At 16, Joshua Merritt is the youngest UAFS graduate to walk in commencement exercises this week, and that makes UAFS’ own Jason Merritt one incredibly proud father.
Joshua Merritt, a River Valley native, will graduate with an associate degree in electronics this weekend. He also will receive a technical certificate and two certificates of proficiency this semester.
“He is double majoring in electrical engineering technology and mechanical engineering with a 4.0 GPA,” said Jason Merritt, Joshua’s father and senior instructor of electronics technology in the College of Applied Science and Technology at UAFS.
Joshua Merritt graduated from Greenwood High School three years early and turned 16 at the end of March. He has completed 81 hours toward his electrical engineering technology degree.
“Since this chapter of my life is the ideal time to focus on my studies of engineering fundamentals, I am currently focusing on completing two engineering bachelor’s degrees,” Joshua said. “I anticipate some industry opportunity soon, but I am also strongly considering the importance of completing master’s and doctorate degrees.”
Joshua received the Academic Excellence Award for Electronics in April. He also presented his senior design project, “Robot Automation Pandemic Integration Delivery System, which focuses on using robotics and automation in industry to keep workers safe while continuing production through the COVID-19 pandemic, at the annual Student Research Symposium. A panel of judges selected this research presentation as one of the top oral presentations of the symposium.
“He absolutely loves UAFS and has had excellent experiences with all of his professors,” Jason Merritt.
Joshua said that UAFS has made him feel welcome and has given him the interpersonal skills, research proficiency, study techniques, and insight that have helped him continue to prepare for his degree and future career path.
“I have learned so much from my professors, as well as peers that have worked in the industry,” he said. “I have also been able to work on many awesome projects while working through this degree program.”
“I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the chancellor, provost, deans of both CAST and STEM (College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), advisers, and awesome professors that have helped me achieve success here at UAFS. I have several more years here, and I know I will enjoy every semester thanks to each of you!”
