Julie Lorenzo

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Major:
Civil Engineering

Year:
Senior

Hometown:
Palatine, IL

Other extracurricular activities:

  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Research/Internship/Co-op experience:

  • Mortenson Construction
    Field Engineer Intern
    (SUMMER 2020)
  • Engineering Career Services
    Career Peer
    (August 2019- May 2020)
  • Talman Consultants
    CAD Drafter Intern
    (SUMMER 2019- May 2020)
  • I-MRSEC REU (Professor SungWoo Nam's Lab)
    Undergraduate Researcher
    (SUMMER 2018)

Why Illinois?

What I love about Illinois is that there are so many opportunities and resources for us students to grow. I was a transfer student 2 years ago and I was overwhelmed by how many things I could be involved in on campus. There are resources that help you as a student like growing professional or even clubs you can join that pertain to your interests. The possibilities are limitless!

What has been your best experience at Illinois?

I enjoy empowering underrepresented students through the RSOs I am involved in, (SHPE and Engineering Ambassadors). Due to my commitment to empowering underrepresented students in STEM, I have been able to pass along my knowledge and experience for the next generations to come. It's very rewarding that I can give back to the community, and due to the people and organizations at Illinois, I don't know if I'd be able to experience this anywhere else.

Favorite part about being an engineering student?

Engineering is not easy by any means, but by making my connections with students, professors, and faculty at Illinois, My favorite part has been making these friendships and mentorships here at Illinois that will last a lifetime!

Why did you join EA?

Through Engineering Ambassadors, I can visit classes of underrepresented students in elementary schools to teach them about STEM so that they can start thinking if STEM is right for them. I did not have the opportunity to learn about STEM when I was a kid, and it wasn’t until my senior year when I was considering engineering. In order to help kids not go through my late decision making, I wanted to help them see that there are engineers of different backgrounds and that there is a lot of cool things involved with STEM. Doing these events and programs leaves me fulfilled because it helps me break out of my comfort zone and learn different skills that I can use in my career.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a STEM degree?

What I would encourage students who are pursing a STEM degree is to not be shy to try new things and reach out to new people. Joining clubs and organizations will help develop your interests and skills. It was also help you make new friends who you can bounce ideas from and strengthen bonds. Making friends and develop new skills you won't find in the classroom has been crucial to my STEM degree success.

What do you plan on doing post-graduation?

I plan to do graduate school, specifically the Global Leaders in Construction Management Program, at Illinois because I want to be more knowledgeable and develop myself into a better leader before heading out into the workforce.