BOLD News

How to land an internship: Tips from the Society of Women Engineers

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:41:05 +0000

How to land an internship: Tips from the Society of Women Engineers Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/21/2024 - 09:41

Charles Ferrer

With autumn still in the air, now is actually the perfect time to start your internship search for the summer or beyond.

Securing an internship provides students with an invaluable hands-on experience, offering the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings or explore different fields they might not have previously considered. While internships enhance resumes, they also provide a chance to explore potential career paths and connect with professionals with a variety of experiences—invaluable benefits for any student.

CU Boulder’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) recently hosted companies across industries including aerospace, research & development, energy, radio frequency communication and sports equipment for their Industry Networking Night.

The event was an opportunity for students to speak with professionals and learn about engineering and technical roles nationwide. �鶹��Ժ also learned about the skills recruiters typically look for among interns.

Companies that connected with 70 SWE student members included: BOA Fit System, BrightLine Group, CMTA, First RF, Lockheed Martin, Monolith, Pattern Labs, Qorvo, Quantinuum, Sandia National Laboratories, Spectrum and Ursa Major.

Ameenah Razi, a first-year computer science student, was excited about expanding their horizons with new companies they weren’t aware of.

“I learned about a lot of opportunities and companies I wouldn’t have thought to look for, but now I’ll be applying to them,” said Razi.

�鶹��Ժ who have internship experiences already under their belt, like fourth-year mechanical engineering student Aubrey Ley, enjoyed providing tips to freshmen and sophomores about their own experiences. Ley was a space manufacturing intern at Lockheed Martin last summer.

Since the event, Ley has connected with a number of companies for their job search and has been in touch with a recruiter about full-time roles after graduation.

Sara Leschova, vice president for SWE who organized the event, was proud of attracting more companies than in previous semesters.

“Several members who attended the event said they learned about new companies and have connected with recruiters,” said Leschova.

“That’s exactly why we hold industry events like this.”

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Maria Pacheco empowers LGBTQ+ community through service leadership

Anonymous — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 18:20:58 +0000

Maria Pacheco empowers LGBTQ+ community through service leadership Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/12/2024 - 12:20

Charles Ferrer

Assistant Professor Maria Pacheco is driven to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with opportunities both in and outside of the classroom.

Pacheco, based in the Department of Computer Science, earned the 2024 Dr. Evelyn Hooker Advocacy Award presented by the Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (oSTEM) organization at CU Boulder. oSTEM honors one faculty member or teaching assistant of the campus community annually who has inspired LGBTQ+ students through mentorship or research to flourish in STEM.

“Maria has been advocating to create a safe and welcoming environment for her students,” a statement from the oSTEM executive board said. “We are honored to give Maria the recognition she deserves for supporting the LGBTQ+ community on campus.”

Pacheco, although early in her tenured-track career, has already left an impactful mark on the students she serves. One of her students, Juan Vasquez, received mentorship even before he began his PhD journey.

“Dr. Pacheco supported me as a queer Latin American student in academia,” said Vasquez, “and she offered specific advice about how to face some particular issues I might encounter given my particular identity.”

That advice helped him land several PhD offers and grants, and now as one of her lab students, he sees how he’s improved as a researcher. Pacheco understands that queer PhD students come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges, and is always discussing how she can better support them, he notes.

“Her openness to diversity makes her an incredible asset to academia. True mentors foster their mentees’ strengths while also celebrating their unique identities,” said Vasquez.

Service through leadership

“My own motto is essentially to get involved so we can empower each other in our communities,” said Pacheco. “As a LGBTQ person myself, sometimes just serving in professional spaces is helpful for students.”

Pacheco, who wanted to be part of a queer community interested in AI/ML issues, first became connected with the Queer in AI organization as a graduate student at Purdue University.

Queer in AI is a global grassroots organization that raises awareness of queer issues in AI/ML through a community of queer scientists. She recommends any student who wants to connect to join their Slack group through Queer in AI where they can pitch ideas for workshops, bounce ideas for research opportunities, raise funds for conferences and network with industry and NGOs.

Pacheco is chairing the diversity and inclusion committee at the North American Chapter of the Association for Computational Linguistics (NAACL) taking place in Mexico City this summer, where she will provide support for the Latinx in AI and Queer in AI affinity groups. She expressed excitement since this is the first time the conference is being hosted in Latin America and expects strong participation from Latin American institutions.

She encourages students to submit their work in progress to affinity group workshops like LatinX in AI, Black in AI and Queer in AI, which are usually co-located with these larger, wider conferences like the NAACL and the International Conference on Machine Learning. She said it can be a welcoming and supporting environment for early career students and a stepping stone to publishing in the main conference.

Even if students are not ready to present, Pacheco hopes students can participate in conferences to connect and receive feedback from researchers in their community and meet people who share similar identities.

Inclusive advocacy

Through Pacheco’s collective leadership with other Queer in AI organizers, the group has focused on making professional conferences more inclusive. Conference organizers have laid out guidelines to add pronouns to name tags and publications. Her fellow organizers are starting to tackle the high costs for attending the conferences, a major pressure point for students and the community.

She maintains inclusive practices by hiring graduate students in her lab who belong to the LGBTQ+ community where individuals from many different communities can feel supported.

Then, there’s her research group, the Boulder Language and Social Technologies (BLAST). BLAST explores queer topics that are not usually at the forefront of research, but because she recruits students with diverse interests and backgrounds.

Her students draw from their personal experiences to inform their natural language processing research focusing in areas like education, media and journalism and views on economy at the national level.

Vazquez, her PhD student, is interested in going beyond hate speech detection and diving into the linguistic patterns of what constitutes hateful speech against LGBTQ+ folks and how it can be weaponized against vulnerable populations in Mexico.

“When you show up and start meeting folks, you start to band together with individuals who have shared interests,” said Pacheco, who is now one of the core organizers for the group.

Core organizers are researchers, graduate students or individuals from industry who are passionate about AI/ML who have academic backgrounds in computer science, engineering, robotics and neuroscience, among others.

Pacheco, who is in her first year as a faculty member, is balancing the role as an assistant professor, researcher, advocate and mentor.

“I think sometimes it’s hard because it feels like a lot of the service falls on us as well,” she said, “but at the same time, it is very rewarding to create these spaces for both yourself, peers and students, so I’d say it’s really worth it.”

About the Dr. Evelyn Hooker Advocacy Award

oSTEM presents the Dr. Evelyn Hooker Advocacy Award to commemorate an individual’s work and emphasize the importance of advocacy. Nominees are selected by CU Boulder students and alumni, and the winner will be selected by a diverse board of staff from the BOLD Center, Center of Inclusion and Social Change and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Assistant Professor Maria Pacheco from the Department of Computer Science earned the 2024 Dr. Evelyn Hooker Advocacy Award for her leadership in supporting LGBTQ+ students at CU Boulder.

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Osamah Dehwah: BOLD service from tutor to PhD graduate

Anonymous — Thu, 23 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Osamah Dehwah: BOLD service from tutor to PhD graduate Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/23/2024 - 00:00

Charles Ferrer

Osamah Dehwah has called the BOLD Center home for the past five years. His passion in helping students academically succeed is a testament to his service for the BOLD community all while working on his PhD in civil engineering.

“When I started my PhD at CU Boulder in 2018, I was looking for a place where I could teach and hone in those skills,” said Dehwah, “and was introduced to BOLD. The diversity and welcoming manner of the Center impressed me from the beginning.”

That environment immediately drew Dehwah and felt a strong affinity to give back to aspiring engineers through their learning.

“Osamah has been an instrumental member of the BOLD community and supported hundreds of undergraduate engineering students in academic tutoring,” said Chantal Baca, Academic Services Program Manager.

“His joy, passionate teaching and engineering intelligence has served the student and staff community greatly,” said Baca.

Since 2019, he has tutored numerous courses in physics, calculus, differential equations, fluid mechanics, statics, structural analysis, construction management and more.

“Osamah is such an important example of a student leader in BOLD and the commitment to our community,” said Amy Moreno-Sherwood, director of the BOLD Center.

Moreno-Sherwood added how pivotal Dehwah has been in ensuring high-quality tutoring for a number of years and sought new opportunities for undergraduate students.

“We’re very grateful Osamah has been willing to lead exam preparation and study sessions for the BOLD community,” said Moreno-Sherwood.

Dehwah earned his PhD this spring coming full circle with his academic journey. Later this year, he will work at NIST and while pursuing a postdoc in civil engineering at John Hopkins University regarding durability of concrete materials.

We sat down with Dehwah to reflect on his CU Engineering experience and service with the BOLD Center.

How did your academic journey begin?
My interest in science and knowledge was nurtured by my family. My father is a professor and I have three siblings with PhDs. I was raised in the esteemed scientific and research environment of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I enjoyed the privilege of interacting with many world-class researchers throughout my life and this has played a major role in shaping my interests in research and academia.

How did you first get involved at the BOLD Center?
I asked my colleagues about programs or departments where I could share my experience and knowledge for STEM. So, I began my journey at the BOLD Center in January 2019, and more than five years later, I’ve been so grateful for the experience!

What aspects of the BOLD Center are meaningful to you?
Tutoring is the most important aspect for me, as I believe teaching is a noble profession. Despite the wealth of knowledge available online, the need for teachers and in-person instruction remains crucial. The experiences and outcomes of in-person teaching differ significantly from online methods and this varies across different fields. As a result of my passion for education, I served as a lead tutor for the Center and as a teaching assistant for a scholarship program. I was involved in the tutors’ hiring process, particularly in advancing interview processes to ensure high-quality tutoring.

Moreover, the competitive scholarships provided for underrepresented students in engineering are both encouraging and greatly assist students in need. These scholarships open doors for students offering them opportunities in higher education and career advancement they might not have had otherwise.

What about civil engineering fascinates you?
Everywhere you go, you’re in the hands of civil engineers. From the houses we live in to the hospitals we rely on and the roads we travel to the bridges that connect our cities — civil engineering is an omnipresent and fascinating field. It demands critical thinking and a deep understanding of engineering principles.

In your opinion, what is an important aspect with civil engineering?
One of the most pressing global challenges in this field is the durability of concrete. Inadequate concrete rehabilitation can lead to severe issues like cracking and, consequently, structural failure. This significant problem sparked my interest in specializing in structures and materials with a particular focus on concrete durability. My goal is to contribute to longer-lasting structures that can withstand the test of time.

What are your research interests within civil engineering?
My research interests lie at the intersection of science and engineering with a particular focus on concrete materials and computational mechanics. One of the primary objectives of my research is CO2 sequestration, an area where I have already made contributions through a published paper in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Journal of Engineering Mechanics. This work examines the long-term performance of cementitious materials in the context of CO2 sequestration, where a new approach was introduced to rehabilitate concrete by injecting nanoparticles using electric currents.

I am committed to advancing the development of durable construction materials. My research delves into understanding the long-term performance of concrete and the intricate interplay between humidity, temperature and transport properties. By identifying and implementing mitigation techniques, I aim to enhance the durability of concrete structures. In addition, I have authored scholarly articles in this field — concrete durability — and its implications for sustainable infrastructure.

How do you hope your research in concrete durability can impact society?
The impact of my research extends beyond academia to society at large. Concrete is among the most widely used materials in construction and enhancing its durability can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. By reducing the need for frequent repair and rehabilitation, durable concrete not only conserves Earth’s resources, but also minimizes costs associated with infrastructure upkeep. My research endeavors strive to address critical challenges in construction materials and contribute to a safer, more sustainable built environment.

Who are some individuals who have supported you along the way?
My father, Professor Hamoud Dehwah, has always been my role model and source of inspiration. Following in his footsteps, I chose a career in the same field. Now, as I finished my PhD in civil engineering, I am profoundly grateful for this path. My gratitude also extends to my mother and siblings, who have always been encouraging, providing emotional support that buoyed me through challenging times. I owe thanks to my advisor, Professor Yunping Xi and the Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering for their consistent assistance. I am also grateful to my brother, Dr. Ammar Dehwah, my companion on this journey, as we pursued our PhDs together in the same department at CU Boulder.

Osamah Dehwah has called the BOLD Center home for the past five years as a tutor and helped hundreds of aspiring engineers. He graduated with his PhD in civil engineering and reflected on his experience with the BOLD Center.

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Unstoppable: Gabrielle Dunn honored as overall Outstanding Undergraduate of the College

Anonymous — Thu, 09 May 2024 16:48:03 +0000

Unstoppable: Gabrielle Dunn honored as overall Outstanding Undergraduate of the College Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:48

Dunn was a peer mentor with the BOLD Center in spring 2021 and was honored as Outstanding Undergraduate of the College.

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There are more women in CU Boulder’s class of freshman engineering students than anywhere else in the US

Anonymous — Wed, 08 May 2024 15:00:05 +0000

There are more women in CU Boulder’s class of freshman engineering students than anywhere else in the US Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/08/2024 - 09:00

CU Boulder leads the nation in the percentage of female first-year students, according to the American Society for Engineering Education. The college’s BOLD Center, which houses the Society of Women Engineers offers mentorship and career development opportunities.

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AAPI: All New Year Festival dazzles through culture and community

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

AAPI: All New Year Festival dazzles through culture and community Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 00:00

Charles Ferrer

The numerous heritages among the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community was on full display at the AAPI: All New Year Festival at CU Boulder in early April.

More than 450 people attended the event, which featured important cultural aspects through art, music, dance, language and cuisine.

“It was such an amazing experience,” said Emily Landingham, a graduating student in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. “This event brought students, family members, staff and all different cultures of the AAPI community together. I hope this strengthens the AAPI community on campus.”

From taekwondo martial arts performances, South Asian fusion dance and Indian classical dancing to live music in Nepalese, the festival was an evening of cultural celebration showcasing the wide diversity of the AAPI identity. Plus, anyone who came hungry was treated to cuisines like dumplings, paneer, curry, eggs rolls, sushi and edamame.

Cross campus culture collaboration

Hosted by CU Boulder’s Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), the student society was inspired by Chinese and Vietnamese New Year, which traditionally takes place in either January or February.

“We realized that a lot of our members, despite being under the umbrella of being Asian, are diverse in many backgrounds,” said Helen Do, vice president of culture for SASE. “We wanted to create a festival that gave opportunities for organizations to share traditions of other AAPI identities in a space that everyone feels they belong and thrive in. ”

Planning started in the fall semester, when they secured sponsors through the Cultural Events Board, CU Student Government and the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

SASE also partnered with other BOLD Center organizations, such as oSTEM, Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics (WOAA) and the American Association of Engineers of Indian Origin (AAEIO), as well as student groups from across campus.

“Seeing all the different organizations from across campus bringing the event to life really made me happy,” said Landingham. “Especially when a lot of these organizations hadn’t really interacted before, it was great to see everyone learn from each other and bring their own members to this celebration.”

Beyond wanting to create a fun and inviting event, the festival was an opportunity for learning and inclusivity.

Do noted how collaborating with other student societies, Asian-identifying or not, was important to AAPI student groups space to share their cultures and also for non-AAPI student groups to learn about another culture in preparation for the event.

“We were especially grateful to oSTEM and WOAA, who ran our calligraphy and henna stations,” said Do. “They took a lot of care and research about the art and cultures they were representing at the event.”

Learning through culture and community

Attendees were able to get a cultural glimpse of traditions from countries including China, Korea, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam and Nepal.

Through the help of the festival collaborators, “student groups ran different booths representing countries,” said Kelly Clingan, public relations officer of SASE. “It was incredible seeing people learning about our traditions through joy and positivity.”

“We wanted an event that was representative of those different cultures and that we would really do them justice, because even within an Asian organization, we definitely can overlook specific parts of each culture,” said Clingan. “We’re so happy this festival celebrated AAPI cultures throughout campus.”

If you’re excited to learn more about AAPI cultures, you’re in luck. SASE plans to hold this festival next spring with the hopes of bringing community through more culture and celebration.

Photo Credit: Marleigh Hill; Top Photo: CU Milana; Middle Photo: CU Abhinaya

Noteworthy

The Center for Student Involvement and Colorado Creed recognizes student organizations who exemplify leadership and engagement across campus and the Boulder community.

Congratulations to SASE for receiving the following 2024 Campus Involvement Awards!

Cultural Event of the Year Award - AAPI: All New Year Festival
Student Organization of the Year Award - Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Rising Star Award - Kelly Clingan (Public Relations Chair)

Photo Credit: Center for Student Involvement; Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at the Campus Involvement Awards Ceremony 2024

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at CU Boulder organized a campus AAPI: All New Year Festival in early April. More than 450 people attended the cultural celebration, which featured important cultural aspects through art, music, dance, language and cuisine.

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Meet Our Undergrads: Ada Forsner of WOAA

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:09:59 +0000

Meet Our Undergrads: Ada Forsner of WOAA Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/24/2024 - 13:09

Charles Ferrer

We sat down with fourth-year aerospace engineering student Ada Forsner, who is also minoring in space and engineering management, to share about her CU Engineering experience!

Ada serves as the Internal Coordinator for the Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics (WOAA) at CU Boulder for the 2023-2024 school year.

What inspired you to pursue a STEM-related major?
In high school I enjoyed taking vehicle shop classes and introductory engineering courses which really got me interested in what engineering could be. Growing up with Legos and playing with trucks and tow cars got me really interested in STEM in general.

When did you know that aerospace engineering was meant for you?
I always loved space, but I never knew to what extent until I took an astronomy course in high school back in Illinois and fell in love with the idea of space. That’s how I knew I would go try to pursue aerospace engineering.

What are some of your future plans after graduating?
I hope to be a systems engineer, which is a kind of engineering that requires a top down view of the entirety of any project. I love airplanes, spacecraft and space itself, as well as studying atmospheric effects and other planets. Becoming a systems engineer allows me to pretty much work on any aspect of aerospace.

What has been an eye opening experience as a student leader of WOAA?
Our first conference we organized in the Aerospace Building during the fall semester was one of the biggest memorable experiences. Being a part of planning the conference opened my eyes to what we can provide for other students and how I can help them grow in ways that I want to grow, as well. Hosting that conference allowed us to learn how to communicate and interact with professionals working in industry, which are important for all of us to gain.

Why should someone join WOAA?
We create a really open community to all women in STEM, not just those studying aerospace. This might be cliche, but literally joining a club, any club, does make a difference and it helps you gain leadership experience. Most freshmen may not have too much on their resume, but being part of WOAA and other clubs can help you build your resume. We make sure to provide opportunities for students to put themselves out there by talking with professionals and getting in contact with them. It can be scary at times, but it doesn’t have to be!

What are other campus organizations you’re a part of?
I used to be a part of the Hiking Club, which I highly recommend anyone join. That club inspired me to do more of my own hiking. Being a course assistant for a freshman engineering projects course has helped me become a leader in the classroom and provide guidance for younger students.

What has been an intriguing engineering class you’ve taken so far?
This one was hard to answer! I would have to say engineering economics, which is part of my engineering management minor. At first, I thought I was not going to enjoy it, but I've actually ended up learning so much from it. It’s encouraged me to do my own research on finance, sustainability, business and how it connects with my personal life and engineering.

Anything else on your CU Boulder bucket list you hope to check off?
This one’s embarrassing, but I haven’t been to a CU football game yet! I have one more fall season to figure it out.

We hear you’re an avid reader. Any shameless plugs on a book you recommend for others?
Last semester, I read “True North” by Bill George. The book has helped me find my path in life and I’ve learned to follow a path no matter what other people make you think. That really opened my eyes and has made me more confident with who I am.

We sat down with fourth-year aerospace engineering student Ada Forsner, who is the internal coordinator of WOAA, to share about her CU Engineering experience!

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Bruno Armas from ECEE earns college perseverance award

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:15:38 +0000

Bruno Armas from ECEE earns college perseverance award Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/24/2024 - 09:15

Bruno Armas, a graduating peer mentor from the BOLD Center earns CU Engineering 2024 perseverance award.

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Meet Our Undergrads: Sara Leschova

Anonymous — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:51:29 +0000

Meet Our Undergrads: Sara Leschova Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/26/2024 - 08:51

Charles Ferrer

We sat down with third-year mechanical engineering student Sara Leschova to share about her CU Engineering experience! Sara serves as the Director of Special Events & Advocacy for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at CU Boulder for the 2023-2024 school year.

What inspired you to pursue engineering or STEM in general?
Neither of my parents are engineers but both of them are very curious and love to learn new things. Growing up, my dad used to do science experiments with me and my brother and we would play with Legos and watch science documentaries all the time. That made me interested in understanding science and how it affects the world around me. When I got to high school and started enjoying my math and science classes, my mom was the first one who brought up that I should look into engineering. I guess that stuck with me and pretty soon after that I was focused on going to college for engineering!

When did you know you wanted to study mechanical engineering?
I actually applied to and started in our biomedical engineering program. During my third semester, though, I realized that biology wasn’t for me, and learning about engineering through the lens of the human body made me queasy so I decided to change my major.

I think the reason I didn’t originally apply to mechanical engineering was that I only associated it with cars and the automotive industry. When I got to CU Boulder, I realized that mechanical engineering spans so many industries and is involved in the design of almost any technological component which is what convinced me to pursue it.

What challenges do you hope mechanical engineering can solve in the future?
I hope that mechanical engineers can contribute to finding solutions to climate change. The energy, manufacturing and transportation sectors have been major contributors to global warming and I hope mechanical engineers can make advancements to our current technology and create new, clean and affordable solutions that will help mitigate its impacts.

What are some of your memorable experiences at CU Engineering?
There are so many – but a majority of them come back to the community and friends I have here. My friends and I joke that when we get our degrees we should get them as a group because we wouldn’t have made it through college without each other’s help and support. No matter whether we are working on homework late into the night, studying for exams together or applying to internships, I know that my friends are there for me and are always willing to help me when I need it. I hope that’s what I’ll remember when I think back to college when I am a few years into my career.

What are your favorite aspects of being involved with SWE?

Being part of our chapter of the Society of Women Engineers has been rewarding in so many ways, both on and off the leadership board. The events are fun and welcoming and give me a break from studying when I need one. I have learned so much from being in a leadership role from maintaining professional communication to thinking on my feet when events don’t go to plan, all of which I use outside of SWE almost every day.

My favorite part of SWE is the community. I have had the opportunity to interact with CU members, as well as members from the professional section of SWE and everyone I have met has been nothing short of friendly and kind. I have been to two SWE conferences which helped introduce me to SWE at the larger international organization and exposed me to so many professional and learning opportunities.

Why should someone consider joining SWE?
It’s a fun way to meet new people, get industry contacts and give back to the community! You will learn a lot along the way. My only regret is not getting involved sooner.

Top Photo: Sara hiking Grizzly Peak and Cupid Peak with the CU Hiking Club. Bottom Photo: Celebrating birthdays with SWE friends on Pearl Street.

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Meet Our Undergrads: Mia Lonergan

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:10:45 +0000

Meet Our Undergrads: Mia Lonergan Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:10

Charles Ferrer

We sat down with graduating fourth-year environmental engineering student Mia Lonergan to share about her CU Engineering experience! Mia has served as treasurer for the CU Boulder Society of Women Engineers (SWE) during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

What inspired you to pursue engineering or STEM in general?

I always had a love for math and chemistry. I was always interested in understanding how things worked and why certain objects could function. This helped to align my interests in technology with STEM and pursue a career in engineering.

When did you know you wanted to study environmental engineering?

I was heavily involved in 4H in elementary, middle and high school. Being part of the organization fostered my interest in sustainability and the needs of the future. I knew I wanted to study environmental engineering, as it offered a focus on energy conversion. Specifically, I wanted to pursue a career in the renewable energy sector, leading me to later pursue a minor in energy engineering in addition to my degree.

What challenges do you hope environmental engineering can solve in the future?

I hope that environmental engineering can solve the energy crisis in the future, assisting in a clean transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Fossil fuels will always be used for transportation and electricity generation. However, incorporating a larger ratio of renewable energy like wind, solar, microgrids and hydrogen, will allow us to shift to a cleaner future.

What stood out to you about CU Boulder as you considered college options?

CU Boulder stood out to me when I considered college options, as it offered both beauty and brains. I was interested in attending a university with a top-ranked engineering program that offered networking opportunities, resources for students and active hands-on learning experiences. CU Engineering offered various opportunities to make connections with other students, professors and industry professionals.

Specifically, the BOLD Center stuck out to me as it offers resources, tutoring, networking, professional development, student society involvement, and more to underrepresented students in engineering. Finally, Boulder offers plenty of outdoor activities including hiking and snowboarding nearby: two of my favorite hobbies. Not to mention, you can’t beat the view of the Flatirons every morning!

What are some of your memorable experiences at CU Engineering?

Some of my memorable experiences at CU Engineering include participating in the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design project on the CU Buffwind Team. It has been an amazing experience contributing to a project that will be presented at the Department of Energy NREL Collegiate Wind Competition this May. Another memorable experience included participating in BuffProjects where I got to work with a group of students on an industry project. Finally, I have been heavily involved in the Society of Women Engineers where I unlocked countless experiences and connections.

What are your favorite aspects of being involved with SWE?

My favorite aspects of being involved with SWE include mentorships, networking opportunities, industry exposure and the opportunity to meet women and other minorities in both STEM and engineering fields here at CU.

Our mentorship program has connected me with various undergraduate students as well as fostered connections with industry mentors. I have had the opportunity to network with 50+ companies here on campus and 200+ companies at both national and local conferences through the CU Boulder Society of Women Engineers.

This is my second year serving on the executive board as treasurer. It has allowed me to partake in SWE on both a national and local level and assist the section in achieving our goals. SWE has truly transformed my experience at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Why should someone consider joining SWE?

Someone should consider joining SWE if they want to meet new people within the school of engineering; practice networking; partake in STEM-related activities with younger audiences including elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, and Girl Scouts; travel to national and local conferences where you can meet engineers of all ages in all industries; partake in professional development; or do a fun activity with other students at one of our weekly meetings!

Are you involved with other student organizations on campus?

During my time here at CU, I have participated in Engineers Without Borders Rwanda, the Society of Environmental Engineers, the CU Energy Club and currently the CU Wind Energy Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to take some time to travel during the summer before starting with Mortenson as a wind energy group field engineer on their wind team. I look forward to working on-site during the construction of wind farms.

We sat down with graduating environmental engineering student Mia Lonergan from the Society of Women Engineers to share about her CU Engineering experience! Mia has served as treasurer for the CU Boulder Society of Women Engineers (SWE) during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

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