For nearly all of her life, Mackenzie's family, teachers, and friends told her she was going to be an engineer one day. And they were right. Mackenzie is set to graduate this May and will become a construction engineer in Colorado.

When Chris was looking for which university he wanted to go to, he knew it had to be somewhere he could both utilize his Naval ROTC scholarship and study in a strong engineering program — and Purdue's School of Civil Engineering is where he decided to go.

Over the past two years, the Lyles School of Civil Engineering has highlighted 19 of its dedicated and outstanding students via Student Spotlights. These videos and stories showcase the incredible work they've done and impressive achievements they've earned - both in class and in their areas of interest.

For as long as she can remember, Kelsey Vought said she has had a strong interest in studying and researching urban areas and the impacts they have on the environment. And, through Purdue Civil Engineering, she has been able to greatly expand her understanding of the topic and the challenges facing her future pursuits.

Purdue Women's Basketball shooting guard and Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Dominique Oden said when choosing which university she would play basketball for, the most important thing to her was whether they had the major she wanted to pursue.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Paul Dawley's emphasis area is in hydrology. Paul said what drew him to it was the timeliness of the discipline itself. With so much going on with climate change and population growth, Paul said the immense impact that water has on our day to day lives and the need to preserve it became a great interest of his.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Casey Rodgers says she's always had an interest in science and engineering. But she discovered her passion for civil engineering in high school upon competing in the Science Olympiad where she joined the bridge-building team.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering junior Ethan Edwards says he chose to study civil engineering because of his interest in water quality. He wants to ensure everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water and has already been involved in multiple water quality studies — including the Flint, Michigan, water crisis.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Ben Bowman says he has a strong interest in both energy and transportation, so civil engineering was simply the possible fit for him. Ben also worked as an undergraduate researcher and was responsible for conducting stakeholder interviews and analyzing the national state of autonomous and connected vehicles.

Merrick Howarth says she has always had a love for physics, science, and math — so, a career in civil engineering was a perfect fit for her. The idea of creating a space where people can live and enjoy also strongly appealed to her.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergrad Joseph Horn says he's always loved science, engineering, and the outdoors. Growing up near a creek, Joseph said he would always spend his time out there, building mini-dams and appreciating all the wonderful things nature had to offer.

Tyler Lanterman, a civil engineering senior and a Purdue Army ROTC cadet, said he has always liked science and history all the way through high school. After choosing to come to Purdue, he soon discovered that civil engineering was the perfect fit for him.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergraduate Miranda Gollwitzer said she has always been an outdoorsy person and enjoys working with other people — which is why she knew civil engineering would be a perfect match for her.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergraduate student Collin Sweeney has always had an interest in science, engineering, and the outdoors — and that's why geotechnical engineering was a perfect fit for him, he said. Collin is also heavily active in club activities and internships.

Emily chose civil engineering because of her love of science and nature. Growing up, Emily was surrounded by the woods where she developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of the environment.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Tianlong Sun chose civil engineering because he wanted to make a difference and help create a more sustainable world. Since coming to Purdue from Beijing, China, Tianlong has made great strides toward his goal — and also finds time to make new friends and play bass guitar in the Purdue Jazz Guitar Ensemble.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergrad Darryl Sexton earned his first degree in computer information systems in 2000. However, after a few years into his career, Darryl said he knew there was something else out there for him. And, thanks to a documentary on some of the world's biggest structures, Darryl discovered what he truly wanted to pursue and where he would go to earn his second degree.

Ever since a visit to the Sears Tower as a child, Purdue Civil Engineering undergrad Cassie McKee knew she wanted to be a civil engineer. Cassie is also an accomplished trumpet player and is a member of the world renown Purdue All-American Marching Band.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergrad Whitney Weidenbenner wants to be a "water super hero" and came to Purdue for her hero training.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergraduate Carlos "Charlie" Tamayo has been interested in science and engineering ever since he was a child. At Purdue, Charlie knew he wanted to pursue a career in civil engineering and make a lasting impact on the world.