Ezekiel “Zeke” McReynolds is a Senior in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Zeke had planned to pursue his education at the Naval Academy but when his plans fell through he heard the call of the Aggie traditions in College Station.

This week, Zeke sat down and chatted a little about his experiences at Texas A&M University and in the department.

Why did you decide to study Biological and Agricultural Engineering? 

Zeke: For me this question is always tricky. I didn’t actually pick this department; BAEN picked me. When making my college plans, I had actually planned to go to the naval academy but when that fell through, I quickly signed up for A&M.  I picked the only engineering department left open (BAEN) and figured I would transfer. Three years later, I am still in the best engineering department A&M has to offer and am so glad that it found me.

Tell me about your leadership roles in the department?  What are you planning for your ASABE presidency?

Zeke: I have held several leadership positions within the department from the Aggie Pullers ¼ scale tractor design team president to treasurer of ASABE.  And for the upcoming 2016-2017 year, I was elected to be president of ASABE.

Unfortunately, Texas A&M ASABE student branch has struggled with attendance in the past. That’s why, this year, the goal is to encourage current members to have more proactive participation. I would also like to see more communication within the officer team.

However, the big change is to finally start utilizing the newly renovated Scoates building. Our department put a lot of effort into getting this building fixed and it’s time we start to move back in where we can be seen again. The move of the student club meetings from its current location in Hobgood to Scoates will hopefully generate more interest from faculty and general engineering students.

Have you been abroad?  Tell me about your experience.

Zeke: I had the chance to travel abroad and went to Guatemala in the spring of 2015. Experiences while there included the opportunity to conduct rapid rural appraisals on many different farms across the country. I specifically focused my study on their water supply and sources. The level of contaminant within the water supply throughout the entire country was shocking. Since traveling there and dealing with many active aid organizations, I believe that I would be positively utilized. With that being said, I am traveling to Namibia in Africa next month to continue my study of international farming and how best the water aid programs could affect countries in need.

What do you want to do when you graduate?  Why do you want to go that direction?

Zeke: After a variety of proposed plans in several directions, I realized I have a desire to travel internationally and aid foreign countries in the agricultural sector, much like an international agricultural consultant. Whether this leads me to work for the USAID, U.S. Peace Corps, or another aid organization, I believe this line of work is a good fit. Though I cannot pinpoint the exact reason for the desire to work in this field, it is clear that this is where my passion lies.