An exceptional education extends beyond mere lectures. A crucial aspect of the Purdue experience involves connecting with peers. Purdue EEE’s Student Organizations are designed to propel students academically, socially, and professionally.

Christopher Dunlap, President of the Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineering (SEEE), explains, “SEEE is devoted to enhancing the student experience of EEE undergraduates at Purdue. We achieve this through a combination of social, professional, and community events. We also contribute to the entirety of the Purdue community through environmentally focused volunteer service. Our goal is to foster friendships and relationships between EEEs, community partners, and faculty.”

Similarly, Christopher Copeland, President of the EEE Graduate Student Organization (GSO), shares that, “EEE GSO exists not only to foster a sense of community among graduate students, but to provide them with useful resources and connections both academically and professionally.”

With a modest enrollment of 175 undergraduates and 58 graduate students (as of fall 2023), these organizations are close knit and impact students on a personal level. Below the recap videos are two firsthand experiences of what GSO and SEEE are doing for our students.

Tripta Bhattacharjee (GSO)

Tripta Bhattacharjee accepted his admission to the EEE Ph.D. program for fall 2023, stressed and uncertain. During his undergrad at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Tripta always lived close to his family. His decision to move to the U.S. with its cultural, climate, and social changes was monumental and intimidating.

Luckily for Tripta, the EEE GSO Ambassador Program was on the scene last summer with an invitation to a zoom call for incoming Graduate students.

Tripta shares, “Knowing these people beforehand eased my nerves. Once I moved here, I had friends, support, and fun activities to attend. EEE GSO has helped me to make new connections, get to know the fascinating work done here, and connect with mentors along the way. My first semester as a graduate student was almost like a fairytale. I couldn’t have hoped for anything better.”

A screenshot of Tripta's first introductory zoom call with the GSO. 

Stephanie Heffner (SEEE)

Stephanie (Steph) Heffner joined SEEE in her junior year, looking for friends, fun, and like-minded engineers. Through her position as Public Relations Officer, Steph has grown as a leader, given back to Purdue EEE, and promoted the major to incoming freshmen.

“Sharing my experiences in environmental and ecological engineering reminds me of everything I love about this major and this field. Listening to my peers share their experiences shows me different perspectives and approaches to environmental problems,” she says.

But it’s not only academic insights she’s gaining. Steph adds, “The most that I've gotten out of SEEE is the friendships I've made. I've gotten to know some amazing people, and some of my favorite Purdue memories are with my friends in EEE.”

Steph (second from left) with other EEE undergrads at a cookie decorating event sponsored by SEEE.

Always a Boilermaker

Purdue EEE’s Student Organizations enhance our program and community and propel students in each small step. Copeland said it best, “Many engineering students, graduate and undergraduate, can be very busy and have relatively little time here at Purdue, but we hope to help them find some enjoyment and build a community while they're here. We just never want them to forget that they’re a Boilermaker.”