2013 Monsanto Scholar: Alex Marcellus (University of Purdue)

Alex Marcellus is a freshman studying engineering with a minor in computer science at Purdue University. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alex is a winner of the 1st Annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students awarded during the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC.

When asked to share his thoughts on winning the scholarship, Alex wrote,

“I am very grateful to have received the 2013 Monsanto Scholarship administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. This scholarship allows me to pursue my educational goals at a university renowned for both its research and its connections to industry. I plan to spend my career giving back to the communities that have made my educational success possible, especially the agricultural industry as it faces unprecedented technological opportunity through this century and beyond.

BDPA has set an example to me of the difference that Computer Science and Information Technology professionals can make in a rapidly changing global marketplace. The opportunities that BDPA offers to youth, including their youth camps and scholarships, are trend setting and one of the most powerful tools that we have to combat the STEM deficiency that is currently impacting America’s productivity and global competitiveness.

I was first involved in BDPA through my application for this Monsanto Scholarship. I have always been passionate about using data analysis to drive better business outcomes, and agriculture is one of the industrial verticals where these business benefits can be most clearly realized. BDPA and Monsanto both help provide the technically skilled workforce needed to implement the technologies and information systems to make these dreams a reality. I am truly grateful to the BDPA for giving me the opportunity to further my studies of engineering, mathematics, and computing at Purdue University and plan to stay involved with the organization in the future.”

Alex interned two summers ago on the Service Desk for Kao USA, helping them to support over 500 users. He interned last summer for GE Aviation working in their IT Department supporting the roll out of new software and an ERP implementation in the United States.

He is a new member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Alex completed a stellar high school career at Summit Country Day School where he was the salutatorian while graduating with a astronomical 4.752 grade point average. His scholarship essay was entitled, 'How Information Technology Impacts Agriculture'. Alex is a young man who deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'.