites the program’s small size as a key advantage, enabling close connections with professors and classmates.
At Mizzou, Kousoulas spent a semester as a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), touring factories and facilities, learning firsthand how they are operated and maintained and gaining valuable insights into the world of manufacturing.
Read on for a Q&A with Kousoulas about his Mizzou Engineering experience.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m from Sycamore, Illinois, a small town about an hour west of Chicago, surrounded by endless cornfields. My family has deep roots on both sides: much of my family has lived in the Sycamore area for generations, except for my paternal grandfather, who emigrated to America from Greece in the mid-1900s.
I chose Mizzou because I was drawn to the school’s incredible spirit, strong reputation and vibrant sense of community. Additionally, having a brother who was a Mizzou alum gave me the opportunity for several visits and the ability to experience the full Mizzou tradition firsthand.
Why are you proud to be a Tiger?
I’m proud to be a Tiger for many reasons, but most of all because it means being part of the Mizzou family. Fellow Tigers are always there to encourage you to strive for excellence and offer support when you need it most. Being a Tiger isn’t just about receiving help—it’s also about being there to support others in the Mizzou community. It’s a bond that creates a strong sense of belonging and pride.
What’s your favorite Mizzou Engineering memory?
The very first class back from summer break in Fall 2022, I attended a lecture with Dr. Wu. Near the end of class, Dr. Wu suddenly said, “Everyone stand up and go in the hall, I’m teaching you how to dance.”
At first, I was in shock and confused by what was happening, but I think I was more astonished at exactly how he tied learning how to dance into how a manufacturing facility works. It made more sense than you would possibly believe. That will forever be a core memory that I know myself and my fellow classmates will never forget.
How has Mizzou Engineering helped you achieve your goals?
It has played a pivotal role by instilling in me a level of discipline I’ve never possessed before. It taught me that you must always strive for what you want—it doesn’t come easy. There were countless ups and downs, long days, sleepless nights and weeks filled with back-to-back assignments and exams, but through it all, I learned that hard work pays off. Even when you feel like giving up, the key is to keep pushing forward until you achieve exactly what you set out to do.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I’m currently uncertain about the exact path I’ll take, but I plan to begin applying for Industrial Engineering roles. I aim to apply the skills I’ve gained from the ISE program to tackle real-world challenges. My goal is to make a tremendous, positive impact—not only in the manufacturing field but also in the broader world.