What I Do I do hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for large-scale watershed flood studies. We work to determine appropriate flood zoning for state and national organizations to maintain and improve public safety.
Why Engineering? I wanted to use my aptitude for math and science and couple that with my love for environmental protection to make an impact on this beautiful world we live in!
School Days I went to the University of Arkansas and majored in Biological Engineering. Biological Engineering is similar to Civil Engineering, meaning we study similar base-level concepts but emphasize living systems instead of built systems. Classes include physics, calculus, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics as well as watershed engineering, biosystems design, bio-energy engineering, and food engineering. Students go off to work in all kinds of fields, including food, water, energy, and sustainability.
Best Part I like knowing that the work I'm doing will impact people. The people who benefit from what I do will never know my name, but they will be safer because of my team!
Challenges I got a late start in this industry and still struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. At 24, I decided to change careers and go back to school to study something I love. I have to regularly remind myself that it doesn't matter what age you start something because there will always be someone more knowledgeable and less knowledgeable than you at all stages of your career. What matters is your desire to be successful!
Want to be an Engineer? Choose a field that you care about. If you are really interested in what you're studying, you'll enjoy it so much more! That's not to say it will be easier, because it probably won't be. But you will learn more and become a better engineer if you find the concepts interesting and applicable to your career goals.