Geek of the Week: Ryan Marshall, Junior, MME

Some are born geeky, some achieve geekiness, and some have geekery thrust upon them. Those of us who roam the halls and walkways of Mines generally fit into at least one of these categories. Junior Ryan Marshall may just fit into all three of these categories. He has been spotted snapping pictures at campus sporting events, mastering the art of steering wheel drumming as he blasts heavy metal in his car, and raising his eyebrow at things which intrigue or confuse him. This week he managed to find time to give “The Oredigger” a unique glimpse into the life of a Metallurgical Engineer.

[Oredigger]: So why did you choose the world of Metallurgical Engineering?
[Marshall]: I chose it way before college; it’s why I came to Mines. I chose it because I love welding and metal. [I love] everything about metal and I want to work with it when I graduate.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?
Mechanical Properties of Materials because all of the labs were super interesting and I learned the stuff I came to Mines to learn about. It was super hard but I loved every minute of it.

Are you a geek and why?
I am absolutely a geek. I’m a geek to the bone. I’ll talk your ear off about my major and what I do with anyone and everyone, anytime, anywhere.

How do you spend that precious commodity known as free time?
Well, recently I’ve spent a fair amount of time spotting Skyrim. I don’t play it; I consult. I [also] play the ukulele.

Who would win in a fight between Chuck Norris and Batman?
I think it would depend on the time of day. I think Chuck would win anywhere but an urban environment.

What are some of your greatest achievements to date?
Three successful No-Shave November attempts, I’ve probably set the record for “fewest track meet appearances by a varsity track athlete,” [and] I might have pioneered the conversational power stance.

What is your favorite thing about life at Mines?
The jokes you can crack. People didn’t used to get my jokes, but then they all took an arrow to the knee.

What has been the coolest moment of geekery you’ve witnessed or been a part of whilst here?
[My friends and I made] a legit attempt to estimate the moment of inertia of a cliff diver at Casa Bonita.

Which side of the console war are you on and why?
I am an Xbox guy. Reasons: the Halo games and controller ergonomics.

Do you have any plans for your life post-Mines?
I’m seriously considering grad school and that is pretty much the foreseeable future.

Do you have any advice for fellow geeks and Mines students?
Get involved. If you don’t get out, you’re missing out.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Aśo bhai! (Translation from Bangla: Come at me bro!)