Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Current year: Senior

Naia said her love for civil engineering came early due to her love of math, buildings, and bridges.

Why I chose Purdue Civil Engineering

I knew for a long time that civil engineering was what I wanted to pursue in college. I have always loved math and my father was also a civil engineer. I also knew I wanted to study where I could not only get the best education possible, but somewhere that could feel like my new home. Early on, I had targeted Purdue University due to its great reputation. And, the more I learned about it and what campus life could be like, the more confident I became that Purdue was the right school for me.

Structural Engineering

My emphasis area is in Structural Engineering. I have always had a love for skyscrapers and bridges and so I was pretty sure that I would focus on structures upon joining the Lyles School of Civil Engineering. I want to be part of a team that designs and creates a largescale structure that everyone can see.

Naia worked as a structural engineering intern in 2022 for Stantec in Chicago.

Many opportunities

One of the things I love most about being a student at Purdue is all the opportunities that are made available to us. In addition to working toward my Bachelor’s degree, I’m also minoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. I have also recently got to work as a tutor for a hydraulics course and am currently working as an undergraduate research assistant at Purdue’s Bowen Laboratory for Large-Scale Civil Engineering Research.

After I graduate

After I graduate in May 2023, I will continue to study Structural Engineering as I work toward my Master’s degree through Purdue’s 4+1 Program. I want to learn and experience more of civil engineering so that when I begin my career, I am in the best position possible to succeed.

Naia chose the Lyles School of Civil Engineering for its outstanding reputation and welcoming community.