During my summer internship, I worked on preparing and submitting site plan sheet sets for regulatory review on five diverse projects, ranging from industrial sites to small-town roads, utilizing Civil3D software. I performed stormwater discharge calculations using the Curve Number Method in Microsoft Excel and employed ICPR to model and test drainage systems. Additionally, I constructed corridors, pipe systems, and finished grade surfaces in Civil3D to achieve stormwater management objectives, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.During my internship at Barrier Island Engineering & Consulting, I faced the complex challenge of designing a 7-acre retention pond for a 70-acre industrial park. The scale of the project required meticulous attention to drainage requirements and the ability to seek guidance effectively from my advisors. I persevered through multiple iterations to meet SCDOT standards for site plan sheet formatting, a process that demanded adaptability and persistence.Using Civil3D for site design and ICPR to model pipe networks, I became proficient in tools critical to modern civil engineering. My contributions enhanced team efficiency and fostered collaboration, highlighting the value of teamwork in tackling large-scale projects. This experience cemented my technical skills and confidence, preparing me for future roles in civil and environmental engineering.

Serving as a Resident Assistant allowed me to grow as a leader by fostering authentic relationships and creating a supportive community. I embraced my role as a catalyst for positive change, solving problems and making decisions with an ethical and informed mindset. This position also taught me the importance of balancing relational and administrative responsibilities, ensuring my residents felt supported while maintaining organizational efficiency and boundaries. One of the most impactful aspects of this role was acting as a resource for my residents. By making timely and appropriate referrals, I was able to connect students with the support they needed to succeed academically and personally. This experience strengthened my interpersonal skills and reinforced the value of empathy and proactive problem-solving.Through this leadership role, I gained a deeper understanding of how to inspire and empower others, skills I continue to carry into my professional and personal endeavors. Interacting and maintaining intentional relationships with residents from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and worldviews was challenging. It allowed me to learn how to serve my residents at an individual level while remaining my authentic self.

I was accepted into a Clemson program that gives students the opportunity to do research on sustainable agriculture with universities and institutes in Spain. My research focused on the effect that eight different cover crop species have on soil water repellency. To do this, I conducted tests to determine the hydrophobicity of the biomass of the different cover crop species and performed lipid extractions on the samples as well. Then, I analyzed the samples with Pyrolysis/Gas Chromatography to ascertain the molecular composition which I used to look for biomarkers of hydrophobicity. Read more about my research experience in my projects section!