[Cce-post-docs-list] CEGSAC - Newsletter December 2024

[Malladi, Prathyusha]

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NEWSLETTER -

DECEMBER 19, 2024



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Say Hello to the New Board Members!

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Kennedy Lauren Perez

Co-chair, Cultural & Community Outreach Committee

klperez at purdue.edu<mailto:klperez at purdue.edu>



Master student at Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering.

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Trazigate Wanjira Njeru

Co-chair, Cultural & Community Outreach Committee

tnjeru at purdue.edu<mailto:tnjeru at purdue.edu>



Graduate student in Hydraulics and Hydrology (Civil Engineering)





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     FALL 2024 EVENTS ROUNDUP

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Fall Cultural Potluck Picnic

Saturday, October 12, 2024

The Fall Picnic celebrated the spirit of community and cultural diversity. People from various cultural backgrounds came together to share homemade delicacies, exchange stories, and spread laughter. The event was a perfect blend of food, fun, and friendship, creating a vibrant atmosphere of togetherness.

Corn Maze

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Graduate students, along with their friends and family, ventured to Exploration Acres for an evening of adventure and fun. They navigated through the twists and turns of the corn maze, bonding over the challenge. The night concluded with a warm gathering around a bonfire, where participants enjoyed the simple pleasures of s’mores and hot cocoa, creating cozy memories to cherish.

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Diversity and Inclusion Panel

Thursday, November 7, 2024

The Diversity and Inclusion Panel brought together representatives from Purdue's Asian American Cultural Center, Black Cultural Committee, and Latino Cultural Center. Engaging discussions highlighted the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in everyday life. The event encouraged meaningful conversations, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural differences.

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Gingerbread House Making Event

Friday, November 22nd

To spark the festive spirit, a gingerbread house-making event was organized. Participants showcased their creativity and teamwork, building delightful gingerbread houses. The activity not only spread holiday cheer but also provided an opportunity for participants to relax and enjoy the season.

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CEGSAC Mentorship Program

Through out Fall 2024

The Mentorship Program was designed to help new graduate students navigate life at Purdue. Experienced graduate students took on the role of mentors, sharing their knowledge and experiences to support the newcomers. The program fostered connections, creating a supportive community for personal and academic growth.

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Research Bytes

The Research Bytes event provided a unique platform for civil engineering students to present their research in concise, 1-minute presentations. This engaging format encouraged participants to communicate their ideas effectively while showcasing the breadth of innovative research being conducted in the department.

Weekly Sports

Throughout Fall 2024

Weekly sports sessions offered students a chance to unwind and take a break from their academic routines. Whether it was badminton, soccer, or volleyball, these gatherings fostered camaraderie and provided a refreshing way to stay active and de-stress.

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Bowling

To break the monotony of the semester, a fun-filled evening of bowling was organized. Students enjoyed friendly competition, lively conversations, and moments of laughter, making it a delightful way to recharge and connect with peers.



Learn More About Our Past Events!<https://engineering.purdue.edu/CCE/Academics/Organizations/CEGSAC/news/events/past-events>

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Be sure to catch our upcoming events and activities - stay tuned to your inbox!





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   ALUMNI INTERVIEW

Dr. Herta Montoya

We are excited to share this interview with Dr. Herta Montoya, a recent PhD graduate of Purdue University’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering. Dr. Montoya’s research focuses on advancing cyber-physical simulation and testing of complex infrastructure systems, and she contributed to the NASA-funded Resilient Extraterrestrial Habitats Institute (RETHi).

Dr. Montoya’s dedication to interdisciplinary research and mentorship is inspiring, and we thank her for sharing her insights and experiences with us!

[New Faculty 2024 | UTSA New Faculty | UTSA | University of Texas ...]

Background and Motivation

  *   What motivated you to pursue a PhD in civil engineering, and how did that interest evolve over time?

"As an undergraduate student, I was always eager to learn new things, which made a research career very appealing to me. I participated in several undergraduate research projects during my studies, which helped me realize my desire to pursue graduate school… I discovered that civil engineering research is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary… I wanted to understand how and why engineering systems behaved in certain ways under specific circumstances. To broaden my knowledge, I decided to enroll in courses from other engineering disciplines, enabling me to tackle more complex civil engineering problems."

  *   Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations, both professionally and personally?

"My career goal is to become a professor at a research-focused academic institution, where I can contribute to the advancement of robust and resilient intelligent systems that enhance human life in an innovation-driven world.” ”I aspire to teach and provide students with the skills necessary to succeed and foster innovation across various engineering disciplines. I am pleased to share that after completing my Ph.D. at Purdue, I will join The University of Texas at San Antonio as an assistant professor in 2025."

Academic and Professional Insights

  *   Your research focuses on advancing cyber-physical simulations for complex infrastructure. Can you explain your current projects and their impact on this field?



“During my Ph.D. studies, I have been part of the Resilient Extraterrestrial Institute (RETHi), a NASA-funded project focused on developing the technologies needed to establish resilient and smart space habitats. My work was to develop a thermomechanical cyber-physical testing framework, a cutting-edge method that combines numerical simulations with physical testing. This technique allows us to explore how infrastructure systems react to extreme conditions—like what happens to a lunar habitat after a micrometeorite impact damages its structural protective layer.”
“I’ve been able to simulate these conditions and collaborate with other researchers to understand how we can detect faults and make decisions in response to potential damage. It's incredibly exciting to contribute to creating a future where we can safely live and thrive beyond our planet!”



  *   Through your experience with international engineering events and conferences, what have you learned about the importance of cross-cultural collaboration?



“Cross-cultural events and collaboration have given me a broader range of perspectives and allowed me to see how different cultures tackle problems given their regional resources. In my opinion, this fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills because you learn that a problem may have multiple solutions. It has also helped me build strong professional relationships across different countries and cultures.”

Purdue Life

  *   In your experience, how can students best utilize the resources available at Purdue to enhance their academic journey and professional development?



“In my experience, Purdue offers numerous opportunities for students to engage both during and beyond their academic journey. One practice that I found valuable—though it can be challenging—is reading every email we received through the program regarding workshops, seminars, student organizations, career development, and more. You can always find something that resonates with you, so it's important to explore these opportunities. Remember that these resources are available, and make sure to take advantage of them.”



  *   How can students effectively leverage their connections at Purdue to build meaningful and lasting professional networks?



“One of the greatest things of Purdue is its extensive alumni network worldwide. So, take time to attend alumni seminars and events, and try to engage with the individuals to gain insights from their experiences. Additionally, it's important to be kind and professional to your fellow students. The individuals sitting to your right and left in any classroom or lab will become your future colleagues, so take the time to learn about them and share your own experiences.”

Practical Tips and Advice

  *   What are your top tips for communicating effectively with an academic advisor?



“My top tip for communicating with your advisor is to always be honest about your work and your journey. As graduate students, we sometimes fear sharing our experiences with our advisors due to feelings of impostor syndrome or the fear of rejection, but this is far from the truth. Your advisor is there to provide guidance and encouragement, and they can only do so effectively if you openly share your work and thoughts with them. Another important tip is to believe in yourself and the value of your work. When you have confidence in yourself, you will be able to communicate your ideas and findings more effectively.”



  *   What are some effective strategies for presenting your research and communicating complex topics to a broader audience?



“Some effective strategies that have worked for me include simplifying the language and using clear visuals. Simplifying the language doesn’t mean leaving out important information; rather, it involves explaining the main goals or outcomes using analogies or relatable experiences. Additionally, clear visuals help engage everyone with your topic. While some may struggle to follow the words, they can gain a better understanding through a good visual explanation. Lastly, it's important to enjoy your presentation. If you are passionate and enthusiastic, your audience will likely feel the same way.”



  *   What advice would you give to current students who are interested in pursuing advanced research in structural engineering or similar fields?



“If you're considering pursuing research, I recommend that you give it a try! Look for opportunities to engage in research for a semester to determine whether it is something that you like. Additionally, reach out to individuals who are doing research on topics that interest you. Learning about their experiences can help you see how their work aligns with your career goals.”







MORE INFORMATION…

Submit Your Announcement to the CEGSAC Social Media!<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSczh95zRXhlZKsJ71-Xu_Gh-miqt0Msw3jMaBBcvpgEqCdwaA%2Fviewform%3Fusp%3Dsf_link&data=05%7C02%7Ccce-post-docs-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7Cb8bfa2d217484c85e5a508dd20509d66%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638702252842654816%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Mg2S2Ixg%2Bjrn%2B1mY4ax76gsPX9CJaMDTZTQHuFQUMtU%3D&reserved=0>

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