Hometown: Maple Park, Illinois

Current year: Senior

Throughout much of her time at Purdue, Lauren Sparber was part of the university's Engineers Without Borders chapter where they worked on a water distribution center in Rwanda.

Why I chose Purdue Civil Engineering

When I was deciding on which university I would attend, I knew I wanted to go to large, Big 10 school — and I wanted to attend one that had a strong civil engineering program. Purdue University was on my list of choices and when I came for an on-campus visit, that’s when I knew this was the right place for me. Just seeing how many students and activities there are, I knew there would be a lot of great opportunities to get involved. . From that point on, I knew I would be coming to Purdue.

Transportation Engineering

My emphasis area is in Transportation Engineering. My dad is a civil engineer, so I was always aware of what they were and what they did, but I wasn’t exactly sure if that was what I wanted to pursue for myself. I guess it’s just one of those things where you don’t want to just do what your parents did. But, as I got older and I learned more about it myself, I became more and more interested. And, while at Purdue, I discovered Transportation Engineering. It affects every aspect of our lives, every day, and it became what I wanted to pursue a career in.

After Lauen graduates in the spring, she will enter the professional civil industry with HNTB in Chicago.

Engineers Without Borders

Throughout much of my time at Purdue, I have been involved with the university’s Engineers Without Borders chapter. Our chapter has been working on a water distribution system in Rwanda. I was the president of my chapter for two years and got to travel to Rwanda for an assessment trip where we did survey work — both technical surveying and surveying the community so we understand their needs. My time in Engineers Without Borders was easily one of the most rewarding experiences I have had and I fully expect to continue work in it or a similar organization as a professional civil engineer.

After I graduate

After I graduate in May, I will join HNTB in Chicago. I have already accepted a full-time position with the engineering company and am looking forward to starting my career with them. The Lyles School of Civil of Engineering prepared me incredibly well and I am excited to start my engineering career.

Throughout much of her time at Purdue, Lauren Sparber was part of the university's Engineers Without Borders chapter where they worked on a water distribution center in Rwanda.