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VIEW FROM MY OFFICE

See how Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering students gain valuable skills outside the classroom

By Purdue University Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering

December 10^th, 2021

The Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering can take you many places. See where our students go and what they are working on. Here, you will learn how CCE students are working to make the next giant leaps forward.

Matthew Calvo

Skanska Building USA – Staten Island, New York

Project: Tompkinsville Esplanade and Dockbuilders Pier

"The project I was assigned to had two main scopes: the esplanade restoration at Bay Street Landing and then the Dockbuilders Pier and Building down the road. I had the opportunity to contribute to both of these scopes, helping with MEP clash detection in the dockbuilders building, and change order/RFI control for the esplanade. I also worked on improving site safety and security, helping to launch a new site security check-in system and doing weekly SWPPP walkthroughs with the inspecting firm."

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Jocelyn Silva

The Walsh Group – Chicago, IL

Project: Hyper-scale Data Center

"This past summer I was able to complete my second Co-op rotation with The Walsh Group. I was placed within a data center project where I was involved in a bunch of different tasks. Some of which were lead meetings, close/create/revise submittals and RFIs, take pictures and videos, attend many meetings (Work Plans, BIM coordination, Daily Brief Activity, Weekly Subcontractor Meeting, and info sessions), talked to a lot of Formen, used the camera 360, and inspections for deliveries/materials. Additionally I got to participate in The Walsh Group’s annual Equipment Rodeo in where all the interns located in the Chicagoland area get to control different equipment (cranes, excavator, semi-trucks, and forklifts). In the photo submission I included a picture of me during the rodeo. My experience was amazing because I was able to be involved by helping so many people on the project team and was able to learn something new every single day."

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Yihan (Mary) Niu

The Walsh Group – Granite City, Illinois

Project: I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge

"During my internship at the I-270 Chain of Rocks project with Walsh Construction, I gained not only a comprehensive understanding of the engineering behind transportation construction but also valuable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a project engineer. I was involved in monitoring concrete pours, installing contract required devices, logging material documentation, and assigning invoices. These tasks exposed me to multiple sectors of a large scale construction project and emphasized that a project engineer’s role extends beyond technical design. Effective communication, coordination, and project management are equally essential to ensuring successful project execution."

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George McAtee

Burns & McDonnell – North Suburbs of Chicago, IL

"I really loved the office-field balance, being in the office 3-4 days of the week and in the field 1-2 days of the week. I got exposure to multiple different kinds of environmental projects, and the work I did was on the border of engineering and science, which allowed me both to work on real-life applications/projects and learn more about the natural world and environmental issues."

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Amareah Bead

HNTB Corporation – Arlington, VA

Project: Structural Engineering Internship

"I supported the structures group by preparing design calculations and completing bridge load ratings, and was able to grow my technical skills through these projects. We also took several site visits including to the WMATA communications center and Dulles Airport."

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Alana DeVilbiss

Kiewit – Hartford, Michigan

Project: Overhead Transmission Line Engineering

“This summer I worked with Kiewit as an Overhead Transmission Line Engineering Intern. I got to get involved in the design by creating packages of replacement insulators for existing transmission lines in California! This picture is from our site visit to a transmission line job in Hartford, Michigan.”

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Dylan Vergara

HNTB – George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee, NJ / New York, NY

Project: George Washington Bridge Signage and Pavement

“My involvement as an intern was verifying whether new signage and pavement markings have been installed at the George Washington Bridge. This was an impactful experience because I got to work on one of the country's busiest bridges and see the impact of my work.”

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Olivia Baehl

Salas O’Brien – Evansville, Indiana

Project: Structural Engineer Intern

“As a Structural Engineer intern, my roles varied every day. I was tasked with structural design, analysis, and site visits. Additionally, I collaborated with other disciplines on every project.”

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Holly Manifold

American Electric Power – New Albany, OH

Project: Civil and Geotechnical Engineering

“This summer with the CGE team I have worked on projects like drilled shaft foundation designs, slope stability analysis, consolidation calculations, and understanding soil reports. We work on designs of transmission stations and power line foundations. This is a side of civil engineering I hardly understood a year ago, and now have a ton of interest seeing my work in the classroom get put into action!”

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Katie Gold

HNTB – Washington, DC

Project: Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion

“In this picture I am helping with improving our relationships with the client: ANC and USACE. We spent our morning cleaning up Columbia Parkway right outside the job site before heading into our weekly production meeting with the contractor and all participating parties. It's fun working at HNTB as an intern because I get to have a hand in a diverse range of projects, with a formal seat on the Water Resources team. I also had the opportunity to see what a Federal Services engineer would do day to day.”

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Naia Echevarria

Thornton Tomasetti– Miami, FL

Project: Intern Miami Stadium

“This internship opportunity has been an incredible experience; I am grateful to learn from the some of the best structural engineering professionals in the industry. Being able to go on site to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to do an inspection is a unique experience. I was able to apply theoretical concepts in practice and learn about the corporate world, all in a warm and welcoming work environment.”

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Hyunwoo (James) Cho

Excel Excavating – Madrid, Spain

Project: Summer Internship

“During my internship at Excel Excavating, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in the operations of a civil construction company and the processes involved in securing construction projects. Attending weekly project meetings allowed me to observe the dynamics between general contractors and subcontractors, and how project managers effectively resolve conflicts. This experience provided insight into the essential elements and processes required for successful project execution. The highlight of my internship was overseeing and managing the installation of the Stormtech chamber system for a new apartment complex. This role allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to solve on-site challenges, direct workers, and ensure effective stormwater management for the project.”

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Kalaya Sriver

Purdue Summer in Madrid – Madrid, Spain

Project: Spanish language, culture, and history

“As one of thirteen students who participated in Purdue's Summer in Madrid 2024, I had the opportunity to take Spanish 302 in conjunction to a Spanish culture and history class at Nebrija University in Madrid. Through my five-week homestay experience and several day-trips to neighboring historical cities, the other students and I greatly improved our Spanish fluency as well as cultural awareness.”

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Anna Isaacson

Burns & McDonnell – Kansas City, MO

Project: Site visit to a bridge deck pour in DeSoto, KS

“I am working as a Roadway intern in the Transportation Global Practice at the Burns & McDonnell headquarters this summer! On this site visit we got to see the process of pouring a concrete bridge deck (in the rain!), and a lot of the other improvements that are being implemented at this site in Kansas. In the office, I have created the typical section plans for a bridge replacement project in downtown Kansas City, and also done a lot with Green Stormwater Infrastructure that is being implemented around KC!”

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Matthew Calvo

Walsh Construction – Manhattan, NY

Project: Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency Project

“Throughout the summer I was able to experience the world of construction engineering and management from the estimating office, a marine jobsite, and an underground mining jobsite. The well-rounded perspective of the industry will continue to develop my professional network and understanding of construction engineering altogether.”

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Gabby Roberts

Dupont – Newark, DE

Project: Poromerics Revitalization Program / LSS Yellow Belt

“As a project management intern, I aid a team in the reinstallation, replacement, and removal of machines to help improvement of the processes used in semiconductor technology. I am also leading a team in creating a skills tool for nearly 30 team members to earn my Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt!”

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Ava Curry

Kiewit - Fort Worth, TX

Project: Southeast Connector Road Construction

“This summer, I was a field engineering intern in the utilities group. The project is one of the largest active infrastructure projects in Texas, spanning 14 miles of project corridor. I was able to connect with and learn from so many amazing people on a super cool project!”

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Katie Lavallee

AECOM - Philadelphia, PA

Project: Structural Engineering Shadow Program

“This shadow program has taught me so much about the world of both Structural and Civil Engineering. I have gotten the opportunity to speak with dozens of civil engineers who work in traffic, transportation, structures, and water resource management. Additionally, through this program I was able to learn how to read bridge plans and perform calculations on bearing pressures, sizing, and loads, as well as shear force and bending moment.”

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Isabel Sioson

Burns & McDonnell – Chicago, IL

Project: Summer Internship

“This summer I was a Structural Engineering Intern for Burns & McDonnell. I had an amazing time working on Bridges in the transportation department and learned so much through my mentor, manager, and co-workers. I also had an opportunity to explore the city of Chicago with other interns by going to a Cub’s game, doing a boat tour along the river, and playing Intramural Volleyball along Lake Michigan!”

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Mady Seif

Kiewit – Lone Tree, CO

Project: Working in their permanent structures group, working on bridge design and analysis

“Working with Kiewit Infrastructure Engineers as a Structural Engineer Intern in their permanent structures group. We work on bridge design and analysis. I was excited to live somewhere new while also working on projects that I’m interested in. This opportunity allowed me to learn new software and apply what I’ve been learning in the classroom to real projects. A bonus of this internship is being able to get outside and explore the Rocky Mountains!”

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Abby Guntz

Kimley-Horn – Indianapolis, Indiana

Project: Runway/Taxiway Maintenance & Restoration Project

“I am a Civil Intern working on the aviation team this summer on a runway/taxiway maintenance and restoration project at the Indianapolis International Airport. I got to have hands-on experience in a super interesting field, and learned so much that I had no idea was even under the umbrella of Civil Engineering (Transportation). I was given a wide variety of tasks that accurately portrays a typical day-in-the-life if I were to work full-time at the firm.”

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Emily Helmuth

Kiewit – Honolulu, Hawai'i

Project: Lili'uokalani Community Center

“On this project, I am a field/office engineer intern. This project is going to be a community center for the Lili'uokalani Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for Hawaiian youth. In my role, I assisted our MEP Engineer and our Cost/Scheduling Engineer. This has been a great hands-on experience, as I have gotten to see how what we learn in the classroom is applied in the real world.”

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Elliot Cram

WSP USA – Seattle, WA

Project: Water Resources Projects

“I am working on a variety of water projects in the Pacific Northwest with WSP. The diversity of work that I have taken part in has made the internship super interesting so far. Projects in the water resources field are often extremely multi-disciplinary so the learning opportunities have been a highlight. So far this summer, I have worked on modeling and CAD design, taken part in several site visits, and worked on design projects for data centers.”

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Amazone Herbreteau

Online Classes – Costa Rica

Project: Online Student: Costa Rica

“This summer, I have been taking three online classes with Purdue. These have been very flexible, allowing me to enjoy my summer like any other. For instance, I have gone on countless hikes with my sister, and we have discovered some of Costa Rica's most beautiful views.”

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Katie Gold

HNTB – Arlington, VA

Project: Intern Site Visit: Dulles Toll Road

“We visited the Dulles Toll Road Administration Center and my colleague from Purdue (Amareah Bead '26) snapped a picture.”

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Allison Lee

PC Construction – Hudson Valley, NY

Project: Hudson Valley Region Projects

“As an intern at PC I was able to see different construction projects at all different stages. I helped create bid packages, made as builts, and completed daily logs. It was a really valuable experience to be on an active construction site and getting to observe the day to day activity. I'm really grateful to have had this opportunity.”

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Nuria Echevarria

WSP – Indianapolis, IN

Project: Bridge Rehabilitation Report

“I'm currently a member of the Bridge Team in Indianapolis, engaged in a variety of projects. Some of these involve reviewing reports related to bridge rehabilitation and assessing the current conditions of bridges. Others require me to contribute to the design of specific bridge sections and the creation of box beams for bridges in Indiana and Kentucky. My focus right now is on a bridge located in Lafayette, where we're developing plans to enhance its condition. I'm eagerly anticipating the completion of this project, as I'll be able to say, "I played a role in improving this bridge!" Throughout my Summer Internship, I've had the opportunity to visit different sites in Indiana and Kentucky. This experience has been highly rewarding. I've been learning how to use various computer programs, including MicroStation, LEAP Bridge Concrete, and Open Roads. I've also had the chance to connect with accomplished engineers, all while proudly representing Purdue University.”

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Sarah Teehan

Kimley-Horn – Dallas, TX

Project: Internship

“These past 12 weeks have allowed me to embrace new challenges, foster personal growth, and engage in a diverse range of tasks. Particularly, I was thrilled to contribute to the development of the plans for the upcoming Formula 1 race in Las Vegas—an experience that left me thoroughly inspired.”

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Lauren Jenkins

ITE – Portland, OR

Project: ITE Annual Conference

“As the summer is coming to a close, I am attending the ITE annual conference in Portland, Oregon. I am here representing our Purdue ITE student chapter. This has been a great opportunity to network with fellow student peers and young/senior members of this industry. The conference also has many educational sessions, exhibitors, research posters, and student competitions. I wouldn’t have been able to experience this without the help from Professor Bullock and the aid of the Skillman Award that any undergraduate transportation civil engineering student at Purdue can apply for.”

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Casey Brannigan & John Law

Primera Engineers – Chicago, IL

Project: Casey – O’Hare Modernization Project; John – Bridge Widening and Full Bridge Design

Casey – Transportation Aviation Intern

John – Bridge Engineering Intern

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Kalash Kapadia

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services – Lake Ariel, PA

Project: Surveying/Locating Property Boundary Markers using GPS

“This summer I worked as a Land Survey Intern. This experience was great for me because I learned about the key aspects of surveying and how surveying plans are made. I also got to work on various survey projects. These experiences will help me become a better engineer in the future.”

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Maggie Breyne

The Walsh Group – Elk Grove Village, IL

Project: Alexian Brothers Medical Center Vertical Expansion

“I’ve been working on the east tower vertical expansion at Alexian Brothers Medical Center. I’ve spent the summer walking the site, turning in submittals and RFIs, and communicating with the owner, architect, and various subcontractors. I also recently passed the LEED Green Associate exam! I’ve learned so much about the construction industry and how our learning at Purdue is put to work in the field.”

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Holly Manifold

AEP – New Albany, OH

Project: Transmission Line Engineering

“I worked on the transmission line engineering team this summer, analyzing pole structures and developing models of existing lines. I gained valuable experience with working in a utility industry and getting actively involved in the engineering process.”

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Claire O’Connell

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company – Oceanside, New York

Project: Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Hospital

“I am a project engineering intern for the 900,000 square foot expansion of Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Hospital. I spend my time doing quality control inspections on material on site, examining drawings, and communicating with subcontractors. This has been a great experience to see all the work that goes into building a hospital. Coordination, communication, teamwork, and safety are the foundations of construction!”

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Elliot Cram & Nuria Echevarria

WSP – Kentucky

Project: Beam design for bridge replacement

“We have both had the opportunity to use beam design software to study how different state standards and regulations impact structural reinforcement for bridge replacement projects. We have worked with Professional Engineers in our office to compare different beam types, rebar, and pre-stress patterns. For our bridge rehab projects, we have also conducted field checks on existing bridges. The bridge behind us in the photo is a timber bridge over a railroad track!”

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Eliza Mount

Bechtel – Reston, VA

Project: Nuclear Power Plant Design - Natrium

“I was collaborating with a fellow Boilermaker intern from Purdue Nuclear Engineering on the design of Bechtel's Natrium Demonstration Project, which will be a nuclear energy facility in Wyoming. The exposure to other disciplines is a great learning experience and helps justify the stringent criteria that structural engineers have to balance.”

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Katie Gold

Studying Statistics – Florence, Italy

Project: Study Abroad

“I was a student taking this class abroad with fellow Purdue peers! In our free time we would be able to explore the city, this photo is taken before our day trip to Pisa. We were fortunate to be housed right next to the famous Cathedral (Duomo) so we decided to snap a pic when it was practically empty early in the morning!”

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Olivia Baehl

Salas O’Brien PCI – Evansville, IN

Project: Structural Engineering Intern

“I help on many different projects in different states. My work this summer has included consulting with the clients, traveling for field measurements, and structural analysis.”

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Dylan Vergara

HNTB - Cinnaminson, NJ

Project: US 130 Field Mapping Verification

“I was involved in mapping out existing conditions of Route 130 and verifying that survey data was accurate. This was a great experience because I got to understand the impact of transportation work and see just how much goes into a simple bridge project.”

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Oscar Chinchilla

Allan Myers - Richmond, VA

Project: Reconfiguration of I95 Belvidere Interchange

“I was on the field engineering team, where I was able to experience both the management and the on-site work of the project. I am grateful to have been surrounded by experienced engineers and professionals who made me feel more than welcome in the construction world.”

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Ellie Weick

Learning different transportation systems - London, England

Project: European Transportation Systems Study Abroad

“On the study abroad, we had the chance to visit London and Germany to see all the sites!! This is a photo of us after climbing the O2 stadium. During this trip we learned about many different types of transportation and got to see how transportation differs in Europe!”

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Claire O’Connell

Institute of Civil Engineers - London, England

Project: Evolution of European Transportation Systems and Supply Chains Study Abroad

“Studying abroad in Europe for two weeks was a great experience to observe different forms of transportation and see the culture and technology of different countries.”

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Naia Echevarria

Stantec - Chicago, Illinois

Project: Hydropower and Dams

"My experience as a Structural Engineering intern at Stantec has been unforgettable. I have developed and improved not only my technical skills but also my communication and research skills. I have been able to work along with experienced engineers and familiarize myself with the corporate work place. I worked mostly on the structural design for hydraulic structures. I learned about hydroelectric dams, powerhouses, pumped storage projects, emergency spillways, pressure underground tunnels, construction materials, and more."

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Joey Martin

VS Engineering, Inc. - Greenwood, Indiana

Project: Cutsinger Road Reconstruction

"It was my job to design the roadway corridor and drainage for this pavement widening project. I also went out on site for a field visit to verify the preliminary plans, which was my favorite part! It was awesome to be outside and see how my work was directly impacting the community around me."

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Liam Roggenkamp

US Army Corps of Engineers - Cannelton, IN

Project: Cannelton Locks Inspection

"This visit was a great experience. It helped bring a better understanding to everything I had been working on through the summer. Additionally, the lock was dewatered, which gave an even better view into the lock’s workings. Reading and working on projects pertaining to the locks is one thing but seeing them in person and watching them function is really profound."

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Rocco Nociti

The Walsh Group - Tampa, FL

Project: Howard Frankland Bridge Replacement

"I have been involved as a project engineering intern focusing on the substructure and superstructure sectors of the project. This experience has allowed me to experience numerous aspects of a marine bridge replacement due to the magnitude of the project and the time sensitivity which are very difficult to comprehend out of a textbook. The experience I’ve gained seems unlike most other projects and it’s really helped me appreciate major works of infrastructure. Taking a boat to work also makes being on the project that much better."

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Harrison Kuszmaul

The Boeing Company - Auburn, WA

Project: Facility Engineering - Structural

"As an intern I was given various projects throughout the Auburn plant to give engineering solutions to various equipment installations and plant maintenance tasks."

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Nyla Gilbert

HVS Ingenieros Consultores - Lima, Perú

Project: Sider

"In this role I worked on designing by matching the needed materials to the drawing which will help to determine the pricing and schedule. Additionally, I was able to learn more about how earthquakes affect Perú and expand my knowledge on Peruvian history and culture."

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Oscar Chinchilla

Joseph J. Albanese - Mountain View, CA

Project: Amphitheater

"I was part of the project engineering team that managed the job site in terms of schedule and budget. We visited the project a couple of times a week and were the principal connection between the guys in the field and the office. This experience helped me to understand how the construction industry works and taught me the importance of communication on a daily basis."

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Johans Baladad

Barton Malow - Pittsburgh, PA

Project: Vision and Rehabilitation Health Center

"Already 3 years into the project, I worked as a project engineer intern for a 10-story rehabilitation tower in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh! Beginning my career in horizontal roadway construction, it was such an eye-opener to observe and compare the countless layers and details that go into vertical building structures such as the plumbing, HVAC, and other interior finishes. Proud to help construct a facility that will be used as a center for research and rehabilitation for people with vision and physical impairments."

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Yarto Bleah

IndyGo - Indianapolis, IN

Project: Bus Rapid Transit Research

"I was involved with the analysis, construction, and maintenance of Indianapolis's Bus Rapid Transit Routes. I primarily focused on the Red Line route. My role was to research and calculate the electric bus travel time variability throughout the route using data from Transit Signal Priority, create design plans for the contraflow lane configurations, and general detouring for buses. This was a great experience because not many places in the US have Bus Rapid Transit lines that helps improve public transportation."

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Delaney Lewis

WJE - Chicago, IL

Project: Façade Inspection

"I was on a swing stage to help with a façade inspection. This included inspecting the vertical concrete and quantifying any delamination, cracks, sealant issues, or cracked bricks. I helped sound the concrete and got an up-close look at swing stage rigging systems. This was my first chance to go on a swing stage, and my first experience with performing a façade inspection!"

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Jack Bell

HNTB - Houston, TX

Project: 249/99 Interchange Site Visit

"Site visit to see the construction of a 5-stack interchange, and the opportunity to walk on the flyover connector before it is open to the public. "

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Blaise Sellers

American Structurepoint - Indianapolis, IN

Project: Indianapolis International Airport Roof Condition Assessments

"My involvement in this project included helping evaluate roof conditions of multiple buildings throughout the Indianapolis International Airport and providing building summaries which include a condition assessment report for each building. This was a great experience because it allowed me to get out in the field and apply my engineering judgment to a real-world situation. It was also exciting to work on roofs as planes were constantly taking off above."

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George Stutzman

Schnabel Engineering - Ashburn, VA

Project: Loudoun Water

"An internship at a geotechnical firm where I learned about boring holes and how to log rock. Experienced the work and tests needed on a site before the actual building takes place, making sure the ground is stable "

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Lydia Lytle

Kimley-Horn - Oklahoma City, OK

Project: Water/wastewater design

"Rob Wolfinbarger and I are interning at Kimley-Horn. We both get to learn civil 3D and help with civil water projects. We love working here because they allow us to visit sites as well as shadow client and city meetings "

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Javier Quiros Reiche

Columbia University - New York City, NY

Project: 3D Printing of Concrete Research

"I am a summer researcher working at the Carleton Strength Laboratory at Columbia University looking to develop new cementitious technologies for 3D printing of concrete. This experience is great because I am learning a lot about up-and-coming technologies in the Civil engineering industry and the connections I am making here are amazing as well."

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Lauren Sparber

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Purdue University - Rwanda

Project: EWB Assessment Trip

“I traveled with Engineers Without Borders Purdue to Rwanda for an assessment trip. Our chapter is working with a Rwandan community to design and implement a water distribution system. On this trip I surveyed the proposed pipeline route, collected data about the water source, and interviewed community members. I’m grateful for the chance to learn about Rwandan culture, form relationships with our partners, and learn more about civil engineering outside the classroom."

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Nico Ferri

Arsee Engineers - Indianapolis, IN

Project: Salesforce Tower

"We performed a condition assessment for Salesforce Tower. Checking the structural framing at 52 stories above ground and then climbing the twin spires, I was at the highest point [in] Indiana and it came with an amazing view."

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Kaia Whiteley

United States Coast Guard, Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) Facilities Eng. - Buzzards Bay, MA

Project: Fire suppression systems in the Air Station hangars, playground planning and design, structural beacon placement, and planning on-base housing home improvement projects

"Due to the unique nature of my internship experience, I have had the opportunity to see a wide range of projects both the planning and design side of things while also experiencing the fieldwork during the execution of the projects. I love that I have been able to put into practice a lot of the things I have learned in my classes while also learning so many new things. I enjoy that some days I am in the office working and others I have the opportunity to visit the project sites to actually see the efforts we are making come to life."

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Adam Shumaker

Bechtel - Waynesboro, GA

Project: Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4

"This summer I was a Construction Field Engineer for the Civil department. This role allowed me to truly see where engineering meets physical construction. I had the opportunity to solve complex field problems with innovative solutions on a daily basis. This project is historic because it is the first nuclear project in America to utilize the AP1000 plant design. I am proud to say that my work this summer will help to power over 500,000 homes in Georgia upon project completion."

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Eliza Mount

LJA Engineering - Houston, TX

Project: Water plant that serves a residential neighborhood

"It was awesome to see the water distribution process happening firsthand. The tanks, wells, pumps, and pipes were much larger than I anticipated! It was also a great experience to learn about the difference between a water plant and a wastewater treatment plant."

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Hunter Gross

Mortenson - Garber OK

Project: King Plains-Wind

"I have been completing quality assurance reports for the power delivery solutions team on a wind turbine project. It has been an informative experience both in the field and in the office."

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Morgan Spanopoulos

CivilCon - Jeffersonville, IN

Project: Drainage analysis within Indiana's floodplains in order to size various pipes and culverts

"Within this role, I was given the opportunity to see what civil engineering can do for my community. With how intense this year has been precipitation-wise, there was much to be done this summer to replace and improve existing pipes and culverts. At my internship, I was able to be a part of the process every step of the way from start to finish. From preliminary field surveys to receiving a signed quote for a product of my own design from a client, seeing everything come full circle has been one of the most rewarding things I've been fortunate enough to experience!"

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Margaret Bischel

Swinerton Builders - San Francisco, CA

Project: 1066 Market St

"This past summer I worked as a Project Engineer Intern at a general contractor, Swinerton Builders. I was assigned to a 15-story condominium building in San Francisco. Starting out I didn?t know much about the construction process, but my team was very helpful and taught me how to comfortably navigate the site, converse with subcontractors, and fill out forms such as RFIs and Submittals. I learned so much and this experience has made me even more excited about my future."

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Songhao Wu

Purdue University Energy & Utilities - West Lafayette, IN

Project: Utility generation evaluation at the Wade Utility Plant

"I've been working on utility data analysis projects to improve mechanical systems at the Wade Utility Plant to meet the campus steam, heating, and cooling demand. It offers me valuable experience and knowledge on the utility generation side of HVAC systems."

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Dawson Pontius

Elkhart County Highway Department - Elkhart, Indiana

Project: County Road 38 Reconstruction

"I inspect the job site on a daily basis to assess the progress of the project and assure our contractor is following our design plans. I also track quantities of work materials and labor."

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Cecelia Maginot

Lehigh University - Bethlehem, PA

Project: Advancing the Knowledge of Seismic Collectors in Steel Building Structures

"This summer I worked as a NHERI - REU at Lehigh University. I was able to work alongside two graduate students on a NSF funded earthquake engineering project; I learned the importance of structural engineering from a natural hazards perspective."

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Oscar Chinchilla

Portonovo SA - Guayaquil, Ecuador

Project: Colinas de Santa Cecilia [Residential project]

"I am working at a residential project at my home country, where we are building 12 houses. This has helped me to understand and fully live the construction experience, by being the assistant to the construction site resident."

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Ramy Matta

Lusail Real Estate Dev. Co. - Doha, Qatar

Project: Commercial Boulevard

"I was assigned to the site inspection team, so I supervised the shoring of the construction site. I oversaw the installation of the pile installation, excavation shoring system, and shotcreting application. This experience was great since I was able to maintain ebullience in the workplace among my much older peers and co-workers, in addition to the internship being crucial to my structural education."

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Nyla Gilbert

Gilbane Building Company - Purdue University, West Lafayette IN

Project: Hagle Hall

"I enjoyed learning how to write all the different documents that go into the project flowing smoothly (RFIs, Submittals, Schedules, RCL, and more). Also being able to communicate with all the subcontractors and my team and learn what they're doing throughout the project and the logistics."

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Christopher Anderson

Nordic PCL Construction - Honolulu, Hawaii

Project: Lilia Waikiki

"I'm a Field Engineer Intern primarily working on punch list on a 28 story apartment complex in Waikiki, Hawaii. I am on-site everyday working with our team. Funny enough, my supervisor is also a Purdue graduate!"

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Kelley McNarney

Bike and Build - Santa Fe, NM

Project: Build Day with Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity

"This is from one of our two build days with Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity. We were framing, making coyote fences, making adobe bricks, and doing some painting. Santa Fe Habitat is 100% solar!!"

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Rodrigo Represas

CivilTech Engineering - Houston, TX

Project: Site Visit Rinker Materials

"I worked on drafting and designing roadway and driveway plans for federal and state projects (ie. TxDOT, Harris County Engineering, City if Houston). I also participated in the design, detailing, and analysis of a heavy-load, box-culvert bridge and spillway for a containment dam, and conducted work relating to project preparation including creating exhibits and quantity estimates."

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Camille Hamilton

JE Dunn Construction - Austin, TX

Project: Dell Children's North Medical Center

"Working as a campus intern at JE Dunn has been great. I've been able to explore a wide range of roles from preconstruction to project management. I have been challenged with task that are helping me grow personally and professionally. Plus it is unique to see the different challenges a hospital project faces compared to the school I was working on last summer."

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Jonathan Stutzman II

NRCS National Soil Mechanics Lab - Lincoln, Nebraska

Project: Soil classification and index testing for watershed projects, earthen dams, and animal waste management systems

"As a Civil Engineering Pathway Intern with the NRCS, I am able to directly impact important watershed and agricultural projects with my work in the National Soil Mechanics Lab. In our lab I assist in processing soil samples and running important classification and index testing. Additionally I am being trained how to design the earthen dams, auxiliary spillways, animal waste management systems and write up the reports on how the soil I tested should be implemented in the project. The ability to go on a site visit and see the result of lots of lab work and calculations is extremely exciting and rewarding."

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Emily Nelson

Pfizer Inc. - Remote

Project: Utilities & Facilities Engineering in the Global Engineering Department

"Under my role, I have synthesized energy consumption data and helped generate Pfizer's annual Carbon Disclosure Project. I have also worked closely with site engineers developing efficiency and renewable electricity plans to push Pfizer towards its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. This experience has opened my eyes to how I can apply my personal values to a technical engineering career."

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Caitlin Wyant

Cass County (MI) Road Commission

Project: Transportation Asset Management and Inspections

"This is my second summer with CCRC. I love coming to work here everyday because I'm fortunate enough to never experience the same day twice. Between paving operations, bridge construction, and a whole list of other projects, it's never dull for too long. Working with a local government agency has also taught me a lot about transportation planning on a first-hand level."

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Liam Bettez

Arco - Seattle, WA

Project: SPACES - Seattle

"The initial phase of COVID-19 hit midway through the punch-list work of this project. The building was completely shut down and work was halted. When the building reopened and work could continue, I got the chance to fly out to Seattle and help the Superintendent close-out the job! The coolest part was that during my internship with ARCO last summer, I spent a ton of time helping my Project Manager, Paul, with estimating and eventually winning this job. So, it was super cool to see how it all came together in the end!"

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Delaney Lewis

Michael Kinder & Sons - Fort Wayne, IN

Project: Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Addition

"The new addition for BMI was 92,000 SF with a budget of about 26 million. I helped to quantify the entire addition using On-Screen Takeoff and also attended design meetings and civil meetings. This project helped me to look over drawings and further understand them as I quantified them, as well as get real world experience in meetings with the design team and owners."

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Alexander Long

Arsee Engineers - Huntingburg, IN

Project: Crawl Space Inspection

"It was my first time in a crawl space and it was the most I have crawled since the age of 2. I was able to inspect wood connections."

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William Taylor

EAPS 104 - Virtual

Project: EAPS 104 - Oceanography

"I am taking this class to improve my knowledge of ocean systems and how they can affect environments around the world. I believe this will prove useful in planning and designing cities and buildings. Being able to predict how the environment might change in the next few years will also be helpful in making buildings that can not only withstand wind/water forces, but also be modified to accommodate for any changes."

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Amanda Lefebvre

Bechtel - Virtual

Project: Bechtel's 2020 Virtual Internship Program

"This summer my field assignment with Bechtel was changed to a virtual program. I am grateful that I am able to interact with executives, work on case studies, and learn about projects I would not have been able to otherwise."

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Camille Hamilton

Satterfield & Pontikes Const. - Houston, TX

Project: Northbrook HS Renovation and Addition

"I played a support role with my project team, my primary duties revolved around keeping the team organized and assisting with any additional task assigned. This included assisting with making A4's (which I was told are extremely important regarding the scope of work agreed on by S&P and each sub); scheduling preconstruction meetings; organizing information in our point file system, and finalizing the installation of components for our project."

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Jonathan Damon

MLJ Construction - New York, NY

Project: Times Square Subway Renovation

"Civil Engineering Internship at MLJ Construction (an Iovino Enterprises Company). Times Square Subway renovation."

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© 2026 Purdue University Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering

Spring 2026 Graduation Reception

May 14, 2026

Purdue ASCE places first overall for third straight year at IN-KY Symposium

April 9-11, 2026

2026 Civil Engineering Alumni Achievement Awards

April 2, 2026

Fall 2025 Graduation Reception

December 21, 2025

Celebrating the storied career of Dr. Kumares Sinha

November 20^th, 2025

Donor Appreciation Dinner Fall 2025

October 23, 2025

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