Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Current year: Senior

Deja King chose the Lyles School of Civil Engineering for its reputation of being of of the best programs in the country.

Why I chose Purdue Civil Engineering

I’ve always known I wanted to study to become a civil engineer. I’ve always loved seeing the skyscrapers when I visited bigger cities with my family. I also knew I wanted to study where I would be set up to succeed once I graduated and I wanted the community to feel welcoming. I found all of what I was looking for when I visited Purdue.

Structural Engineering

My emphasis area is in Structural Engineering. Skyscrapers and structural design have always been of great interest to me. I want to be part of a team that designs and creates impressive structures that stand the test of time.

Deja studied structural engineering and wants to eventually help design a skyscraper.

Welcoming community

What really made me feel like Purdue was going to be the place for me was just how many opportunities there were for me to meet people and be part of student organizations. I especially cherish my times with the Purdue Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Purdue Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The fact that NSBE was actually started here at Purdue was also exciting to learn about and know about its history and strong ties to the university.

After I graduate

After I graduate in May 2023, I will begin my civil engineering career with Kimley-Horn in Columbus, Ohio. I am incredibly excited to join the team. I had an incredible experience interning for the company last summer and I’m really looking forward to continue to work with them.

Deja is a member of the Purdue Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

Deja studied structural engineering and wants to eventually help design a skyscraper.