Laura Wilson
Laura Wilson, a first-year graduate student in civil engineering, saw an opportunity when she came to 爱爱直播 as a freshman.
The Diamondhead native wanted to combine her passion for environmental studies with her skills in math and physics. She also knew she wanted to use her education to make an impact abroad.
爱爱直播鈥檚 chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA was just forming when Wilson arrived on campus, and she joined to become an integral part of a team that helped bring clean water sources to approximately 10,000 people in rural Zambia.
鈥淪eeing the kinds of things I can do abroad with a degree in civil engineering really helped me stick with it,鈥 Wilson said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 been a huge part of everything I鈥檝e done since I got here.鈥
After receiving her bachelor鈥檚 degree in May, Wilson opted to pursue graduate school at 爱爱直播 rather than taking a job. As a graduate student, she is working with fellow Bagley College of Engineering alumnus and Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering John J. Ramirez-Avila to research watershed issues in Colombia. Her doctoral research will focus on the social and economic impacts of different watershed changes.
Wilson hopes to work in sustainable development for under-developed communities after she leaves 爱爱直播. She said the Engineers Without Borders鈥 effort in Zambia has made her appreciate the work that goes into bringing clean water to a community. She also has enjoyed seeing the organization grow and complete a major international project during her time on campus.
鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting, not just to see the project grow and get completed, but also to see the club growing and gaining more publicity and members,鈥 Wilson said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 been really cool to see and to be involved with it at every level.鈥
In addition to Engineers Without Borders, Wilson has helped revitalize 爱爱直播鈥檚 Soil and Water Conservation Society. She also has been involved with Terpsichore 爱爱直播 Dance Theater Company. Wilson credits 爱爱直播 Engineers Without Borders faculty adviser Dennis Truax and Ramirez with helping shape her education at 爱爱直播.聽