Missouri Military Academy Cadet Zijie Zhou, a high school senior from Shenzhen, China, gained valuable hands-on experience through an internship with the Public Works Department of Mexico, Missouri, during the fall 2023 semester. Cadet Zhou has been at MMA since 2019, and he is involved with the rifle team, the Fusileer Drill Team and tennis. He holds cadet leadership positions as the battalion executive officer and a co-Fusileer Drill Team commander.

“I am very glad that I could receive an internship opportunity with the Mexico engineering department,” Cadet Zijie Zhou says. “This opportunity has been instrumental in providing me with insights into problem-solving methodologies commonly used by engineers, along with a great understanding of the software and hardware integral to the field.”

Throughout the semester, Cadet Zhou honed his civil engineering skills. He worked on the following projects: road repairs, the city’s five-year road plan, construction site inspections, surveys utilizing GIS systems, pipe inspections by using exploration robots and data gathering for the Mexico Memorial Airport.

“Cadet Zhou distinguished himself by demonstrating exceptional critical thinking skills, as well as perseverance and initiative, in all projects conducted during his internship,” says Public Works Director Andrew Williford. “Cadet Zhou was unquestionably an exceptional intern, and the city is pleased to once again partner with Missouri Military Academy to make this opportunity possible.”

Upon graduation, Cadet Zhou plans to attend Virginia Tech or the University of Wisconsin-Madison.