Going to Purdue University was never in doubt for Klayton Davis. With Purdue alumni for parents, the Boilermakers have always been a major part of his life. What wasn't certain, he said, was where he would study. But, after taking a few civil engineering courses, Klayton said he knew it was exactly what he was looking for.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergraduate Kashish Sharma has a passion for the arts and engineering. Through the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Kashish said she found the perfect way to work with both of her interests to create new structures that serve a need for the community and are beautiful to look at.

Joey Martin's emphasis area is in Transportation Engineering. Joey says that he discovered that he loved the engineering behind roads, traffic, and intersections while studying at Purdue University because it's all so vital to our everyday lives and it's becoming even more important as the U.S. transitions to smart and connected cities and vehicles.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Laura Gustafson's emphasis areas are in Environmental Engineering and Hydraulics & Hydrology. Laura says she believes the best way she can make a difference and pursue her passions is through working to improve water infrastructure systems and ensuring a more sustainable future for everyone.

With an emphasis in Transportation Engineering, Lyles School of Civil Engineering undergrad Jack Bell says that he gained a great interest in micro-mobility and civil engineering as a whole upon coming to Purdue University, where he was able to join a research team and publish his own paper.

Jason Randall says that Purdue University had always been his dream school. In addition to growing up in a Purdue family, Jason has always had a strong interest in both engineering and the environment — and the Lyles School of Civil Engineering was the perfect match for him.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering senior Jasmine Walker says she's had a strong interest in civil engineering and architecture ever since she got to see the skyscrapers from around the world. She chose to come to Purdue University to pursue a civil engineering degree because of its formidable reputation and their offering of an architectural engineering concentration.

Civil Engineering undergrad Haydn Malackowski says he's always been into sports and engineering — so coming to Purdue University was an easy choice for him. Now a junior, Haydn is a board member for the Purdue Paint Crew. And, when he's not attending sporting events, Haydn works as a research assistant at the Lyles School of Civil Engineering.

Delaney said she's always had an interest in engineering and building design, so she knew she wanted to go somewhere that could best prepare her for that. Purdue University, she said, offered her exactly what she was looking for: an in-state option with one of the best civil engineering programs in the country.

Hannah Tomkins came to Purdue with a broad interest in civil engineering, but after she learned more about the Hydraulic and Hydrologic Engineering emphasis area it immediately appealed to her. The aspects of water quality and storm water management are so vital to this planet and it is something she said she wants to help preserve.

Matthew says he's always had a great interest in seeing big projects come together, so he knew he wanted to study somewhere that would prepare him for a career in civil engineering. A Washington native, Matthew says a dream of his is to be part of coastal projects, like bridge and pier design.

A Guatemala City native, Michael says he always knew he wanted to study civil engineering that one day he could create a subway system for his home country. He says he also knew that Purdue University's Lyles School of Civil Engineering was one of the best places in the world to prepare him to achieve his dream.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergraduate and Women's Soccer player Alexis Marks says she's always loved math and science and knew she wanted to pursue a degree that fed into those interests. After learning more about CE her freshman year, Alexis said she knew she found out where she wanted to go.

Purdue Civil Engineering undergrad William Taylor's emphasis area is in Structures. One of his career goals is to work abroad and in developing countries and improve the infrastructure. With so many advances in technology — like smart cities and connected vehicles — it'd be incredible to help design for emerging communities, he says.

Civil Engineering undergraduate Amanda Lefebvre said she wanted to get the most out of her experience while at Purdue. In her four years, she's led the university's Engineers Without Borders program, is a member of Chi Epsilon, Chi Omega, and the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities, served as an undergraduate researcher, and participated in three internships.

Jenna said she chose civil engineering at Purdue University because she loved the sense of community she felt. And, after seeing how impactful Civil Engineering is on the world, Jenna said she knew that it was the school for her.

Jack came to Purdue University because he knew it was one of the best places to get an engineering degree, but he wasn't sure which engineering school he would join. Then, after learning more about civil engineering his freshman year and seeing all that it encompassed, he knew exactly what he wanted to pursue.

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.