Introducing the School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering

Missed the announcement?  See this previous newsletter.  

SEE Welcome Back Reception

Thursday, September 4; 5-7PM in STEW 218.  Join SEE students, faculty and staff to kick off Fall 2025. Appetizers, desserts, and beverages provided. Come and go as needed.  Please feel free to arrive whenever you would like (after 5PM fine) and stay for as long as you can. Dress is casual. See attached flyer for details.

EEE Job Tune Up Seminar by Ms. Whelton

Thursday, September 4 at 3:00pm in ARMS B071.  Come and go as your schedule allows. See attached flyer.

Led by Ms. Meg Whelton.  As an environmental engineer who has worked in your field, she will give overall tips and advice in addition to answering your questions! This is a great preparation tool prior to Industrial Roundtable.  Sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students are welcome.  

EEE Company Night 

Monday, September 8 at 6-8:30pm in PMU- Anniversary Drawing Room.  See attached flyer.

Come engage with multiple company representatives that want to meet EEE students prior to Industrial Roundtable. 

SEE Main Office in POTR 364: Hours of Operation

The SEE main office is located in POTR 364. Office hours are currently: M-F 8am-4pm. Unscheduled “drop-ins” are discouraged. Instead, make an appointment with your EEE advisor, either Tammi Thayer or Maeve Brewer, via BoilerConnect. For other staff or faculty, reach out direct via email to arrange an appointment.

POTR Building: Hours of Operation

POTR building hours of operation are 6:00am – 11pm, 7 days a week.

If doors are locked during these posted times, contact the Purdue Police non-emergency number at 49-48221.

SEE Computer Lab in POTR 360

The SEE Computer Lab is available for all EEE students and is located in POTR 360; next door to the main SEE office. See attached agreement for student conduct and use protocols.  

**Key Pad Entry Code** – 237424  

SEE maintains this computer center for academic & social activities. Its use is a privilege reserved for SEE students and those enrolled in EEE courses to work, study, and access dedicated SEE computers. There are 12 desktop computers with internet access and a printer/scanner. The room contains additional tables, chairs, and whiteboards.

Hand sanitizer has been placed by each computer station.

In general, be respectful to others and the property.  Always log off of computers before leaving the room.  Do not lock a computer for later use.  Do not move or alter any of the computer systems.

If you wish to place items on the wall, ask in the SEE Office for appropriate tacky putty.  (No tape or staples.)

Use discretion when determining if to print and how many copies to print.

Please report any room or equipment issues to SEE@purdue.edu.

Guide to Purdue IT Resources

Purdue IT is the central information technology organization serving students, faculty and staff at Purdue.  See  the support and services they provide in this article.  

EEE Ambassador Application - Due 9/8/25

SEEE - Callout for Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineers

The SEEE callout will be September 3 at 6-7PM in HAMP 2113. Flyer attached.   

EEE Faculty Mentor Change Request Form – Due 9/8/25

Upper-class students who wish to change their EEE Faculty Mentor should download and complete the Faculty Mentor Change Request Form.  Deadline is Monday, September 8 by 9AM. No action is needed from students who are new to the EEE degree program this semester. Assignments for new students will be made by the SEE UG office and announced to you later this fall.

Help SEE Reach Goal of Picking Up 1 million Pieces of TRASH!

In celebration of earning over $1 Million on Purdue Day of Giving, SEE pledged to pick up a piece of trash for every dollar donated.  We need all hands on deck to achieve this goal.  We invite you to collect and properly dispose of litter (and document it with pictures/videos!). Help us reach our goal of picking up 1 million pieces of trash!

Use this link to report how much trash you collect and to submit pictures/videos: Help SEE Pick Up 1 Million Pieces of Trash

The link will remain open through the fall, so keep collecting trash and adding it to our count! 

Purdue Calendars

2025-2026 Academic Calendar

How to Schedule an Appointment with EEE Advisors

EEE and other Engineering students can access the Environmental and Ecological Engineering appointment calendar via BoilerConnect. SEE currently has In Person and Virtual appointments, depending on the time and day.

There are training resources available to students in BoilerConnect on the login page. Click ‘For Students.’  Advisors and service offices across campus use BoilerConnect for making appointments, so these instructions are generalized. 

Student Self-Help Guides:

• How to Schedule an Appointment (video)
• How to Schedule an Appointment (pdf)
• How to Cancel an Appointment
• How to Reschedule an Appointment
• Responding to an Appointment Request (video)
• Responding to an Appointment Request (pdf)

Registration Troubleshooting

Waitlists:  Fall waitlists will close/be deleted on Friday, August 22 at 5PM ET.  Some courses are using Waitlists.  Instructions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPxK4lIRr2o. 

Courses not using Waitlists (& after Waitlists close):  You will need to watch for space through the 1^st week of semester.

For EEE Selective courses, you may have to consider an alternative course.

• Reference myPurduePlan – look at your MPP Plans tab for ideas.  Make sure it is up to date. 

• Recently Offered Course Reference list; filter on Fall 2025.  You can access syllabi for some courses via Course Insights which is in your myPurdue portal, or go to https://sswis.mypurdue.purdue.edu/CourseInsights/.

• EEE Career Pathways - Elective & Activity Recommendations – this is an online resource. It shows 6 career pathways with suggestions created by a subcommittee of faculty and staff. These are not requirements! Instead, they are a collection of informed choices with the goal to inspire students to explore their own plan that supports their long-term career goals.

Having trouble registering, adding, or dropping? Need an override for a class? There are many resources on the EEE Registration Tools page, such as instruction links for Scheduling Assistant:

• Scheduling Assistant - How to ADD

• Scheduling Assistant - How to DROP

• Scheduling Assistant - How to Submit Registration Error Override Request

The Registrar page also has links for most common registration issues at  https://www.purdue.edu/registrar/currentStudents/index.html

Job Corner with Ms. Whelton, PE

This section is prepared for the newsletter by Ms. Margaret Whelton, PE. She is the Manager of Industrial Experience. The responsibilities of this position include working with industry to secure internships, co-ops, and full time job opportunities for students; developing real world senior design and research projects; and facilitating partnerships between industry and Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering. She has twelve years of experience as a practicing environmental engineer prior to becoming part of SEE.  She is a registered professional engineer in Indiana, Virginia, and Alabama. 

There are several ways we will notify you about job opportunities or networking opportunities.  They are:

Throughout the school year there will be emails sent out in regard to networking opportunities or jobs.  If you receive an email from Ms. Whelton it will be in regard to job opportunities or other opportunities for you to connect (and potentially land a job) with companies.  Please pay attention to these emails.  Networking opportunities may also come from other SEE faculty and staff. 

Opportunities could also be given in the newsletter.  All newsletters are archived on the SEE website so you can refer to past newsletters for key information including job opportunities. 

Another way SEE may let you know about opportunities is on social media.  Like “Purdue University SEE” on Facebook and “Purdue University School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering” on Linked In, and “Purdue SEE” on twitter if you haven’t already.

SEEE (Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineers) also maintains a Linked In group where EEE alumni post job opportunities.  Follow “Purdue Environmental & Ecological Engineering Alumni Network” to connect with current EEEs, alumni and learn about job opportunities.

Some companies contact the CCO (Center for Career Opportunities) directly about job opportunities.  You should create your myCCO account and upload your resume.  There are many opportunities for EEEs through the CCO and we encourage companies to post jobs for EEEs wherever they are most comfortable.  More information on and how to sign up for myCCO is here: https://www.cco.purdue.edu/#myCCO

Career fair season is starting soon and Industrial Roundtable is right around the corner.  To prepare for this and other job-oriented events, SEE is sponsoring a seminar where you will learn (and can have your questions answered) about resumes, interviews, networking, and more.  The “Job Tune-Up” seminar will be Thursday September 4 at 3:00pm in ARMS B071.

We will have our company event where the attending companies are looking for EEEs for the second time this year.  EEE Company Night will be Monday Sept 8^th from 6-8:30pm in the PMU Anniversary Drawing Room.    Stay tuned for more information! 

Speaking of your resume, this is a great time to update it with your summer experiences, current GPA, and current coursework.  It is good to get in the habit of updating your resume at the beginning of every semester before you get inundated with schoolwork.

In addition, websites I suggest specifically for government positions include ORISE (internships and fulltime positions are on separate pages) and USAJobs. A good search engine for state government jobs can be found here. Linked In and well-known job search engines like Indeed are also beneficial employment opportunity sources and have been helpful to EEEs in the past.  Additional search engines suggested by the CCO for opportunities on and off campus are found here.

Fall 2025 Research Credit opportunity - Various Projects Available

Dr. Nadya Zyaykina, Research Assistant Professor in SEE, is seeking students interested in earning 2-3 research credits (involvement 6-9 hours per week) during Fall Semester 2025 in the frame of EEE 49800 and EEE 59800 on the topics related to a) sustainable electronics and b) landfill gas emissions.  Ideally, we hope to build teams of 3-4 students in each of the two research areas. Interested students should read the attached document containing a brief projects description and contact Prof. Zyaykina (nzyaykina@purdue.edu) with a resume and a short motivation statement.

Fall 2025 Course: ENGR 39697 Venture Meets Mission

This new course is being offered this fall, and it is perfect for students who have an interest in public service and entrepreneurial ventures.  Flyer attached. Please direct questions to Sue Bayley at sbayley@purdue.edu.

ENGR 39697 Venture Meets Mission: Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, engineer, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this course equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to be a part of the solution. Emerge equipped to launch your mission, navigate complex collaborations, and become a leader in a world where profit and purpose go hand-in-hand.

This course will count as Technical Elective in the EEE degree requirements.

OPP Fall Events Flyer

OPP has several professional development opportunities planned for September and October.  See the attached flyer for events that can help you engage with companies and representatives.

Study Abroad Fair

September 11 from 10am-2pm in PMU South Ballroom.  Visit to see and celebrate Purdue Study Abroad program options.  

Engineering CARES Hub

The Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) Hub is open. The mission of the CARES Hub is to build Boilermaker engineers by developing awareness, well-being and community for students through outreach, direct access to mental health resources and community-building programs designed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to be thriving students and thriving future engineers. Find more info on the CARES webpage.  Attached is a flyer detailing servies provided, and a flyer for FREE Yoga classes this fall that are open to all engineers!

Engineering Academic Support - Resource Webpage

Did you know the College of Engineering has a webpage dedicated to listing academic resources for classes, such as Supplemental Instruction, resource rooms, and how to find a free tutor for some key engineering classes.  Free tutoring is available for some CE and ME courses. Tutoring sessions are scheduled through BoilerConnect, choose Polytech Engineering Tutoring appointment type to schedule. Visit https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/InfoFor/CurrentStudents/index_html to see what else is available to you to help.

Academic Success Center (ASC)

The ASC offers a collection of services and programs designed to help students be successful in the classroom. Be proactive and review available resources now. Don’t wait till things get difficult to manage.  ASC provides:  Study Skills Consultations, Peer Success Coaching, Supplemental Instruction (SI), Workshops, Accountability Groups, and much more.  See ASC’s offerings at https://www.purdue.edu/asc/. 

QUESTIONS? For more specific information about each service, be sure to check out their homepages, or Email academicsuccess@purdue.edu, call 765-494-4700, or visit Wiley C215.

SEE FE Exam Reimbursement Program for EEE Seniors

The SEE FE Exam Reimbursement Program is meant to encourage and support EEE students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam during their time at Purdue. It offers 100% reimbursement with a passing score and 50% reimbursement for a failing score on the FE. Once the student takes the FE, they are to provide proof of their test date and score along with an itemized receipt to Dr. Robinson. The deadline for a reimbursement request is the last day of the month in which the student graduates. Only one reimbursement per student will be allowed.

FE Environmental Engineering Review Manual

The SEE Undergraduate office has this manual available for check out - all 754 pages! The manual includes sample questions for each test section of the exam, and step by step solutions are provided. Seniors are welcome to this manual for loan for a 72hr period to review and study. See Tammi Thayer to check out the manual.

How to Get Undergraduate Research Experience in SEE

Interested in pursuing research with SEE faculty? Students are welcome to reach out to individual faculty that they feel best matches with their interests. Learn more and find instructions on how to approach your search at https://engineering.purdue.edu/EEE/Academics/CurrentStudents/UndergraduateResearchEEE.

Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC) is Hiring

WREC is hiring two invasive plant management technicians for the school year.  These are federal work study positions, so applicants need to check their financial aid status to be sure they received and accepted federal work study.  This is a physical field job including hiking, electric chainsaw work, herbicide application, dragging brush, working in the field alone, and walking through wetlands in all types of weather conditions. See this flyer for more info. 

Wabash Sampling Blitz by WREC

See this flyer advertising the fall Wabash Sampling Blitz; the volunteer citizen science event to sample streams feeding the Wabash River.  The event crosses two days, and volunteers can sample at the time that is most convenient to them during those two days.  The dates are Sept 19 and 20.

See website with more info and to registration: http://www.wabashriver.net/wabash-sampling-blitz/

Campus Sustainability Working Group Requests Participation

Living in a healthy, safe and sustainable environment is important to many on the Purdue campus. Purdue University's Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF) invites you to participate in a survey focused on sustainability culture and behavior at Purdue to help benchmark current responses and guide future planning. This survey, Campus Sustainability Culture Assessment, IRB Protocol Number: IRB-2025-1012, is part of a larger campus sustainability self-study project being led by ISF and the Campus Sustainability Working Group. This is the first time a survey of this kind is being conducted at Purdue. The questions will be on topics such as transportation, procurement, and dining services; as well as habits, such as transportation to and from campus, recycling practices, and purchasing. The survey will run from Monday, September 15 through Friday, September 26.

SEE Social Media Accounts

Stay up to date with EEE events and info by following on social media.  Go to this link where you can choose which accounts to connect with. 

Civics Literacy Requirement 

Purdue University adopted a civics literacy graduation requirement for undergraduates who entered Purdue in Fall 2021 or later. If you have not completed the requirements yet, then now may be a good time to get started. To see details and various resources click here. Questions may be directed to CivicsLiteracy@purdue.edu.

Make the Most of College: Gallup-Purdue Index

Purdue has so much to offer!  Wondering how to prioritize what will make the most impact on your future?  The Gallup-Purdue Index (GPI) was formed from a survey of more than 30,000 U.S. college graduates.  

Refer to the Student Guide to Creating a Successful College Experience:  This guide was designed to help college students get the most out of the college experience based on the GPI results.

Professional Licensure & FE Exam: What is it? When to take it? How to prepare?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is typically the first step in the process leading to the P.E. license. It is designed for students close to finishing their engineering degree or recent graduates. The FE is a computer-based exam that is administered year-round at NCEES (National Council of Examiners for engineering and Surveying) approved Pearson VUE test centers. FYI – Purdue has an approved test site.  The FE contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long, which includes a nondisclosure agreement, tutorial (8 minutes), the exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), a scheduled break (25 minutes), and a brief survey.

What is professional licensure all about and why is it important?  Learn more at https://www.nspe.org/sites/default/files/resources/pdfs/GR/2017handouts/2017%20-%20What%20is%20a%20PE%20document.pdf

The SEE website has an information and resource page - click here. This page highlights NCEES, the Environmental Exam, links to various sites to register for the FE, what study sessions are offered on campus (not all apply to EEE, though), how to purchase study guides, and other resources to consider.

Foreign Language Placement Testing 

The Language department offers a fully-online SLC Language Placement Test. For details you can visit their page here. Once at the page, students will be able to download a manual with step-by-step instructions. The test is up and running continuously. It may take a few business days for tests to be reviewed and placement results to be validated.   The official name of the test has been changed from “Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT)” to “SLC Language Placement Test (SLCLPT)”. Questions about placement test related issues can be sent to: slcplace@purdue.edu.

Safety: All Hazards Training

View Key Emergency Preparedness Resources at Emergency Preparedness website. All-Hazards Awareness Training is offered to the Purdue community through in-person sessions and online. This training provides reminders on what constitutes an all-hazards emergency event and how faculty, staff and students in the classroom or elsewhere on campus should react in such a situation. Emergency preparedness officials explain how the campus community receives emergency notifications through the multi-layered Purdue Alert system, what "shelter in place" means and how to respond when they see the phrase in alerts sent out; evacuation procedures; what they can do to prepare; and available tools and resources.

Did you miss a previous newsletter? Click here.