Freshman Studies · University of Mississippi · Aspiring Engineer & Researcher
A multidisciplinary focus spanning mechanical engineering, manufacturing excellence, and clinical biomedical research.
A rigorous academic trajectory anchored at the University of Mississippi, advancing across the disciplines of mechanical engineering, manufacturing systems, and clinical biomedical research.
Current Status
Completed inaugural summer term (June / July 2026); anticipating the Fall 2026 semester at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Educational Foundation
Pensacola Catholic High School graduate, Class of 2026 — a rigorous pre-collegiate environment cultivating analytical discipline and academic excellence.
Engineering & Manufacturing
A strong foundational focus on mechanical engineering principles, encompassing materials science, systems design, and applied mechanics. William maintains an active intent to integrate into the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME) at Ole Miss — an industry-facing program that bridges engineering theory with real-world manufacturing systems and workforce development.
Biomedical Research
A specialized research interest in the physiological applications of engineering, with focused inquiry into the clinical and therapeutic utilization of controlled psychedelic pharmaceuticals — including ketamine — for acute suicide prevention. This frontier area bridges pharmacological science, psychiatric therapeutics, and biomedical engineering toward measurable clinical outcomes.
A documented record of international and domestic geographic exposure — spanning European capitals, cultural landmarks, and professional venues — cultivates the adaptive perspective and cross-cultural competency essential to collaborative engineering and research environments.
Republic of Ireland
An immersive journey through Southern Ireland, encompassing the vibrant streets of Dublin, the rugged Dingle Peninsula, the medieval character of Galway, and the iconic Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way.
United Kingdom
Urban exploration of one of the world's foremost capitals — taking in the panoramic Thames skyline, the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and the academic heritage of Oxford, accessible via a short rail journey.
France
A week of cultural immersion in the French capital, reached via Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel. Two years of secondary-level French coursework provided essential linguistic fluency and cultural context throughout the visit.
United States — Nevada
Firsthand exposure to professional trade and convention environments at the Las Vegas Convention Center, alongside direct experience of one of the world's most distinctive commercial and entertainment corridors.
United States — Hawaii
Multiple visits to the Hawaiian Islands, with time spent across the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Kona on the Big Island and the lush, Na Pali Coast-framed terrain of Kauai — each offering a distinct ecological and cultural perspective.
United States — New York
Thanksgiving in New York City — a firsthand encounter with the scale and cultural density of one of the world's defining metropolises, from Midtown Manhattan to the iconic skyline spanning the East River.
Multi-sport involvement across the Pensacola Catholic High School Crusader athletic programs — football, baseball, and swimming — established a professional foundation built on structured discipline, competitive resilience, and high-performance teamwork.
Athletic involvement spanning football, a three-year championship baseball manager role, and senior-year swim team competition demonstrates sustained commitment across multiple disciplines. Each program cultivated distinct professional competencies — from operational coordination and program management to individual competitive performance under pressure.
The cross-sport breadth of this experience maps directly onto the demands of engineering project teams: versatility, adaptability to new challenges, and the consistent delivery of results across varied high-performance environments.
Participated on the Crusader football team as a freshman, establishing an early foundation in competitive team dynamics, physical conditioning, and the structured discipline required of high school varsity athletics at Pensacola Catholic High School.
Served as team manager for the Crusader baseball program across three consecutive seasons, contributing to a championship-winning organization. This tenure demanded meticulous operational support, logistical coordination, and a commitment to program excellence that directly parallels project management in engineering and research environments.
Competed as a member of the Crusader Swim team during senior year, participating in both regular season meets and District-level competition. This commitment demonstrated adaptability, individual performance accountability, and the ability to engage in high-stakes competitive environments beyond a single sport.
Internship inquiries, research collaborations, and academic connections welcome.
LinkedIn Profile
linkedin.com/in/williamlaborde
wlaborde77@gmail.com
Phone
850-346-6545
Location
Oxford, MS · University of Mississippi
William is currently completing his inaugural summer term at the University of Mississippi and is actively pursuing internship and research opportunities for Fall 2026 and beyond.