MILES EATON (CLASS OF 2019) 

B.S. in Environmental and Ecological Engineering
Environmental Planning Analyst

Since completing his undergraduate degree in Purdue EEE three years ago, Miles has focused his early career on seizing new opportunities.  

After first working as a civil engineer in Northwest Indiana, Miles moved to Riverside, California, where he currently works as an Environmental Planning Analyst for Kimley-Horn and Associates.

“This new role has provided me with the opportunity to work toward becoming the environmental professional I want to be,” says Miles.

As an Environmental Planning Analyst, Miles produces California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, which analyze the environmental impacts of potential projects for developers and municipal planners. Some of the many impacts he analyzes include air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology and water quality, hazards and hazardous materials, noise, and traffic. He also writes proposals to win new work, manages budgets, coordinates with other analysts and sub-consultants to complete tasks on time, and trains new skills whenever possible.

“Purdue EEE provided me with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of specific topics that I need to put technical information into easy-to-read documents for the public,” says Miles. "I am often able to write and discuss topics without a lot of additional research, which is very satisfying. It helped me to jump into this new role quickly.”

While technical knowledge is important, Miles has found that building bonds with mentors is an important part of education and professional development. 

“Some of the best advice I received while at Purdue and afterward was from mentors and professors with whom I’d taken the time to build relationships. There are always people to learn from.”

His advice to current Purdue EEE students?

“Keep your technical writings skills sharp. In each role I have been in, whether producing construction plans or reports, technical writing has been vital. My other advice is to take the time to enjoy yourself. Set up a hammock at the engineering fountain. Read a book between classes. Appreciate the Purdue experience while you can and don’t forget to take a break. It’s okay to not work all the time! That is advice I needed when working on my senior design project,” he jokes.  

When it comes to long-term goals, Miles is open to all possibilities.

“I’m still not quite sure where I want to end up. But I will keep opening doors and finding new opportunities until I get to where I need to be.”

BROOKE POPPE, P.E. (CLASS OF 2015) 

B.S. in Environmental and Ecological Engineering
Water Resource Engineer

As a Water Resource Engineer at Environmental Consulting and Technology, Inc. (Lombard, Illinois), Brooke Poppe plays a key role in site design and project management for a number of commercial, industrial and residential developers in the Great Lakes region.

“I collaborate with architects, MEPs, and landscape architects to formulate stormwater solutions that align with budget parameters, site conditions and sustainability standards,” says Poppe. 

Her current responsibilities include site grading and utility planning; soil erosion and sediment control; due diligence and site investigation; and design of green infrastructure practices for stormwater management (bioretention, permeable paving, green roofs, etc.).

Poppe credits her degree in EEE with giving her a unique perspective on land development, particularly the importance of sustainable design and its immediate- and long-term environmental impacts.

“The problem-solving skills and systems thinking approach I learned in Purdue EEE help me be successful in my field. My degree gave me the tools necessary to advocate for incorporating sustainable practices into traditional development projects which benefit the communities who use these spaces and protects natural ecosystems,” explains Poppe.

Poppe decided on consulting and site development as a career path after exploring many options during her time at Purdue.   

“One of the great things about EEE is that it’s so diverse. There are many careers that you can pursue with this degree. My advice to current students is to apply for internships and take classes in different disciplines to discover what you really enjoy.”

“Find something you take pride in doing,” she continues. “Knowing my work helps improve the water quality of one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems is what motivates me. Seeing these impacts in my community every day is really rewarding.”