Kurt Ristroph is a 20-year-old junior at LSU who’s double majoring in chemical engineering and classics. He is the only LSU student among the 12 local speakers you can come see speak on Feb. 28 at TEDxLSU 2015.
I connected with Kurt recently to learn a little more about his life and background. Here are the highlights of our conversation.
Why did you choose to go to LSU?
I always knew that I wanted to study engineering. I applied to many other schools, specifically in the Northeast, but when it came down to it I knew LSU was the best place for me. LSU’s engineering program is known for its high quality, and I was blown away by the LSU Honors College. I felt that at LSU I would be competing against myself, and not everyone else around me. Coming to LSU also allowed me to double major, broadening my opportunities to excel individually.
What is your favorite book? Why?
This is a tough one, but if I had to pick I would say “The Silmarillion” by J.R.R. Tolkien. In my opinion, it is one of the first great works of world-building fantasy. I love the characters, level of detail and the storyline. It’s a masterpiece.
When did your passion for reading begin?
I have loved to read since a very young age. I remember I was reading chapter books in first grade. My first grade teacher had a library in our classroom. Once I finished all of those books, I would read all of my brother’s books at home. I’m also very fortunate that my parents would regularly take me to the library. Whenever I would go, I would check out as many books as I could.
You’ve lived in Baton Rouge your whole life, what still connects you to here?
There is something about being in the city that I grew up in that makes me enjoy this place. Baton Rouge is home to me, and there is a sense of comfort being where you came from. I also love the things that make Louisiana unique — the culture, the dialect, the ways of looking at things and Mardi Gras, of course.
Who from Baton Rouge do you wish could do a TEDxLSU Talk in 2016?
Professor Michael Pasquier. I had him for one of my honors courses my first semester, and he had so many interesting things to say about his research, the state of the world, cultural affairs and religious events. His films and research have a direct relationship with Louisiana.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Travel to New Zealand because I love The Lord of the Rings.
Travel to Rome because of the Latin connection.
Meet Bill Gates. If I had an hour with him, I’m pretty sure I could get him on board with my project for the libraries.
Do you feel your age affects you in your work with the EBR libraries? If so, how?
I do, but I feel that it affects me in a positive way. I’m still young, so I am still very close to the time in my life when the libraries greatly benefited me. Even though the kids I’m helping do not know it’s me behind the project, I feel like I still connect with the children because I was in their position not too long ago.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally, I will have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and will be conducting nanotechnology research at a large-scale research institution.
If you could send a special invitation to anyone in the community to come to your TED Talk, who would you pick?
Definitely Mr. Roger Ogden. He is a philanthropist and businessman who has donated millions of dollars to the LSU Honors College. His donation funds my project, and I want him to know that I am using his gift to help children with their education.
What do you plan on doing when you graduate from LSU?
I plan to attend grad school somewhere in the Northeast to continue my chemical engineering education.
To learn more about Kurt and TEDxLSU 2015, follow TEDxLSU onTwitter, Facebook andInstagram. Connect with Kurt and his fellow speakers on Feb. 28.
