Emily DeJesu graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). DeJesu grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and had a connection to Iowa State through her dad, with Iowa State being her dad’s alma mater. She always had a passion for the environment, math, and science which made BSE at ISU an easy educational choice.
Undergraduate at ISU
While DeJesu packed a lot into her four years at Iowa State, she made the most out of her time. She was active both in and out of the ABE department. DeJesu was on the club volleyball team, attended many Greek life events, and even was even a referee for intermural volleyball. Within the department she participated in BSE Club and the Women in Engineering Club.
To expand beyond her education, DeJesu also held three internships and work experiences. Implementing what she learned in classes, DeJesu worked in environmental restoration, water resources engineering, and undergraduate research at the ISU BioCentury Research Farm.
During one semester at ISU, DeJesu was contemplating whether she should change majors. But after a discussion with Raj Raman, professor of agriculture and biosystems engineering, she knew she should stick with it. “He helped me change my habits and his advice kept me going,” DeJesu said. “He made me realize I like what I am doing and am capable.”
A career in water conservation
After graduating from ISU in 2021, DeJesu started her career journey as a water conservation specialist for a year and a half before joining with her current company. In this first position, she worked with water rights and resources, which helped her recognize a bigger picture. “I learned the big picture of where all our water comes from and how precious it is,” DeJesu said.
Now, DeJesu works for Global Water Resources as a Project Manager. Her current project involves wastewater for a private utility company, specializing in treatment plant construction and improvement. As a project manager, DeJesu works with the different project groups and keeps projects rolling. “It’s a lot of collaboration and coordination ensuring I answer everyone’s questions and making sure the project is on track,” DeJesu said.
After graduation, she recognized that there is always more to learn. “There is much more to learn on top of what you learned in school. Don’t feel overwhelmed if you think you learned everything and then in a new position there is a ton of new information,” DeJesu said.
Eager to learn and improve, DeJesu continues her water conservation journey and it all started at Iowa State University.