“The professors and staff at Ohio State Mansfield have given me the guidance, support, and education needed to ensure my success and equip me for a career working in research and development of biotechnology.”
Drue Amin spoke these words to an auditorium full of first-year students as our 2023 convocation speaker. Drue spoke of his own personal journey that has led him across the globe, all to find his home as a Buckeye in Mansfield. Drue was born in Ahemdabad, India and moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was 8 years old.
Drue Amin is a 3rd year biology major who came to Ohio State as a transfer student in the fall of 2021 after graduating from North Royalton High School in Northeast Ohio. Drue first discovered the Mansfield campus after initially applying to the Columbus campus.
He quickly felt at home, largely thanks to the University Exploration Survey course (EXP) taught by Tara Hines. EXP introduces students to the Ohio State University while equipping them with the decision-making skills needed in exploring majors and future careers, as well as connects students to campus and community opportunities. Drue echoed,
“EXP broke down what it means to be a Buckeye, how to navigate all of Ohio State’s resources, provided a roadmap to being involved on campus, and gave me new study skills to be successful in the classroom.”
He also highlighted his anatomy course as inspiring him to pursue a career in biotechnology after exploring pathways in computer science.
Drue acknowledged the close-knit campus and smaller class sizes as being a huge benefit to all students. He has been able to build one-on-one relationships with faculty and staff members that have led to exclusive opportunities in student organizations and internships. Drue spent one semester as an intern at Warren Rupp Inc., where he gained valuable industry experience in engineering, project management, and manufacturing processes. Drue was recently honored as the 2023 convocation speaker, welcoming new students to Ohio State Mansfield because of his involvement on campus and success as a student.
Drue said that speaking at convocation has been the highlight of his college career.
“Standing on stage in front of so many new students made me realize that my journey can inspire others and allow me to act as a guide similar to those that have motivated me.”
One of Drue’s personal goals was to attain his citizenship while in college. He joined the US Army Reserves in December 2022, and officially became a citizen of the United States in Summer 2023.
Drue will graduate with his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Mansfield campus and plans to become a Clinical Lab Technician where he will develop innovative medical products and technologies.
At Ohio State Mansfield, you will have opportunities to do amazing things all while pursuing your dreams. Learn more and schedule your campus visit here.