There were a total of nine Missouri college students, four professors, and three representatives of the National FFA, including two students, who took part in the third annual Novus International Science in Action day.

The science scholarship students from Missouri colleges included: Jacob Cook, Southwest Baptist University; Jania Billups, Avila University; Rebecca Brehe, Central Methodist University; Gina Osburn, Culver Stockton College; A. J. Exner, Southwest Baptist University; Joshua Kling, Westminster College; Andrea Weed, William Woods University; Kristen Bailey, Central Methodist University; and Hannah Crain, Hannibal-LaGrange College. The professors who were able to attend were Dr. Bob Powell, Avila University; Dr. Perry Tompkins, Dean, Southwest Baptist University; Dr. Angela Bowzer, Westminster College and Dr. Katricia Pierson, William Woods University. We already met the FFA representatives Christopher Bell, FFA Regional Director and National Officers Shannon Norris and Landan Schaffert.

Yesterday, I featured some of the career possibilities these participants heard about during the Science in Action day. Today, we hear from the students and the professors about their experience.

Dr. Powell says it was a valuable education for the students to see science-based careers in the private sector. “That’s where many of the jobs are, and the best paying jobs,” he said. Dr. Pierson, who is chair of science and humanities at William Woods, says she learned a lot at the event. “What I found most interesting is that people with science backgrounds don’t get stuck in labs, they do a lot of other things.”

Andrea, a double major in English Literature and Biology, liked meeting the people in different departments at Novus. “It’s been really interesting seeing how passionate they all are,” she said. A.J., who has done mission trips to other countries, was fascinated by the important part that agriculture and companies like Novus play in helping to feed the world. “I’ve seen hunger firsthand, seen the kids on the streets, starving and asking for food,” he said. “And I see the hope in a company like Novus.”

“I learned more about how science really connects with business,” said Gina, who is majoring in biology and chemistry. Jacob, a biology major who hopes to become a teacher, was impressed by the variety of career opportunities. “I enjoyed learning about different things that I can do with science,” he said.

For most of the students, this was their first time taking part in the event and learning more about Novus International, but it was the third time that Hannah attended. “Every year it just gets better,” she told me. “It’s just so interesting to see how Novus is broadening their horizons.”

You can listen to comments from Science in Action participants here: Science in Action Participants

See more photos from the event here: Novus Science in Action Day 2011 Photos