Where are you from? Mount Vernon, Iowa!
Was there a specific moment or person that inspired you to choose engineering as a career path?
My dad studied civil engineering and works in private development, so I was exposed to the construction industry early on. I attended a Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) conference in 8th grade and was introduced to the engineering program at Iowa back then. Once I decided to attend the University of Iowa, the Civil and Environmental Engineering program stood out the most. I believe that civil engineering today is about producing new, innovative ideas for development while staying conscious of environmental impact. I want to work on projects that make a lasting, positive impact on communities.
What drew you to the University of Iowa? What makes the University of Iowa a good fit for you?
I honestly chose the University of Iowa because I’ve been a Hawkeye my whole life. Being from the great state of Iowa, the Hawkeyes are most everyone’s favorite team! The culture here is comforting, and everyone who goes through this school seems to carry a strong sense of pride for it. Almost my whole family has attended school here, which brings us all a little closer. I have loved going to school with my cousins and siblings. This makes living here feel more like home.
What activities are you involved in besides academics?
Last year, I became the Outreach Chair for our Iowa Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). I’ve really enjoyed this role, as it has allowed me to build relationships with my fellow Iowa Civil and Environmental Engineering peers and has connected me with industry employers. Being a member of ASCE has provided me with so many opportunities, like attending the Mid-America ASCE Student Symposium with the Iowa Concrete Canoe Team, helping with the Corn Monument build which has been a tradition here since 1919, participating in the bi-annual highway cleanup, and touring local construction sites. There are many activities we members enjoy together through ASCE. Being part of any student organization is a great way to spend time with classmates and to strengthen relationships outside of the classroom.
When I first came to Iowa, I joined my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, which introduced me to many strong, like-minded women who have become some of my closest friends. As the oldest of three sisters, I have always valued female friendship highly. The Panhellenic organization at the University of Iowa focuses on connecting women to support each other throughout their academic journeys and prepare them for their professional careers. I am forever grateful for the time I’ve spent with my friends through Pi Beta Phi.
Have you gained professional experience as an intern?
Being an intern has provided me with experiences that will greatly contribute to my professional career. The projects in this field are incredibly complex, with many moving parts and various groups involved in the construction process. My internships gave me the opportunity to visit project sites often, which greatly enhanced my understanding of the design process. Additionally, learning about the business side of the construction industry and how civil engineering plays a role in it has introduced me to the client connection aspect, which is something I am interested in pursuing in my future career.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at Iowa?
This year, I was invited to become a Peer Advisor for the Engineering Student Development Team. This experience has been a fantastic way to contribute to meaningful decisions within the College of Engineering. I enjoy having the opportunity to connect with students and provide guidance, as I was once in their exact position. I remember what it was like to be a new engineering student, feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar academic challenges. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of reassurance from someone who has already been through it. I love providing support to students and sharing what I've learned during my time at Iowa.
What do you like most about living in Iowa City?
What I like most about living in Iowa City is how intertwined the University’s campus is with the city. It is truly a college town, with a significant portion of the downtown population being students. The community of Iowa City is special, and there is always something to do. It’s great to have the ability to walk anywhere and everywhere. The grocery store, the pharmacy, friends’ apartments, class, and any restaurant or shop you might need are all just a short walk away. I spend my free time in Iowa City going to the downtown farmers' market, at local nature trails, attending Hawkeye football games, or just hanging out downtown with friends. This city is truly welcoming and is set up perfectly for us college students.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to spend the summer with my family and pets, enjoying quality time together and doing a bit of traveling. I’ll begin my full-time, entry-level civil engineering position in August. Over the past few weeks, following the Iowa Engineering Career Fair, I’ve interviewed with several companies in the area, and I’m excited to see where I’ll land! I hope to work for a company that shares my values and offers plenty of opportunities to discover my strengths and the types of projects I enjoy most. I look forward to learning from experienced engineers and contributing to projects that impact the area where I grew up.
To someone considering enrolling in engineering at Iowa, what would you tell them about your experience?
The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa is truly special because of its smaller size within such a large university. The amount of support and resources available here is unlike that of most other programs. Being from a small town, I’ve always valued a tight-knit community. The professors at the College of Engineering are friendly and approachable; you will always find someone who genuinely wants to help you. My classmates, especially in CEE, support me, and we are often given opportunities to work together on projects. One of the incredible opportunities I will be taking advantage of at Iowa's College of Engineering is traveling to India this winter to participate in a program where my classmates and I will learn about the water scarcity crisis in rural India. I have dreamed of going on a trip like this, where I can experience a new culture while studying something that my friends and I share a passion for. My connections within the Iowa Engineering community have become some of the most meaningful in my life, and I’ll cherish my memories here with these people forever!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I am a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor and I was on the Iowa High School Rodeo Team!
