Why did you choose SUNY Poly?
The main things that drew me to SUNY Poly were the class sizes and school population, which was smaller than the rest of the universities that I was accepted to. I wanted a close relationship with my professors, and I realized that would be easier at a smaller campus. I came to visit, and I really enjoyed the campus; it wasn’t too big, wasn’t too small. It was just the right size for me.
Why did you choose Civil Engineering Technology as a major?
I have always enjoyed learning about structures and infrastructure and how they can be built and maintained. In high school, I wanted to learn about architecture, and attended community college when I got older. As I researched a major in architecture more, I realized that I was more interested in the engineering aspect of things compared to design.
Is there an impactful academic experience that stands out to you during your time at SUNY Poly?
I’m currently serving as the President of the SUNY Poly chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Last spring, our club went to Cornell University for the steel bridge competition—it was a great experience! We met a bunch of other engineering majors from other schools; we were picking each other’s brains on our majors and what we were interested in, so it was nice.
What is the Steel Bridge Competition?
The Steel Bridge Competition is where colleges in region one, where we’re located in, design a steel bridge based on the parameters and specs that the symposium gives to participants. We have to design the bridge using AutoCAD or whatever software you’re comfortable using and make sure that it can withstand the loads that the competition requires and that it doesn’t deflect in a certain direction too much. It’s a good team-building and hands-on experience.
Have you completed an internship?
During the summer of 2022, I completed an internship with Kiewit, one of America’s top four contractors. It was a great experience for me because it really showed me what I wanted to do. At the end of the day, I want to be a project manager. I was working with other project managers overseeing massive million-dollar projects. I was asked to put together a bid for multiple projects, get together the subcontractors and all their quotes, and we sent out a huge bid for the project. I also completed a couple of projects on the side that they needed me to do, such as printing out blueprints using AutoCAD.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
I am currently the president of the ASCE Student Chapter here at SUNY Poly.
What has your favorite class been at SUNY Poly so far?
Statics Strengths & Materials and Construction Methods.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After SUNY Poly, I will join Kiewit at their Long Island location.
Do you have a piece of advice for an incoming student?
Get to know your advisor and professors in your major. Even if you don’t have them for a few semesters, stop by their office to say hi and get to know them. I would also join a club if possible so that you can get out and meet other students with the same interests.