Once upon a time, engineers were stereotyped for their social disconnect and disassociation with the world. While many stereotypes have principles of merit, this one falls short with EEE graduate student Laura Almeida Tinjaca. Far from an isolated mathlete, Laura is using her engineering skills to encourage fellow engineers and the world to be more sustainable.

“I want to inspire others to work collaboratively and cohesively toward building sustainable systems. Through my work, my connections, and my advocacy, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of conscious decision-making in engineering and policy,” she says.

Her goal? “To not just develop solutions, but to foster a mindset where sustainability and equity are at the core of our choices, ensuring a better future for all.”

And she has already begun. One of Laura’s most impactful experiences was contributing to a project focused on transportation planning for the next 20 years in Colombia. They worked to align rail and river transportation with national roadmaps, giving her valuable insight into large-scale decision-making and its real-world impact.

Later, as an undergraduate research assistant at Purdue University, Laura had the opportunity to work as an international visiting scholar in sustainable transportation systems. This experience not only deepened her knowledge, but paved the way for her master’s studies.

“Engineering has allowed me to discover my path and purpose. It has shown me that my career can evolve and adapt to align with my goals. The versatility of engineering skills makes them highly transferable, giving me the flexibility to explore different areas and continuously grow both professionally and personally,” she explains.

Laura has been growing as an engineer since her youth. She wasn’t the first in her family with engineering in mind. Her mother, a first-generation college student, majored in computer engineering.

“Seeing her determination and success sparked my initial interest in pursuing an engineering career,” she shares.

Being an engineer or an engineering student isn’t always easy. It requires specific skills and attributes. Laura highlights intellectual curiosity as one of the most important; driving the desire to continuously learn, improve, and find innovative solutions. Equally important to her, is the ability to stay connected to both science and society.

“Engineers must always ask, “How can this be better?” and use science and technology to create solutions that are not only effective but also accessible and beneficial to people. It is crucial to remember that engineering is not just about technical problem-solving but about how our work translates into real-world impact,” Laura says.

As much as world needs its mathletes, it also needs students like Laura. Students who are eager to aid as discovery and innovation change the world for the better. To potential engineering students, Laura says:

“Go for it! Engineering is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that allows you to shape your own path. Seek out a strong support system, connect with mentors, and get involved in initiatives that inspire you. These are the spaces where you will thrive and grow the most.

“There will be moments of difficulty, times when you struggle to keep up, or when you find yourself comparing your journey to others. But remember that progress is not linear. Define what success looks like for you, embrace the learning process, and trust that even small steps forward will lead to meaningful accomplishments. Your unique perspective and skills are valuable, and engineering needs more diverse voices to drive innovation and positive change.”