CE Undergrad Spotlight — Elliot Cram
Hometown: Texas City, Texas
Current year: Junior
![Elliot Cram is a member of the Purdue Climbing Club where he helps coordinate climbing events and competitions.](./undergrad-spotlight-elliot-cram/PCC-group.jpg)
Elliot Cram is a member of the Purdue Climbing Club where he helps coordinate climbing events and competitions.
Why I chose Purdue Civil Engineering
I spent most of my life living in Toronto, Canada and knew I wanted to study in the United States. From there, I researched which university had the best engineering programs and Purdue University had everything I was looking for. Once I decided to come to Purdue, I quickly realized civil engineering was what I wanted to pursue. I am particularly interested in the boundary between building design and the environment.
Emphasis area
Right now, I am leaning toward Architectural Engineering. I am interested in designing healthy and sustainable building spaces as well as how to retrofit existing structures
![One of the reasons why Elliot says he came to Purdue was because of all events and activities students can participate in outside of class.](./undergrad-spotlight-elliot-cram/Cram-mackey.jpg)
One of the reasons why Elliot says he came to Purdue was because of all events and activities students can participate in outside of class.
Purdue Climbing Club
I have built an amazing community at Purdue through rock climbing. I never climbed before college but quickly became engaged with the sport through the Purdue climbing wall, where I now work as a staff member. Through Purdue Climbing Club and my work at the Corec, I help coordinate events in the climbing community including trips and competitions. Overall, it’s been a great experience and I’ve made so many friends over the years here through it.
After I graduate
After I earn my Bachelor’s degree next year, I will be staying for one more year to earn my Master’s through Purdue Civil Engineering’s 4+1 Program. I really appreciate that Purdue has this program as it will allow me to earn my grad degree earlier, as well as build up industry expertise to apply to my career.
![Elliot Cram says he is studying civil engineering because he wants to build sustainable buildings that exist in harmony with its surrounding environment.](./undergrad-spotlight-elliot-cram/Cram-class.jpg)
Elliot Cram says he is studying civil engineering because he wants to build sustainable buildings that exist in harmony with its surrounding environment.