USC Viterbi School of Engineering has a broad range of engineering programs that students can choose from. I spoke with Isabel Ketterson about her experience as an environmental engineering (ENE) student at USC Viterbi.
Question: Why did you decide to major in environmental engineering?
Answer: I was really interested in environmental science in high school and wanted to choose a career that would leave a positive impact on the earth, helping the environment and animals and humans within it. More importantly, I wanted to learn techniques to help fix environmental issues, not just learn what the problems are, which is why I chose environmental engineering over environmental studies. Engineering is about solving problems, and environmental engineering helps me solve problems related to the environment.
Question: What made you decide to attend USC?
Answer: I really wanted to be in LA since it is a big city but there is nature nearby. I love California’s climate, and it is a great place for environmental engineering due to its location and surrounding environment. USC’s engineering curriculum sounded very interesting and I get to take a wide range of classes that match my interests. I also appreciate the small class sizes while still being in a big school environment.
Question: What are you involved in outside of classes?
Answer: I am part of the environmental student assembly, ASCE concrete canoe design team, Viterbi’s Grand Challenges Scholar Program, and Women in Engineering (WIE). Outside of engineering, I am part of the USC equestrian team.
Question: What do you want to pursue after graduation?
Answer: I want to get a PhD and then work in the industry or research solutions to environmental issues. Then, I eventually hope to become a professor to share my knowledge with the next generation.
Question: What classes do you take in ENE at USC?
Answer: We take about half civil engineering (CE) classes and half environmental ones since ENE is technically part of the CE department. I loved my Intro to ENE course, and I am excited to take more ENE courses related to aquatic systems!
Question: What opportunities are there for environmental engineers at USC?
Answer: There are many ways to get involved with sustainability at USC through organizations such as Joint ESA or one of its member organizations as well as many other green committees and clubs for students. ENE majors can also join ASCE’s environmental design team to gain hands-on experience during college. Additionally, the ENE department invites many interesting guest speakers working in the environmental engineering field to speak in panels for ENE students!
