Hometown: Peoria, Illinois

Current year: Senior

Why I chose Civil Engineering

I have a strong interest in both energy and transportation, so civil engineering was simply the best possible choice for me. I had a strong interest in attending Purdue back in high school because I knew how respected their program is. After visiting the campus and meeting with Purdue students and faculty, I knew that this was the perfect place for me to prepare for a career in civil engineering.

Emphasis area

My emphasis area is transportation engineering. Energy and transportation have been interests of mine for years now, so I knew I wanted to study and pursue these subjects. At the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, not only do we have some of the best faculty in the world who specialize in transportation and energy, but they were willing to bring me on and provided me with the opportunity to participate in high-end research related to my interests as well.

Ben Bowman worked as an undergraduate researcher for Lyles School of Civil Engineering Professor Satish Ukkusuri.

Undergraduate researcher

During my sophomore and junior years, I participated in undergraduate research with Lyles School of Civil Engineering Professor Satish Ukkusuri. I was responsible for conducting stakeholder interviews and analyzing the national state of autonomous and connected vehicles.

This was an amazing experience for me and covered something I truly believe in the potential of. Through autonomous and connected vehicle research, I contributed toward the creation of a safer and more effective commute for drivers.

After I graduate

After I graduate in May, I will be working for Marathon Petroleum Corporation as a project engineer. I’m really looking forward to starting my civil engineering career with them.

Ben Bowman will earn his BSCE this May.