FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, my name is Brea McGinnis, and I’m from Lexington, Kentucky. I recently graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and can’t wait to start my journey at North Carolina A&T this fall, where I’ll be majoring in chemical engineering. One of my most recent accomplishments was being selected as one of 100 students (out of 500 applicants) to attend the University of Texas My Intro to Engineering Camp. I’m also an active member of STEMulates, an NSBE organization where I tackle real-world STEM challenges.
Beyond STEM, I served as my basketball team’s captain this year. At church, I lead sound engineering efforts, organize collection drives, and deliver youth Bible studies. My school involvement included participating in the Black Student Union, Sister Keeper, and a media arts internship where I prepared scripts and videos for our weekly school news broadcast.
I also served as a news anchor for the school’s morning news. These experiences have shaped me into a dedicated and well-rounded leader, earning recognition as a Central Kentucky Youth Salute Outstanding Leader, a Kentucky High School Athletic Association Academic All-State honoree, and a National Honor Society member. In my free time, I love watching and playing sports, especially basketball, and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy traveling and trying new foods. As a chemical engineer, I hope to develop medicine or makeup and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
FOSSI: What moment or experience sparked your love for STEM?
Ever since I was little, I’ve participated in summer STEM camps and loved making things and mixing ingredients together to create something new. But the turning point that made me fall in love with STEM was my visit to Toyota’s Girls Engineering Day. Learning from successful women in STEM and working on my own STEM projects that day was an unforgettable experience. The women there inspired me and helped grow my love for STEM, and I’ll forever be grateful for that experience. The summer following that event, I was fortunate enough to do an engineering internship at that same Toyota plant, where I worked in their paint, plastics, and production control departments.
FOSSI: What did it feel like when you found out you received the FOSSI scholarship?
When I received the call that I was one of this year’s recipients, I felt a wave of relief and excitement. The relief came from knowing this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of attending NC A&T, especially as an out-of-state student facing higher tuition costs. But I was equally excited about the opportunities ahead—the chance to be mentored by a professional in my field and to connect with other STEM students from underrepresented groups.
FOSSI: What are some surprising or unique facts about you?
- I won prom queen my senior year.
- I’ve traveled to 5 countries outside the U.S.
- I’m a huge NBA fan and have met players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaylen Brown, and All-Star dunk champion Mac McClung.
- I want to study abroad in college.
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