What first sparked your interest in STEM, engineering? Was there a person, class or experience that ultimately pushed you toward the Statler College?

I chose environmental engineering because of an experience I had my freshman year of high school. In my science class, we went to a state park in Pennsylvania with a teacher who had a background in water treatment. We completed a project on Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), where we were asked to design an experiment and learn about the scientific process out in the field.

While many of my classmates didn’t enjoy the sampling, testing, and analysis involved, I absolutely loved it. I remember thinking, 'I get to go outside, I get to help the environment' — and it was a clue that this might be the right path for me. As I learned more about the field, I realized environmental engineering was a way to pair two things I genuinely love: math and the ability to spend time working in the field.

What inspired you to pursue your major within the Statler College over other programs or universities?

Even though I grew up in the Pittsburgh area, I have always felt deeply rooted in West Virginia. My parents and grandparents are from Charleston, and my great-grandfathers were coal miners in places like Cabin Creek. The older I get, the more I learn about that rich history of hard work. My grandmother was one of nine children in a two-bedroom house, and she was one of the only siblings who got to go to college — she chose WVU. Learning her story made me want to connect more with the state and give back to the place that brought me here. I also later found out that my other grandmother was the first female licensed sewage treatment plant operator in the state of West Virginia. I didn’t know that growing up, but learning it later in life made me feel even more connected to the work I do now. It’s meaningful, and honestly a little funny, that my family history ties directly back to my major and the work I’m doing today with West Virginia water treatment plants and operator trainings.

That connection played a big role in my decision to attend the Statler College, along with its strong engineering reputation and affordability. I’m able to graduate without debt while receiving a high-quality education, which made WVU the right choice for me. Now, through grad school, I have the opportunity to help the community I love. As an environmental engineer, I work with water and the environment — issues that are so important to West Virginia and such a vital need right now.

Can you share a project, capstone or research experience that had a lasting impact on you or helped shape your career path?

Through the Engineers Without Borders Belize project, our team designed a rainwater harvesting system that we will travel to the BFREE Research Center in Belize to implement. What makes this project especially meaningful is knowing it will create a lasting impact for the community while also allowing me to grow as an engineer. Being able to apply classroom knowledge to a real, international setting has expanded both my technical skills and my perspective. It was so cool to do all the technical background work on the project, and then actually see that design come to fruition in Belize.

There was a lot of manual labor — which was fun in Belize — but more than that, it was about the local staff. They came in, helped out, shared their stories, and we got to eat local food. Connecting with them and learning from their wealth of knowledge was amazing. It’s an incredible opportunity to serve a community, experience a different part of the world, and see engineering make a tangible difference

How did your time in labs, student organizations, competition teams or other extracurriculars help you grow — academically, professionally or personally?

I have been heavily involved in several organizations that have shaped both my leadership and technical skills. Rebuilding and growing the Engineers Without Borders chapter has been one of the most challenging and rewarding leadership experiences of my college career. I have served as both Project Manager and President, and after helping reinstate the organization in Fall 2024, we have grown significantly. Through EWB, we’ve assisted with drinking water system improvements in Mingo County, led the Botanic Garden rainwater harvesting installation, and designed a system for the BFREE Research Center in Belize. In this role, I’ve worn many different hats which include leading project design efforts, coordinating with community partners, organizing outreach and fundraising events, mentoring younger members, and facilitating workshops.

SWE was the first student organization I joined. Being a woman in engineering, it was important for me to find that community. I served as Social Chair and currently serve as Vice President of the organization. Growing up with my grandmother and my mom, who are both very strong women with demanding careers, there was never a doubt in my mind that I couldn’t do anything, especially not because I was a woman. I thought women could accomplish anything they wanted. As I got older, I realized there are still barriers for women in engineering and that this belief isn’t as universal as I once thought, which is why supporting women in engineering means so much to me. As Vice President, I coordinate our trip to the Women in Engineering Conference, the largest women in engineering conference in the world. This past year it was in New Orleans, and it was incredible to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about supporting and advancing women in engineering.

I’ve also participated in large outreach events like Girl STEM Day, where we host 200–300 elementary students on campus. The feedback we get is amazing — kids love it, and now some of the girls who came to that event a long time ago are pursuing engineering.

Beyond leadership, I’ve focused on sharpening my technical skills through competition teams and representation. As a Statler Ambassador, I speak with prospective families about my experience to showcase the opportunities available within the college. I also competed on the Soil Judging Team, analyzing soil profiles in the field and qualifying for nationals; those competitions have definitely been a defining part of my education. Additionally, I serve as co-captain of WVU’s first ASCE Surveying Competition team. Building the team from the ground up has been challenging, but helping create new opportunities for civil and environmental students has made it incredibly rewarding.

If you had to pick one favorite memory from your time at Statler that sums up your overall experience, what would it be and why?

One of the most impactful experiences was my Sustainable Engineering course. We designed and implemented a rainwater harvesting system at the Evansdale greenhouse. Many students choose civil or environmental engineering because they want hands-on, real-world experience, and this project delivered exactly that. Being able to physically build something that serves a purpose reinforced why I chose this major.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending graduate school at WVU in the fall. In the future, I would love to lead a nonprofit focused on improving access to clean, reliable water in rural Appalachia. Working directly with communities to design sustainable solutions and build long-term partnerships would be incredibly meaningful to me. I’m also interested in working in government, helping shape policies that improve quality of life for West Virginians, particularly in education and water quality. In either path, my goal is to use engineering as a way to serve communities and create lasting, positive change.

What advice would you give to incoming Statler students?

Take advantage of research opportunities, especially through the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Even if you don’t plan to attend graduate school, research builds technical skills, confidence, and experience that stand out. I don’t know anyone who has participated in RAP and regretted it.

Learn more about the environmental engineering program and the many opportunities that WVU and the Statler College provide to help students thrive.