Rishika P. Email & Phone Number

With my interest in civil engineering in full bloom from high school, I eagerly joined an organization at Rutgers called Engineers in Action (EIA). Our EIA chapter works year-long to design and build pedestrian footbridges to be built in developing countries such as Bolivia and Swaziland. These bridges are invaluable to the communities because they provide a safe mode of transportation to drinking water, schools, and healthcare – which otherwise were only accessible by trekking across dangerous gorges. This summer, I had the chance to construct an 82-meter span pedestrian footbridge in the rural community of Siata located in Charazani, Bolivia. Everything from the design to the construction was all student-led, with the reviewal process under the hands of professional engineers. For six weeks, our team of 10 students saw through the construction of this bridge: from foundation excavations all the way to decking. Since this bridge now makes it possible to safely cross from town to town, community members can send their kids to school and even commute to work.Through opportunities like these, I have the incredible opportunity to pursue my passion and help communities around the world, and I don’t take it for granted!View photos here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/157314941@N04/2V4Gym