Maithilee Das 

Since graduating from Purdue University in 2015, Maithilee Das has been working as a Civil Engineer (EIT) at Greeley and Hansen, a leading global consulting firm. Her work contributes to the development of innovative engineering solutions for complex water, wastewater, water reuse, and solid waste challenges aimed at improving public health, safety, and welfare.

Das has been involved with providing services for all phases of projects at Greeley and Hansen ranging from master planning and feasibility studies to design, construction, and start-up. Most recently, she has been serving as the Construction Services Lead to a combined sewer overflow (CSO) storage tank project in Lafayette, Indiana. Her role involves reviewing of all equipment data to be used in the tank, some of which include manholes, pipe material, valves, mechanical screens, pumps, weirs, and gates.

Opportunities like this have been made possible due to the experience and knowledge gained through Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE). “EEE at Purdue adopts an integrated perspective to ensure that environmentally engineered systems can exist in harmony,” stated Das. “With extensive courses focused on air, water, solid waste, remediation and sustainability, the EEE program provides students with a solid foundation to tackle ‘real world’ environmental problems.”

Being actively involved with professional societies has helped Das to stay fresh on matters of environmental and ecological engineering. She was recently elected Chair of the Public Communication and Outreach (PCO) Committee with Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA). In her new role, Das will focus on developing and assisting community groups in conducting public education programs and strengthening knowledge and awareness on the significance of improving our water environment.

Reflecting on her time at Purdue, Das would suggest current and incoming EEE students educate themselves on different opportunities that are available for environmental engineers today. “Reaching out to professionals in this field,” mentioned Das, “gave me a broad understanding of how our industry has developed over the years.”

Matt Britton 

Given a solid engineering science and design foundation through Purdue engineering, EEE alumni Matt Britton (’14) has experienced a plethora of growth opportunities.

When Britton graduated, he thought his whole life had been planned out, but in hindsight every facet is different and he couldn’t be happier.

Currently, he works as a consulting engineer, improving clean water infrastructure and resources around the Midwest. Projects have included separating combined sewer networks, improving wastewater treatment plants with new, energy-efficient processes, and designing industrial wastewater treatment systems.

In addition to his work, Britton is working with state and national infrastructure organizations to help advocate for policies that improve our infrastructure and environment.

Britton has had multiple opportunities to share his learnings by participating in Water Environment Federation programs for young professionals and give presentations at industry conferences. These experiences have helped educate him on his field and meet many of the passionate individuals that comprise the water and wastewater industry.

 “As a young professional, you have to learn new things every single day,” says Britton. “EEE gave me the diversity of experiences that made it possible to discover what I'm passionate about.”

Britton will be a part of the EEE 390 panel in April, an achievement that he calls “pretty notable”.