Engineering the Future
When Lindsey Bush ā23 sees a column outside of a building sheās about to enter, she canāt help but wonder: Is that column structural or simply decorative? Bush also tends to notice the small cracks that appear in homes as they settle over time. And she is quick to identify a particular kind of reinforced concrete slab that is commonly used in large spaces like auditoriums. (Itās called waffle slab.) What makes Bush so attuned to details that many if not most people might never notice? Itās simple: The Cortland, N.Y., native, is pursuing a bachelorās degree inĀ physicsĀ and a masterās degree in engineering through the CollegeāsĀ dual degree partnershipĀ with Syracuse University with the goal of becoming a civil engineer.
Bush recently completed an internship with Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis Engineering & Surveying, where she put her education to use doing calculations, fieldwork and drawings for multiple projectsĀ and conducting research on a variety of topics, including on fireproof building materials. She zeroed in on the idea of applying to work as an intern at BiggsĀ | Davis after conversations with Emily Lawless, director of the CollegeāsĀ Quantitative Reasoning CenterĀ (QRC), and Fouad Dietz, director of planning and construction at Le Moyne.Ā The company completed work on the structural design on Reilly Hall and it turned out to be āa great fitā for Bush. Not only did she avail herself of the numerous benefits that come along with completing an internship (exploring a career path, developing and refining her professional skills, building a network), but she also refined her ability to communicate effectively, think creatively and work as part of team. Best of all, noĀ two days were alike. One afternoon she may have found herself in the office reviewing Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, while another she may have been traveling with her boss to examine a cable that had snapped in a parking garage.
Throughout her time at Le Moyne, Bush has dedicated herself to making the most of every opportunity available to her. Her internship was no exception. She worksĀ asĀ a tutor in the Collegeās QRC and participates in Le MoyneāsĀ Stempower,ĢżManresaĢż²¹²Ō»åĢżERIE21Ā programs. She is also involved in the Le Moyne Makers, Engineering and Physics clubs. All of this has helped in nurturing her to become the person Bush is today, she says. Now she looks forward to carrying that sameĀ commitment to grow, learn and evolve in her career. And with the nation at the outset of aĀ major investment to modernize Americaās roads, bridges, transit, rails, ports, airports, she couldnāt imagine a more exciting time to enter the field of engineering.
I am eager to see where my career will take me and what I can contribute.
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Lindseyās story is just one example of how Le Moyne empowers students to explore, grow, and make meaningful contributions through unique programs and experiences. Students gain invaluable skills, build networks, and shape their futuresājust as Lindsey has done using the resources they they find on The Heights.