Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering undergrad George McAtee says what drew him to the discipline was its potential for a positive impact on both the environment and community. A dream project of his is to create open community spaces for people to come together and enjoy.

Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering undergrad Alana DeVilbiss said she's always had an interest in road and urban design, so wherever she chose to study, it had to have a great civil engineering program. She also wanted to complete a professional co-op and gain industry experience while in school. She found all she was looking for — and more — at Purdue University.

Over the years, the Lyles School of Civil Engineering's undergraduates have shared their stories and dreams with us. And while all of their stories have been unique, they all share at least one thing in common: Purdue Civil Engineering is where they found their path to a successful future.

After having spent most of his life living in Canada, Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergrad Elliot Cram said he knew he wanted to study engineering at a top program in the United States. He found all that he was looking for — and more — in Purdue University.

Civil Engineering was not something Carly thought she'd major in — especially after already earning her Bachelor's degree in Art + Design with a minor in Physics from Butler University. But, she said, she still wanted something more in a career that could blend engineering and design. And that's when she ultimately came to my decision to study civil engineering at Purdue University.

Civil Engineering undergrad Mady Seif says she wanted to study in a program that featured math, science, artistry, and made an impact on the world. She found all she was looking for and more at the Lyles School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University.

Civil Engineering undergrad Ava Curry says she's always been a bit of a Lego kid and loved to learn how things work. When she came to Purdue University, she chose to pursue a degree in civil engineering because of how crucial it is to both society and the environment.

Ever since she was a child, civil engineering undergrad Hafdís Magnúsdóttir has always loved building things. Eager to explore university options outside of her Icelandic hometown, she soon discovered Purdue and its world-renown engineering program.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergrad Emily Twomey has always had an interest in public transportation. One of her career goals is to be involved in the design of a public transit system from start to finish and then use it herself.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergrad Ben O'Brien's interest in Transportation Engineering stems from his desire to see greater and equal access to public transportation for all — in both urban and rural communities — and he wants to work toward creating infrastructure that is better for the environment.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergrad Mimi Wadley says she's always loved engineering and building things. As a kid, she even used to build roads for her Barbie dolls. Mimi says she also appreciates that civil engineering is such a public-focused discipline that serves so many people. And, if you do your job right, no one will really know what you did.

At an early age, Deja King had her sights set on becoming a civil engineer. When choosing a university to study at, Deja said she wanted it to be somewhere with a great program and a welcoming community. She found all she was looking for at Purdue.

Naia Echevarria always knew she wanted to pursue a civil engineering degree. A Bolivia-native, Naia also wanted to attend an internationally-renown university with a warm and welcoming community. She found all she was looking for at Purdue.

Throughout much of her time at Purdue, civil engineering undergrad Lauren Sparber has been involved with the university's Engineers Without Borders chapter where they have been working on a water distribution system in Rwanda.

When Purdue Civil Engineering undergraduate Kyra Fales was looking for a university, she wanted three things: a strong civil engineering school, study abroad opportunities, and a co-op program. She found them all at Purdue University where she has been able to work for a civil engineering firm in Indianapolis and study abroad in Ecuador.

Going to Purdue University was never in doubt for Klayton Davis. With Purdue alumni for parents, the Boilermakers have always been a major part of his life. What wasn't certain, he said, was where he would study. But, after taking a few civil engineering courses, Klayton said he knew it was exactly what he was looking for.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergraduate Kashish Sharma has a passion for the arts and engineering. Through the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Kashish said she found the perfect way to work with both of her interests to create new structures that serve a need for the community and are beautiful to look at.

Joey Martin's emphasis area is in Transportation Engineering. Joey says that he discovered that he loved the engineering behind roads, traffic, and intersections while studying at Purdue University because it's all so vital to our everyday lives and it's becoming even more important as the U.S. transitions to smart and connected cities and vehicles.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Laura Gustafson's emphasis areas are in Environmental Engineering and Hydraulics & Hydrology. Laura says she believes the best way she can make a difference and pursue her passions is through working to improve water infrastructure systems and ensuring a more sustainable future for everyone.

With an emphasis in Transportation Engineering, Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergrad Jack Bell says that he gained a great interest in micro-mobility and civil engineering as a whole upon coming to Purdue University, where he was able to join a research team and publish his own paper.