Gabriel Baird

Who am I

Name: Gabriel Baird

Major: Civil Engineering

Honors/Honors LLC: Yes

Year: Third-year

Hometown: Iowa City, IA

What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman?

Don’t hesitate to do something that interests you. There are tons of ways to get involved, if you find something that might look fun, do it!

What have you been involved with outside of the COE?

Student Advancement Network (SAN)-A philanthropic organization that collaborates with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. We attend UI presidential events and interact with UI alumni donors.
Internship at Foth companies-Civil Engineering Design Internship in Cedar Rapids. Performed civil engineering CAD design for municipalities and DOTs
Internship at HNTB-Transportation Policy & Planning Internship in Des Moines. Analyzed potential environmental impacts for civil engineering projects

What has been your favorite or most impactful course?

Civil Engineering Tools. This was a project-based class where we simulated working with a client to design a parking lot for their business. We had to use programs to design our projects and make sure they met all the necessary compliances.

What organizations inside the college of engineering do you belong to?

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)-Professional development and connections within the Civil & Environmental Department.
Concrete Canoe-National competition where we make a canoe made out of concrete and race it.
Corn Monument-Homecoming tradition where we build a monument with the incorporation of corn and erect it on the pentacrest during homecoming week.

Who is your favorite or most impactful professor and why?

Professor Fosse, he gives meaningful advice and really cares about his students. He does a great job teaching students leadership skills, professionalism, ethics, and a bunch of other traits that are very valuable in civil engineering. Overall, a great role model to follow in all aspects of life.