December 13, 2024

Purdue Calendars

2024-2025 Academic Calendar

Purdue University will be closed for Winter Recess beginning 5PM ET Friday, December 20 until 8AM Thursday, January 2.

Various drop/add calendar with deadlines, and future years of academic calendars can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/registrar/calendars/index.html.

Winter 2024 Schedule of Classes

The Winter 2024 schedule of classes will be published in myPurdue portal Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Registration will begin on Monday, September 16. See your primary advisor for questions or visit https://www.purdue.edu/thinksummer/winter-session/register.php.  

EEE Job Corner with Ms. Whelton, PE

This section is prepared for the newsletter by Ms. Margaret Whelton, PE.  She is the EEE Manager of Industrial Experience.  The responsibilities of this position include working with industry to secure internships, co-ops, and full time job opportunities for students; developing real world senior design and research projects; and facilitating partnerships between industry and Environmental and Ecological Engineering. She has twelve years of experience as a practicing environmental engineer prior to becoming part of EEE.  She is a registered professional engineer in Indiana, Virginia, and Alabama. 

I am sure you are all ready for a break.  Winter vacation is a great time to apply for job opportunities and graduate school or to polish up your resume and LinkedIn account.  Putting in a little extra time over the holidays when you don’t have classes can really help with your job search.  While meeting with family and friends over the break, you could also practice your elevator speech and ask for their feedback.  Meeting and talking with a variety of people is a great way to “practice” your networking skills.  In addition, by speaking with people about EEE and your specific interests you might learn about a job opportunity!

Not sure how to network?  Here are some tips to get you started.  The tips at the end for starting conversation are in regard to noncareer fair discussions.  When you have a short time meeting with a recruiter you need to talk about your interests and skills and relate them to the company. Some networking tips are found here. 

As we head into the end of the fall semester, many of you have or will be hearing from companies.  If you have a job offer, check out the CCO online.  The CCO gives some good information on evaluating job offers, negotiating aspects of your position, and even how to professionally accept or decline an offer: https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Students/JobOffersandNegotiation.  The Career Portal provides online free support for the job search via employer research, salary date, and interview and resume guides.  If you have questions on an offer or on comparing offers and would like advice, contact me.  I have helped many EEEs with salaries and negotiating their offers.

Enjoy the break!

If you have offers or questions about job opportunities, don’t hesitate to email me at mwhelton@purdue.edu.  I am here to help.   

SEEE Meeting Time Change

The Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineers are considering changing their meeting day for the upcoming semester. Meetings will remain from 6-7 pm. Let them know your preference here: https://forms.gle/5x3HSKMS7z23tubq6

Requests for Space in ME Courses for Non-ME Students

Non-ME students who wish to enroll in a ME course must submit an override request via the Scheduling Assistant/Unitime in MyPurdue during open registration. Any requests submitted during the Pre-Registration window will be denied. Approval is not guaranteed and will be contingent upon space in the course amongst other factors. Students will be notified of approval or denial on the following days:

Courses for the spring term - Beginning January 3

See info page at https://engineering.purdue.edu/ME/Undergraduate/OutsideSpaceRequest

Spring 2025 VIP Team: AI-Thirst: Synthesizing Water Consumption Datasets in Computing

Professor Hua is co-advising a VIP team for Spring 2025! Learn more here: https://engineering.purdue.edu/VIP/teams/AI-Thirst

Mentoring and Summer Research Opportunities

1. Early Discovery Mentoring Circles - This Graduate School mentoring for freshman and sophomore students (at least 2+ years remaining in bachelor's degree) will help you build your professional network and get the insider scoop about graduate school through online mentoring circles. Discover whether you might be interested in research and get real world advice about whether graduate school is your next step!

2. Purdue Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
SURF is a 10-week-long paid research opportunity for undergraduates enrolled in US universities.

  • Save the Date: Purdue SURF application opens Dec 1, 2024!
  • Priority deadline is Jan 15, 2025 with rolling admissions after this deadline.
  • SURF Program Dates: May 25- August 8, 2025
  • SURF Students receive a summer stipend of $6,500
  • Send any summer research questions to eur@purdue.edu.

Also check out the Pathways Scholars cohort of SURF, if you are interested in graduate school and a PhD. Selected Pathways Scholars receive $10k, which includes summer stipend ($6500) and is expected to cover the cost of housing ($2500 summer housing allowance) and travel (up to $1000 travel reimbursement).

3. Interested in Semiconductors? Join STARS (Summer Training on Awareness and Readiness for Semiconductors) at Purdue! Get paid to learn about semiconductors and grow your semiconductor training. Geared towards freshman and sophomore students but all undergraduate student ages/majors welcome to apply. 

See the SURF and STARS flyer here. 

Spring 2025 Graduates: Learn about Graduate School

GradSchoolThriving.com is a collection of FREE resources and insider tips that aim to support the success of graduate students. You don’t know what you don’t know… so let us help you explore information that will help you thrive in your graduate studies. This is a partnership between Purdue University, Virginia Tech, Ohio State University and the University of Oklahoma. Check out the website!

Current Senior and Applying? Check out Graduate Application Requirements for Purdue here: https://www.purdue.edu/academics/ogsps/prospective/gradrequirements/westlafayette/index.html

Purdue EXPO 2024 Scholarship

Funded by contributions from companies participating in PESC's EXPO career fair, the EXPO Scholarship provides students attending the spring EXPO with an opportunity to be recognized for their dedication to advancing their careers and gaining valuable experiences.

Apply now for this scholarship for the upcoming semester! Please note that applications are judged anonymously, so aside from your name and PUID, ensure your submission does not include any identifying details.

The deadline to submit your EXPO Scholarship Application is December 31, 2024.

Scholarship Opportunities Available!

It is always scholarship season! If you are looking for scholarships for next semester or year, the EEE web page has a listing of private scholarships offered by organizations outside of EEE and/or Purdue. There are a number of opportunities listed there currently and the page is continually updated with more information as it is shared with our office. Get in the habit of checking this page frequently.

You may access this page by clicking 'Outside Scholarship Opportunities' on the right sidebar of this current page.

Water and Infrastructure Resilience: Public Health and Extreme Events Study Abroad

From March 13th to 25th, 2025, join Dr. Whelton in London to study the effects of disasters on infrastructure and human health. Students will be introduced to systems, infrastructure, and professionals working to support critical infrastructure like drinking water systems and public health in the UK. Participants will earn 3 credits in EEE 49500, and EEE will count this as EEE Selective credit. 

Study Abroad page: Water and Infrastructure Resilience: Public Health and Extreme Events

See the flyer or the course description for more information. 

Sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Indigenous Communities: Peru Rainforest Study Abroad

Prof. Chad Jafvert is leading this service-learning study abroad in May 2025 to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru.  Students will travel to the Manu Learning Center with Rainforest Flow (rainforestflow.org) an organization that has installed drinking water treatment and sanitation systems in indigenous communities in the Amazon Rainforest.  Students will work with Rainforest Flow to collect and analyze water samples from the drinking water treatment systems in several villages.  A trip to Machu Picchu is included! Participants will earn 3 credits in EEE 49500, and EEE will count this as EEE Selective credit.

Study Abroad page: Sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Indigenous Communities in the Peruvian Rainforest

See the flyer for more information.

Study Abroad Scholarships

The Global Leaps scholarships are available to financially support students who want to participate in study abroad programs. 

The following websites contain their information: 

Spill Control Association of America Scholarship

Spill Control Association of America (SCAA) is pleased to announce the inaugural Environmental Excellence Award will be awarded in Winter 2025 to three students conducting studies in the areas of Oil Spill Response, Disaster Response & Recovery, and Emerging Contaminants. Three $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded. 

To apply, please be prepared to upload:

  1. Resume (Required)
  2. Personal Statement/Cover Letter (Required)
  3. Technical Abstract / Research Paper with Abstract / Research Poster with Abstract (Optional)

Applications are being accepted December 2, 2024, through January 10, 2025. Apply at this link: https://www.scaa-spill.org/scaa-scholarship-opportunities

EPA Campus Rainworks Challenge

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water will open registration for 12th Campus RainWorks Challenge (2024/25) starting on January 2nd thru to the 31st. The Challenge is design competition for students from U.S. colleges and universities to showcase benefits of green infrastructure for their campus and community. Total prize money is $50,000. Visit the Campus RainWorks webpage to register and see details: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/campus-rainworks-challenge

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Research Program

University of Nebraska is offering a 10-week intensive undergraduate Summer Research Program that provides a unique chance for students to delve into cutting-edge research within state-of-the-art facilities while gaining a valuable preview of graduate school life at a Big Ten institution. Explore the Programs:  

  1. Applied Plant Systems 
  2. Beneficial Bacteria
  3. Beneficial Insects 
  4. Biomedical Engineering Devices
  5. Chemical Assembly
  6. Crop-to-Food Innovation 
  7. Engineering Education Research
  8. Nanotechnology
  9. Plant Pathology
  10. Quantum Materials
  11. Redox Biology  
  12. Sustainability and Resilience in Rural Areas
  13. Virology

Students can apply for up to three different research groups. Priority review of applications begins Saturday, February 1, and all applications are due by Saturday, March 1. https://srp.unl.edu/Application  

See the flyer here. 

Fall LEED Training Opportunity

EEE students should understand that LEED is one professional certification. Earning a PE license in engineering requires considerably more education, knowledge and experience, and all EEE graduates are qualified to eventually earn a PE license, which is significantly more valuable. On occasion, an EEE student will ask about LEED. LEED is more within the domain of the Arch Engr group within Civil. The LEED Green Associate (GA) credential is the only entry level sustainability designation and shows employers and clients that you have certified knowledge in the green building industry. Most people can take a short course and pass the LEED certification test. As a courtesy, the following info is being provided. It is not required or necessarily endorsed.

LEED is simply a sustainability scorecard for green buildings. Buildings can become LEED Certified; people can become LEED accredited! LEED Green Associate (GA) Training - Webinar and Online self-paced options:

December 14 2024 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EST - OR -

On-demand recordings completed at your own pace

The above options are identical.

Resister for a live webinar or start with on-demand recorded workshop completed anytime at your own pace here: https://leadinggreen.com/online

This course is instructed by a USGBC Faculty member and is the most effective way to pass. The USGBC charges a $100 (reduced for students) fee for the actual exam which can now be taken online from home.

Course cost: $300- students can use the coupon code 'green' for $100 dollars off (Discounted course price $200)

Please contact the instructor Lorne directly with any questions at info@leadinggreen.com

Engineering CARES Hub 

The Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) Hub is now open. The mission of the CARES Hub is to build Boilermaker engineers by developing awareness, well-being and community for students through outreach, direct access to mental health resources and community-building programs designed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to be thriving students and thriving future engineers. Find more info on the CARES webpage.

The CARES Hub Engineering Lounges can be found in ARMS 1261 and 1264. They have study tables, relaxation spaces, a microwave, printer, refrigerator, and snacks for student use! The hours for the fall semester are below.  The lounges will be closed during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.  

M: 9-4:30
Tu: 9-7
W: 9-7
Th: 9-7
F: 9-4:30
Sa: 11-4
Su: 3-9 

Engineering Academic Support - Resource Webpage

Did you know the College of Engineering has a webpage dedicated to listing academic resources for classes, such as Supplemental Instruction, resource rooms, and how to find a free tutor for some key engineering classes? Free tutoring is available for some CE and ME courses. Tutoring sessions are scheduled through BoilerConnect, choose Polytech Engineering Tutoring appointment type to schedule. Visit https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/InfoFor/CurrentStudents/index_html to see what else is available to you to help.

Academic Success Center (ASC)

The ASC offers a collection of services and programs designed to help students be successful in the classroom. Be proactive and review available resources now. Don’t wait until things get difficult to manage.  ASC provides: Study Skills Consultations, Peer Success Coaching, Supplemental Instruction (SI), Workshops, Accountability Groups, and much more.  See ASC’s offerings at https://www.purdue.edu/asc/. 

QUESTIONS? For more specific information about each service, be sure to check out their homepages, or Email academicsuccess@purdue.edu, call 765-494-4700, or visit Wiley C215.

ASC Peer Success Coaching and Accountability Groups

While the PSC and Accountability Group request forms for the fall semester are now closed, the ASC now accepting interest forms for the Spring 2025 semester! 

Spring 2025 Peer Success Coach Interest Form: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_em8MST11wkHGn78

Spring 2025 Accountability Group Interest Form: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ksJx59m0jAC7Qi

How to Schedule an Appointment with EEE Advisors

EEE and other Engineering students can access the Environmental and Ecological Engineering appointment calendar via BoilerConnect. EEE currently has In Person and Virtual appointments, depending on the time and day.

There are training resources available to students in BoilerConnect on the login page. Click ‘For Students.’  Advisors and service offices across campus use BoilerConnect for making appointments, so these instructions are generalized. 

Student Self-Help Guides:

Registration Troubleshooting

Having trouble registering, adding, or dropping? Need an override for a class? There are many resources on the EEE Registration Tools page, such as instruction links for Scheduling Assistant:

The Registrar page also has links for most common registration issues at  https://www.purdue.edu/registrar/currentStudents/index.html

How to Get Undergraduate Research Experience in EEE

Interested in pursuing research with EEE faculty? Students are welcome to reach out to individual faculty that they feel best matches with their interests. Learn more and find instructions on how to approach your search at https://engineering.purdue.edu/EEE/Academics/CurrentStudents/UndergraduateResearchEEE.

QUESTIONS? For more specific information about each service, be sure to check out their homepages, or Email academicsuccess@purdue.edu, call 765-494-4700, or visit Wiley C215.

EEE Social Media Accounts

Stay up to date with EEE events and info by following on social media.  Go to this link where you can choose which accounts to connect with. 

Civics Literacy Requirement 

Purdue University adopted a civics literacy graduation requirement for undergraduates who entered Purdue in Fall 2021 or later. If you fall in this category, and you have not completed the requirements yet, then now may be a good time to get started. To see details and various resources click here. Questions may be directed to CivicsLiteracy@purdue.edu.

Professional Licensure & FE Exam: What is it? When to take it? How to prepare?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is typically the first step in the process leading to the P.E. license. It is designed for students close to finishing their engineering degree or recent graduates. The FE is a computer-based exam that is administered year-round at NCEES (National Council of Examiners for engineering and Surveying) approved Pearson VUE test centers. FYI – Purdue has an approved test site.  The FE contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long, which includes a nondisclosure agreement, tutorial (8 minutes), the exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), a scheduled break (25 minutes), and a brief survey.

What is professional licensure all about and why is it important?  Learn more at https://www.nspe.org/sites/default/files/resources/pdfs/GR/2017handouts/2017%20-%20What%20is%20a%20PE%20document.pdf

The EEE website has an information and resource page - click here. This page highlights NCEES, the Environmental Exam, links to various sites to register for the FE, what study sessions are offered on campus (not all apply to EEE, though), how to purchase study guides, and other resources to consider.

EEE FE Exam Reimbursement Program for EEE Seniors

The EEE FE Exam Reimbursement Program is meant to encourage and support EEE students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam during their time at Purdue. It offers 100% reimbursement with a passing score and 50% reimbursement for a failing score on the FE. Once the student takes the FE, they are to provide proof of their test date and score along with an itemized receipt to Dr. Robinson, nlrobins@purdue.edu. The deadline for a reimbursement request is the last day of the month in which the student graduates. Only one reimbursement per student will be allowed.

FE Environmental Engineering Review Manual

The EEE office has this manual available for check out - all 754 pages!  The manual includes sample questions for each test section of the exam, and step by step solutions are provided. Seniors are welcome to this manual for loan for a 72hr period to review and study. See Tammi Thayer in the EEE office to check out the manual.

EEE Main Office in POTR 364: Hours of Operation

The EEE main office is located in POTR 364. Office hours are currently: M-F 8am-4pm. Unscheduled “drop-ins” are discouraged. Instead, make an appointment with your EEE advisor, either Tammi Thayer or Maeve Brewer, via BoilerConnect. For other staff or faculty, reach out direct via email to arrange an appointment.

POTR Building: Hours of Operation

POTR building hours of operation are 6am – 11pm, 7 days a week.

If doors are locked during these posted times, contact the Purdue Police non-emergency number at 49-48221.

EEE Computer Lab in POTR 360

The EEE Computer Lab is available for all EEE students and is located in POTR 360; next door to the main EEE office. See attached agreement for student conduct and use protocols.  

**Key Pad Entry Code** – 523837  which corresponds to JAFVER for Prof. Chad Jafvert (minus the "t").  Prof. Jafvert instructs EEE 36001 this fall, and rotates teaching EEE 300 in spring.

EEE maintains this computer center for academic & social activities. Its use is a privilege reserved for EEE students and those enrolled in EEE courses to work, study, and access dedicated EEE computers. There are 12 desktop computers with internet access and a printer/scanner. The room contains additional tables, chairs, and whiteboards.

Hand sanitizer has been placed by each computer station.

In general, be respectful to others and the property.  Always log off of computers before leaving the room.  Do not lock a computer for later use.  Do not move or alter any of the computer systems.

If you wish to place items on the wall, ask in the EEE Office for appropriate tacky putty.  (No tape or staples.)

Use discretion when determining if to print and how many copies to print.

Please report any room or equipment issues to EEE@purdue.edu.

Guide to Purdue IT Resources

Purdue IT is the central information technology organization serving students, faculty and staff at Purdue. See the support and services they provide in this article.  

Did you miss a previous newsletter? Click here.

 

 

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