Karina Rief: From undeclared to environmental engineer

Karina Rief, senior in environmental engineering, began at Iowa State as an undeclared engineering student, eager to explore the majors before choosing one. When Cerwick Faculty Professor Chris Rehmann presented in the undeclared section of ENGR 1010 (Engineering Orientation) and explained what environmental engineers do, she knew she had found her path.

“Environmental engineering had the aspects of public-facing problem-solving that I was looking for – protecting soil, air, water and the people who rely on them,” Rief says.

As she entered the environmental engineering program, her peers and the faculty helped spark a passion for water quality.

“There is a contagious enthusiasm in my peers and professors that fosters a sense of community,” Rief says. “It was easy to connect with student organizations and extra opportunities together.”

In her second year, she joined Assistant Professor Joe Charbonnet’s lab as an undergraduate researcher, supporting projects on manganese-oxide–coated sand for water reuse and its use in heavy metal and contaminant filtration. Her experience in the lab taught her both technical research skills and personal lessons she’ll carry into the field after graduation.

“Patience was the real-world experience I took most from working with Dr. Charbonnet and his group. I had to learn that results don’t come right away,” she says. “Eventually, when something clicks or our data supports a definite conclusion, that is the real reward: knowing that we’re making water safer to drink.”

In May, she will join Kiewit as a field engineer, protecting local waterways on active construction sites. Her advice for future environmental engineering students: “Don’t compare your journey to others. There are so many different things you can do with a degree in environmental engineering. Celebrate each other’s success and do what makes you feel fulfilled.”