Engineering Field Notes

What impresses you most about the College?

I am most impressed by the extensive amount of undergraduate research opportunities present through Engineering. Professors are very open to taking on underclassmen into their research groups.

Civil & Environmental Engineering, Senior
Activities – Engineering Council, National Association Engineering Student Council, Dean Student Advisory, Engineering Tour Guide, Engineers Without Borders, Engineering Learning Assistant

How are the caliber of academics and wealth of options at Illinois?

In Engineering we are so lucky to be taught by some of the best professors in their fields. They are all so passionate about their subject areas. This passion is conveyed in their teaching style and ultimately, improves the student experience of the class.

In terms of wealth of options, there are countless opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, travel to other countries, and further course knowledge while having fun through extracurricular activities and student organizations.

What do you enjoy most about your major and the College?

I like that Civil Engineering is so diverse. I am required to take courses in 5 of the 7 disciplines (including construction materials, construction management, environmental engineering, environmental hydrology and hydraulic engineering, transportation, structural engineering, and geotechnical engineering). This allows me to explore a variety of areas within Civil without needing to commit early on.

My favorite thing about Engineering is the people. People are friendly, enthusiastic, and willing to help. An important part of being an Engineer is developing connections with peers and faculty and our College does a great job of encouraging this.

What has been your favorite engineering course?

I have had several. One of them was the Fate and Cleanup of Environmental Contaminants taught by Professor Charles Werth. This course sparked my interest in oil and gas, the career I am ultimately pursuing.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on campus?

On campus, one of the coolest things I did was ring the bells at the Altgeld Tower. My group and I were able to play multiple songs (and managed to play Happy Birthday twice!) In Engineering, I have two favorite experiences. The first, was decorating the Alma Mater for E-week. The second was watching the Tesla Coil concert for EOH.

Have you studied abroad?

I traveled to Guatemala the spring break of my sophomore year with the Engineers Without Borders Guatemala Water Project and went to Chennai, India, this past Winter Break with the Sustainability and Resilient Infrastructure Global Leaders program.

Tell us about your research.

I participated in research with Professor Helen Nguyen in the environmental department. The research was focused on assessing the role motility and flagella plays in bacterial attachment to surfaces. It is ultimately geared toward the development of remediation methods in areas that have bacterial hotspots due to agricultural runoff.

What is your advice to incoming freshmen?

I suggest getting involved in a variety of clubs and activities. Extracurricular activities are a great way of meeting new people and learning important leadership skills.

What do you like about Champaign-Urbana?

I like the diversity of atmospheres in Champaign-Urbana. As someone who likes to dance, I think one of the best parts of the C-U area is the large variety of dance venues that exist. There are places that have nights for salsa, swing, and line dancing all quite close to campus! Further in both downtown Champaign and Urbana, there are a number of excellent restaurants, shops, etc., which can offer a nice change from Green St.

What are your post-graduate plans?

After I graduate, I will be pursuing a full-time career as an Environmental Engineer with Exxon Mobil in Houston, Texas.