Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Current year: Junior

Ben O'Brien is studying civil engineering with a focus in transportation.

Why I chose Purdue Civil Engineering

I knew I wanted to study engineering and I also knew Purdue University’s engineering programs are highly-ranked. So, it just made sense that if I was going to pursue an engineering career I should go to a university where I would learn from some of the best faculty and be well prepared. I am also very much interested in the built environment and working to ensure everyone has equal access — so, civil engineering eventually became the obvious choice for me as I progressed further in the first-year engineering program.

Emphasis area

My emphasis area is in Transportation Engineering. Access to public transportation and the growing shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles really appeals to me. I want to see cities and smaller communities be able to equally serve all of its people and work toward creating infrastructure that is better for the environment.

Ben is an undergraduate student researcher and assists Prof. Nadia Gkritza.

Undergraduate research

While I have been studying in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, I have been a part of Professor Nadia Gkritza’s research team. I have done a lot of survey work for her where I have spoken with public transportation users so we can better understand how to better provide public transportation in the future.

After I graduate

My current plan is to attend graduate school and earn my Master’s degree after I graduate. I have really enjoyed my time researching as an undergrad and I want to be able to pursue that further.

Ben says his interest in civil engineering stems from a desire to see both urban and rural communities gain greater and equal access to public transportation.