Hometown
Bradenton, Florida
Major and Graduation
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering, Expected Graduation: 2023
Student Organization Involvement
Illinois Tech Railroad Club, American Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, Society of Women Engineers, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
Why did you choose your major/what do you want to do with your degree?
I have had a knack for design from a very young age and as high school progressed, I thoroughly enjoyed my art courses while excelling in the courses I took in the STEM field. Combining these two strengths ultimately guided my choosing of a major and I could not have been happier with the choice I made to pursue civil engineering. In the future I hope to continuously work to develop a sustainable built world that will protect our environment for years to come. I am truly excited to see my designs take shape in real life and improve upon the existing built environment.
What is your favorite thing about the Camras Scholars Program?
My favorite thing about the Camras Scholars Program is the network that I have been able to form within the organization. Every person within the program is motivated and ingenious and it has been a wonderful experience to be able to surround myself with these individuals and form meaningful connections in which we are able to draw ideas from one another.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years, I see myself leading a successful career at an engineering design firm. By this point, I will have passed my PE exam and will be tackling projects as a senior structural engineer. I see myself having remained in professional organizations, using them to give back to the next generation of civil engineers through mentorship programs.
How do you think you best represent what it means to be a Camras scholar?
As a representative of the Camras Scholars Program, I have become extremely involved in campus life at Illinois Tech. I am currently president of the Illinois Tech Railroad Club, vice president of Tau Beta Pi, and a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Armour Student Council, and the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois. Through these leadership and membership positions, I have used my influence to better the opportunities available to members of respective organizations and worked within the Armour College of Engineering to bring problems to the attention of the leadership of IIT and bring about positive changes for the university. Additionally, due to my efforts, I have been awarded several scholarships including the IS-ASCE Structural Engineering Institute Scholarship, the President's Scholarship from the WTS Greater Chicago Area Chapter, and the William E. and Barbara I. Van Trump Scholarship from the AREMA Educational Foundation.
Contact
Email: ohansen@hawk.iit.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/oliviahansen02