Meet Rashmika, a senior from Hyderabad, India with a passion for EEE. Learn more about her below!

Why did you choose EEE?

I chose EEE/SEE because growing up in India, I often saw issues like thick smog, groundwater shortages, and large landfills growing in the middle of cities. Those experiences made me want to work in the environmental field. When I started exploring universities and different programs, EEE/SEE immediately stood out because it has its own independent program and focuses entirely on environmental subjects rather than treating them as an add-on. 

What were you involved in at Purdue?

At Purdue, I worked in three research labs that focused on different areas of environmental engineering, including disaster impacts on water, indoor air quality, and accessible water quality. Through these experiences, I learned how to approach environmental problems from different technical perspectives and strengthened my research and analytical skills. 

I was also involved in several extracurriculars. As an EEE Ambassador, I spoke with prospective students and parents, interacted with other departments and programs while representing EEE, and engaged with external stakeholders and alumni. I really enjoyed getting to represent a community that has given me so much over the years. As a member of the Purdue Science Student Council, I really enjoyed giving back to the Lafayette and West Lafayette communities through outreach efforts, community involvement, and student-focused programming. As an active member of the Purdue Climate Action Collective, I learned how to advocate for sustainability and work collaboratively on initiatives that drive change.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation, I will be moving to San Antonio, Texas to work as a Land Development Engineer at Pape-Dawson.

What were some of your favorite courses/experiences?

Some of my favorite courses include EEE 355 with Dr. Payne, CE 597 with Dr. Whelton, and Senior Design with Ms. Whelton. EEE 355 was a great course on sustainability in practice, where we had the chance to design sustainable systems for US and international cities while considering the food–energy–water nexus. CE 597 was a very interesting class where I learned about the complex real-world impacts of disasters and emergencies, and we also had the chance to hear from many professionals working in the field. We participated in engaging simulation activities that taught us how engineers respond to disasters and emergencies in practice. Senior Design was especially impactful because we spent an entire year working with a real industry partner on a project, which gave me a strong sense of what to expect in my career in the future.

A favorite memory from Purdue…?

My favorite memory from Purdue is the sense of community I found, especially in EEE. Whether it was doing homework together or just spending time with friends after classes, those moments made campus feel like home. The people I met here are what I will carry with me the most.

Advice to future EEE students?

My advice to future students is to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, seek out opportunities, and make the most of your time here. It can be intimidating when you first get here, but everyone here is there to help you. Especially within EEE, you will meet amazing people including fellow students, professors, and staff. Make sure to seek their guidance and support to get the most out of your experience. Try new things, meet new people, and at the same time, remember to enjoy yourself and have a great time!