CCE Undergrad Spotlight — Alana DeVilbiss

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.

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Current year: Senior

Alana is a member of the Kiewit Scholars program.
Alana is a member of the Kiewit Scholars program.

Why I chose Purdue Civil and Construction Engineering

I have always had an interest in engineering — especially civil engineering. I have always been interested in road and urban design, so I knew wherever I chose to study, it had to have a great civil engineering program. Additionally, I knew I wanted to complete a professional co-op and gain industry experience while in school, so I knew I wanted a college with a co-op program. After visiting Purdue and learning more about the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, I knew this was the perfect place for me.

Alana says once she visited Purdue she knew it was the university for her.
Alana says once she visited Purdue she knew it was the university for her.

Emphasis area

My emphasis area is in construction engineering. My interest in design and construction drew me in to the discipline. Being able to be more hands-on, to be on-site, to work on something from the ground up and see a project reach completion really appealed to me.

Kiewit Scholar

I am part of the Kiewit Scholars Program. It has been a great experience for me as it has connected me with mentors within the construction industry and helped prepare me to be a professional within the field.

A major determining factor for Alana when choosing Purdue Civil and Construction Engineering was its strong co-op program.
A major determining factor for Alana when choosing Purdue Civil and Construction Engineering was its strong co-op program.

After I graduate

After I earn my Bachelor’s degree next year, I will be staying for one more year to earn my Master’s through Purdue Civil Engineering’s 4+1 Program. I really appreciate that Purdue has this program as it will allow me to earn my grad degree and bit earlier than I normally could while still gaining a greater depth of knowledge.

Alana says once she visited Purdue she knew it was the university for her.
Alana says once she visited Purdue she knew it was the university for her.