For Missouri State University senior Anneli DeRousse, studying engineering was a way for her to understand the world. 

“I’ve always wanted to answer the question of why and to know how things work,” she said. “I thought engineering offers the perfect blend of logic, creativity and the real world.” 

DeRousse graduates from Missouri State in May with a degree in electrical engineering. Her focus is on automation and control systems. During her time at MSU, she has left her professional mark on her peers and professors.  

Born and raised in the northern European country of Latvia, DeRousse and her family moved to Madrid, Spain, when she was 12. She lived there for six years and then moved to Springfield when she graduated high school. 

She learned about Missouri State from her dad, who is originally from Missouri.  

“We visited the United States every summer, so I could already call this place home,” DeRousse said. 

Maximizing her time as a Bear

She began her studies at MSU in August 2020.  

“MSU offered the engineering classes I wanted, a smaller community of students and still allowed me to experience what a bigger university is like,” she said. 

DeRousse has spent her time at the university working to build her future. She has taken on several roles that have contributed to MSU and the larger community.  

She was secretary for the Missouri State chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for the past two years. She also served as a teaching assistant and grader for an electrical engineering course.  

“The opportunity has really allowed me to mentor students and reinforce good technical writing since I focus a lot on their lab reports,” DeRousse said. “It’s important to me to support academic success for the underclassmen.”  

Since January 2023, she has worked as an intern at John Deere in the remanufacturing plant. She performed tasks, such as diagnosing system issues, fixing redlined schematics and streamlining and troubleshooting workflows.  

“It’s allowed me to develop professionally and meet a lot of people in my field,” she said. 

She describes her time at MSU as welcoming, and her professors have been supportive. 

“Dr. Theresa Odun-Ayo (cooperative engineering program director) has always supported me when I’ve had my doubts as a female in engineering,” she said. “The professors always work to make you feel welcome and warm. I never felt like a number. You can tell there are people here who care.” 

Stepping into the working world

After graduation, she will move to Kansas City, Missouri, for a full-time position as a control systems engineer. 

“My role will focus on implementing information systems in industrial situations,” DeRousse said. “I’m really excited to keep building on the foundation I’ve developed through my college life and my internship at John Deere.” 

Learn more about the cooperative engineering program