Spotlight

Environmental Engineering Student Spotlight

ImageChevelle Dilello

Environmental Engineering

Why did you choose engineering? 

I chose engineering because of my love for both math and science, and I wanted the chance to be able to use those skills in real-world scenarios. I chose environmental engineering specifically because of my passion for preserving, protecting, and remediating the natural environment.

What lab experience do you have? 

Through both classwork and my position as a lab assistant for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, I have gained essential skills from my lab experiences. I can test several water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen with various probes. I have also gained the ability to calibrate and repair the probes when they are working improperly. My favorite lab was in environmental chemistry where we solved for dissolved oxygen using three different methods: the Winkler Method from 1888, a membrane electrode, and an optical sensor. The lab also utilized the skill of preforming titrations, which had been previously taught in an alkalinity and acidity lab. Other memorable labs were the coagulation and flocculation lab in water treatment to destabilize and separate particulates from a water source through addition of a chemical coagulant coupled with slow and rapid mixing, and the spread/streak plating lab in wastewater microbiology where we performed serial dilutions to be able to isolate a single colony of bacteria.

Have you done any internships? If yes, explain the internship responsibilities and what you gained from the opportunity.

Throughout my college career, I was able to obtain two internships. My first internship was at Holes Motes, a civil engineering and surveying firm. During my time there, I was able to utilize and grow my AutoCAD skills that I had learned from FGCU's Engineering Computer Graphics class. I was also able to visit several job sites for lake bank restorations, see a pressure test for sanitary sewer networks, and visit a wastewater treatment plant. The position showed me the similarities between the civil and environmental engineering profession.
My second and current internship is at Environmental Risk Management (ERMI), an engineering and geology firm that is responsible for several petroleum restoration sites throughout the state of Florida. As their intern, I have used and further developed my AutoCAD skills by working on site maps and plans sets of their remediation systems along with laboratory data from groundwater and soil samples. I have also worked on several Operation and Maintenace reports and a water discharge permit that were submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The firm also provided me with OSHA HAZWOPER training, so that I am able to visit their job sites. Out in the field, I have been able to go groundwater sampling, see a well-installation, and take readings from their air sparge and soil vapor extraction wells at their petroleum clean-up sites.
 
 

Zachary Jarentowski ImageZachary Jarentowski

Environmental Engineering

What attracted you to FGCU?

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) quickly rose as an attractive opportunity to me with environmental sustainability efforts built into a newer campus. Being part of a tightly knit community interested me, with an active campus and community outreach opportunities. The small class sizes and interaction with professors has been beneficial in rounding out my learning experience. Coming from the small village of Kohler, Wisconsin, with a high school graduating class of 45, I was up for a new adventure. Living near the border of Lake Michigan provides a freshwater ecosystem along with tornados and four seasons. As an environmental engineering major, I was seeking an opportunity to experience hurricanes, salt water, and a new set of environmental challenges. The Fort Myers region certainly has provided many opportunities to engage in water resources and sustainability.

Why did you choose engineering?

The prospects of a career in engineering developed early on with my interest in building with Legos. I have always been intrigued by how things work and the science behind them. During high school, I joined our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics team furthering my passion for engineering mechanics and design. During my senior year of high school, I was exposed to environmental science and foundational engineering courses at our local technical college. The field trips we took throughout the county from water treatment plants to solar energy consulting firms further confirmed my desire to pursue studies in engineering. Overall, I enjoy problem-solving with a team and making a difference towards environmental sustainability.

What involvements have been the most exciting?

Florida Gulf Coast University has many organizations that allow you to collaborate with other students and community members. One of the most exciting opportunities has been my involvement as the president of the Florida Engineering Society FGCU student chapter. The aftermath of COVID-19 created uncertainty for student organizations. In my senior year, I recognized a leadership opportunity with FES to plan events, outreach with professionals in the industry, and network with club members. Another memorable opportunity has been volunteering with the FGCU Programming Board. This student club plans campus events from set up to clean up. I highly recommend joining a student-run organization early on, as it is a great chance to get involved and will lead to new opportunities.

What lesson from your professor is most memorable to you?

During my Solid and Hazardous Waste Management class, we had a lab where we had to take all the garbage out of a dumpster, weigh it, and sort it based on the material to compute calculations for the lab report. Learning what people should and should not throw away proved to be interesting. At the start of the lab, it was sunny without a cloud in the sky until a big storm cloud came over us with strong gusts of wind and absolutely soaked everything. Cleaning up everything while in a torrential downpour was quite the experience, and I felt bad for the people who had a class right after.

Do your lessons apply to real-world situations?

The lessons I have learned in the classroom and during my time at FGCU apply to real-world situations. Whether it is learning about water control structures in Hydrology and Hydraulics, learning how landfills work in Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, or not overthinking a problem, there are always applicable situations to these concepts.

What lab experience do you have?

Labs are incorporated into almost all the environmental engineering classes, allowing students to apply classroom lessons to hands-on experiences and improve critical thinking and writing skills. In Environmental Chemistry for Engineers, labs involved concepts such as alkalinity and acidity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient analysis. Conducting labs throughout the semester further developed my understanding of the concepts as a hands-on learner.

Have you done any research? If yes, explain the research responsibilities and what you gained from the opportunity.

Outside of class, I worked as a research assistant on two different projects with my environmental engineering professors. The first project was with Dr. Ashley Thomson, regarding the impact mangroves have on treating landfill leachate. I ran tests in the lab to determine nutrient concentrations, went on site to collect leachate samples, and wrote reports of my findings. The second project I worked on was with Dr. Lauren Redfern to study the effects of oxybenzone on common environmental microbes. I also ran tests in the lab to determine the growth rates of microorganisms and wrote a report of my findings. Working as a research assistant is a great opportunity to get involved with professors and get a hands-on learning experience outside of class.

Have you done any internships? If yes, explain the internship responsibilities and what you gained from the opportunity.

At the end of my junior year, I interned as a Water Resources Engineer with Hanson Professional Services in Sarasota, Florida. As a water resources engineer, I focused on railway bridge modeling. First, I used ArcGIS to delineate watersheds and prepare survey requests. Then, I referred to regulations in multiple states to calculate peak channel discharges with Excel and used HEC-RAS to create existing and proposed condition models for the bridge of interest. Lastly, I wrote technical reports of findings for client review. The internship was a great experience as each project was different, providing new challenges and lessons. At FGCU, I took ArcGIS and Hydrology and Hydraulics courses. I applied my knowledge from these courses to working on real-world problems each day as an intern.

What plans do you have after graduation?

After graduation, environmental engineering career opportunities will determine where I head next. The summer internship before my senior year shed new light on the process for becoming a professional engineer. Besides taking the FE exam, most recent graduates will participate in post-graduation internships and further their studies with a master’s degree. Besides a master’s degree, I am interested in pursuing an environmental engineering position related to sustainability, clean energy, remediation, or water resources. I am passionate about all these fields and excited to share where my experiences at FGCU take me! 

 


Bioengineering Student Spotlight


Picture of Corbin MyersCorbin Myers

Bioengineering

What involvements have been the most exciting?

 The most exciting thing that I have been involved with throughout my time at FGCU was the internship that I had with the Shipley Cardiothoracic Center this past summer. I spent my time working with the surgeons at Shipley to develop new biomedical devices. This internship allowed me to conduct direct observations during various cardiothoracic surgeries. Being in the OR with the surgeons and nurses allowed me to have first hand experiences of seeing interactions with the devices that are currently on the market and assess areas that require new products to ease the surgeons processes. Through these observations I was able to develop a need for a mitral annulus size guide, which I am now designing as my senior design project! Another involvement of mine that has been very impactful to me has been my time as a learning assistant. As an LA for engineering mechanics my role is to aid the students with studying and understanding concepts. This position has allowed me to apply my experiences as a student to helping others that are now in that same position. This job has been very rewarding and it has also strengthened my problem solving skills.

Outside of engineering, my involvement with the women’s club lacrosse team has been another experience that has impacted my time at FGCU. I joined the team my freshman year and I have been able to watch the team grow while making valuable friendships. I was treasurer for the team my sophomore year and defensive captain my junior year. Getting involved on this team at the beginning of my FGCU experience helped me find a sense of belonging and brought me memories that I will never forget.

Have you done any research? If yes, explain the research responsibilities and what you gained from this opportunity.

Yes, I have been doing research with Dr. Lura at the emergent technologies institute. We are working on an argrovoltaic hydroponic growing system that will measure plant growth along various growing conditions. Over the summer our time was spent building the tables that the plants will be grown on and determining the ideal pipe configurations to pump water to each plant trough. Through this research I submitted an abstract and was accepted to present a poster at the Biomedical Engineering Society’s national conference which takes place in October in San Antonio, TX. For this research I was also awarded an Honors Development Funding Grant.

 


Construction Management Student Spotlight


ImageColton Carter

Construction Management

What attracted you to FGCU?
FGCU caught my attention by word of mouth. Everyone I talked to that attended FGCU had nothing but good things to say about the campus and their respective programs, so I wanted to check it out for myself. Needless to say, I’ve been loving my time here. The campus is beautiful, the professors/staff are extremely helpful, and it’s also close to home which is a giant plus for me!

Do your lessons apply to real-world situations?
Absolutely! Throughout my internship I’ve come across many things that we’ve covered in class. From quantity takeoffs to reading construction plans, almost everything we’ve learned in the program can be applied directly to day-to-day construction operations.

Have you done any internships? If yes, explain the internship responsibilities and what you gained from the opportunity.

Yes, right now I’m currently in an intern position with Manhattan Construction. During my internship I’ve been able to work on several different projects including FGCU Academic Building 9, the RSW Terminal Expansion, Kalea Bay Tower 300, and Charlotte County Public Schools. Having exposure to these different projects has not only been a great learning experience, but it has also allowed me to play many different roles within the industry. Overall, it’s been interesting to see how things I've learned in the classroom tie into real world situations.

What plans do you have after graduation?
Upon graduation I’m hopeful that my current internship with Manhattan Construction will turn into a full-time position. After getting a few more years of experience under my belt, I want to obtain my general contracting license and start my own construction company. 


ImageMackenzie Groves

Construction Management

Have you done any research? If yes, explain the research responsibilities and what you gained from the opportunity.

Yes! I am a research assistant to Dr. Sands and the Construction Management Department. We are studying how heat stress and heat related illness impacts professionals in the roofing industry. This is a very important topic, and we are trying to bring more awareness to it. Some of my responsibilities include creating annotated bibliographies and performing literature reviews, processing data obtained from field observations, creating outlines for an educational model, help gather information and create a national survey to be sent to roofing companies across America. My experience has helped me grow personally, professionally, and academically. I have grown as a student and learned much more about the industry. I have also grown personally and professionally by challenging myself to participate in research conferences and writing an honors thesis paper.

What plans do you have after graduation?
I plan to attend graduate school where I can continue my education and hopefully perform more research.

 


 

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