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Kelly Doyle (B.Sc. - Junior)

I chose to study Civil Engineering because it's a discipline that requires developing practical solutions to everyday problems. Fortunately, UNR has many clubs (such as the American Society of Civil Engineers) and competitions (such as the Concrete Canoe and Seismic Design Competitions) that enable undergraduate students to develop problem-solving skills. Another benefit to the program here is that the teacher to student ratio is relatively low; this makes it easier to talk to professors and get individual attention. I am very happy that I transferred to Reno to pursue my degree because UNR has a beautiful campus and many opportunities available to students.

Bryan Truce (B.Sc. - Junior)

I chose Civil Engineering for its diversity. From hydrology to steel, and calculus to ethics, this discipline brings the latest in science to the general public in a very useful form. The program at the University of Nevada, Reno gives me the diverse education needed to truly understand my chosen field. Through an outlined, step-by-step process I go through the courses and labs to gain the knowledge and experience needed to understand the field I am about to enter. Overall I am satisfied with the motivation of the instructors and the quality of the classes.

Tami Tulloch (B.Sc. - Junior)

I chose to major in Civil Engineering because I enjoy math and science. I thought it would be really rewarding to be able to design a structure or create a site layout and then be able to see the finished product as something useful in a community. Engineering is always advancing technologically, which is also a reason I chose this field. I think the Civil Engineering department at UNR has a well-structured program. The small class sizes make it easier to get help from professors, which is beneficial to the learning process. Another important aspect of this department is the close relationship it has with local businesses. Representatives from local engineering firms are familiar with the professors at UNR, creating a resource for jobs after graduating. I think this department provides the necessary tools needed for a successful career in Civil Engineering.

James Graham (B.Sc. - Junior)

I enjoyed working in the U.S. Navy Seabees as a builder, and decided I would like to pursue Civil Engineering. I soon realized I would be better off with a degree on top of my work experience. I applied to the University of Nevada, Reno because the College of Engineering is A.B.E.T. accredited and the G.I. Bill covers the cost of tuition. Overall, I am enjoying my experience and look forward to earning my degree next May.

Bhupinder Sandhu (B.Sc. - Senior)

I have always loved to build things, even when I was a kid playing with Lego's. With Civil Engineering, I am able to design structures that actually matter. After talking to family and friends who are studying Civil Engineering at different colleges, I feel that UNR is one of the best schools for this discipline. The faculty members are very student-oriented and they enjoy engaging with students after class. The classes are still small enough to encourage questions and the professors are usually available in their offices if you need help. In addition, I have gotten an ample amount of internship experience through the university. In my four years at UNR, I have been very satisfied with the Civil Engineering program.

Nathan Johnson (M.Sc. - Structures)

I decided to study graduate school in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at UNR when I was an undergraduate in the department. As an undergraduate, I had been a business major, mechanical engineering major, and finally, a civil engineering major. Through undergraduate research and taking classes, I quickly learned that the department is first-rate. Originally, I had planned to attend graduate school elsewhere. However, when I discovered the unique UNR structural testing facility that is recognized throughout the world, and the amazing teaching staff, I was sure that UNR was the best place to study. I am currently finishing my PhD, which focused on understanding the earthquake response of highway bridges. Being a part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the University of Nevada has allowed me to obtain the exact job that I wanted, where I wanted to live, at one of the finest companies in the industry.

Robert Corbin (M.Sc. - Structures)

For as long as I can remember I always displayed an interest in structures such as skyscrapers and bridges. But it wasn’t until late in my high school career when I realized that a profession designing them was available. Since I grew up in Las Vegas, I researched what the state of Nevada had to offer and was able to find that the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Nevada, Reno was highly ranked in the country. I later discovered that the structural staff and facilities had a huge contribution to the department’s popularity. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I felt the department still had more to offer; therefore, I am presently working on my masters. This experience will truly offer me the knowledge needed to further my understanding of how we as engineers can enhance the resiliency of past, present, and future structures.

Brianna Schroeder (M.Sc. - Structures)

Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed building things, whether it was out of legos, building blocks, or my mother’s dining room chairs and blankets. On family vacations, I would always admire cities with huge skyscrapers and bridges. This is why I entered into the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at UNR. This program is very challenging, but that’s what makes it fun! My favorite aspect of this department is the ease of developing a support network of students and faculty. The program is small enough that the faculty knows most of the students by name. The undergraduate program is successful at incorporating all sides of civil engineering, from structural to environmental and geotechnical to materials. The graduate program allows students to focus on a specific area of interest in civil engineering. I feel privileged to be a part of this program and university.

Melissa O'Brien (M.Sc. - Structures)

When I entered college I was the typical student - choosing a new major everyday. After some time I decided to try civil engineering. I had always been fascinated with buildings and bridges, so I figured the structures track offered might be interesting. I quickly realized that this is the career path I wanted to pursue. However, I know that I could not have made it this far without the support and the guidance offered in this department. Everyday I am inspired by the breadth of knowledge that my professors demonstrate, and I appreciate the time they take to help students succeed. I have also been impressed by the amount and quality of research that the professors and graduate students are involved in. For these reasons I have decided to further my studies in graduate school at UNR; and I know I will be getting an excellent education.

Hoon Choi (Ph.D. - Structures)

I’m studying civil and environmental engineering, because I want to design and construct big structures to make a difference to the world. This program offers the strong technical base. I’m very satisfied with this program, because it offers me an enriching academic environment enhanced by unique research experiences in our earthquake engineering laboratory and shake tables.