SEE Student Leaps Toward a Sustainable Future: Molly Socha Embodies Purdue’s Commitment to Environmental Impact and Innovation
In the spirit of Spring Leaps and sustainable growth, the Purdue School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE) is consistently creating more opportunities to prepare professionals to “address complex global challenges at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and economic growth,” such as with the launch of a new online Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) in Sustainability Engineering.
The International Labour Organization projects an “accelerating need for engineers who can design systems that balance environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social impact.”
SEE Sophomore Molly Socha is leaping towards that social impact as she pursues a B.S. in Environmental & Ecological Engineering with dreams to further environmental sustainability.
“I was inspired to choose environmental engineering because I wanted to dedicate my career to helping the environment,” said Socha.
“SEE is the perfect place to start that journey, and I am grateful for all the resources available to me through this program. The people are amazing as well; from advisors to peers to professors, I really couldn't ask for a better learning environment.”
Socha has worked to engage with these resources as much as possible by joining EPICS, conducting research on soil erosion, serving with the Environmental and Ecological Engineering Ambassadors, conducting engineering campus tours with the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation (PSEF), and participating in the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra, Purdue Chamber Orchestras, and Purdue Outing Club.
“I will be presenting a poster at the Indiana Small Farm Conference in March through my EPICS team, which has been a highlight of my experience at Purdue so far,” Socha shared.
“We partner with an urban farm in Indianapolis to design solutions that extend their growing season, which include hydroponics systems and greenhouses. Community-based agriculture is at the heart of this team and conference...”
In the future, Socha hopes to work in ecological restoration and conservation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service.
“Although the path to get there is somewhat unclear, I learn about new opportunities every day through SEE. I intend to continue doing research throughout my undergraduate degree and have an interest in continuing my education in watershed sciences and hydrology.”
Category 3 Support Scientist Austin White is a mentor who is significantly impacting Socha’s undergraduate journey. White is the scientist and engineer Socha works for at the National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory.
“I find his projects incredibly interesting and am lucky to be involved with them. I value his perspective greatly and can see myself having a similar career path to him,” said Socha.
Socha encourages students considering SEE to join the School.
“If you want to use your education to work on issues facing the environment, SEE could definitely be the place for you. The level of community and support in this program is something you won't find many other places at Purdue.”
She adds, “SEE is so much more than just a degree. The program does a great job of producing well-rounded engineers and people who care deeply about the environment. I hope to use the knowledge I gain through this program to not only protect and preserve our natural ecosystems, but also to encourage others to adopt a conservation mindset.”
To learn more about the Purdue School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE), visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE