Hometown: Bloomington, Indiana

Current year: Senior

Casey Rodgers aims to pursue a career in structural engineering.

Why I chose Civil Engineering

I’ve always had an interest in science and engineering, but I really discovered my passion for civil engineering in high school. In high school, I competed in the Science Olympiad, which is a STEM competition for teens with 23 different events. All 23 events cover a different focus in the STEM field and I joined the bridge-building team. I had so much fun and learned so much that I knew this is what I wanted to continue to pursue in college and as a professional.

Casey said one of the best things about Purdue is that you're bound to find friends who are as silly as you are.

Emphasis area

My emphasis area is structural engineering. Just like in high school, my interest remains in building structures. At first, I was mostly interested in bridges but now I believe I want to be part of a team that’s responsible for building skyscrapers. I think what drew me to tall buildings specifically is that there’s so much variation to it. No building is the same and there’s always a fresh set of challenges and that makes me very excited to pursue as a career.

Casey is on Purdue's Seismic Design Competition Team where they build structures that must stand up to various challenges.

Seismic Design

I am the captain of our school’s Seismic Design Competition Team. All throughout my time at Purdue University, I have been actively involved with the team and I love the work we’ve done and time we’ve spent together. We create structures that must stand up to real-world seismic events.

After I graduate

After I graduate in May, I plan to pursue my Master’s degree in structural engineering. In my classes and work as an intern, I realized that if I want to achieve my goals, I will need even more specialized training and research.

Casey is on Purdue's Seismic Design Competition Team where they build structures that must stand up to various challenges.