College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

Ellie Bryan: Outstanding senior in construction engineering

Ellie Bryan
Ellie Bryan

“As an engineer, I want to help develop methods to build affordable housing. There are many people in need, and I want to help develop ways to build housing for people who can’t afford a house in the current market.”

 Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa

Clubs and activities: Associated General Contractors (AGC) and  Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition (ASC)

Valuable hands-on learning experience: My internships gave me a way to connect what I learned in the classroom to what happens out in the industry before I graduate and go into the industry full time. In addition to the experience it gave me, it also allowed me to travel to new places and meet new people. 

Most influential mentor: I have worked for assistant teaching professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering Renee Fleming for three semesters now, and she has taught two of my senior-level classes. Throughout this time, she has shown me how much she cares about students and wants them to succeed. Renne’s classes require a lot of work, but you also learn so much. I know I can go to Renee with any problem, and she will do everything she can to help.

Plans for after graduation: I will be working for Turner Construction as a field engineer in Des Moines.

Making my mark on the world: As an engineer, I want to help develop methods to build affordable housing. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the overall cost of living and there has been a housing shortage. That means there are many people in need of more affordable housing. I want to help develop ways to build housing for people who can’t afford a house in the current market.

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer: For me, what’s unique about the construction engineering experience at Iowa State is the community. The program does such a great job of fostering a community from the second you enter the program. I have made some of my best friends and so many connections out in the industry that will continue to help me throughout my career. I couldn’t be more thankful for the ConE program and the relationships it has helped me create.

 

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