Arwyn St. John (she/her)
Junior, Class of 2026
Hometown: Ewa Beach, HI (military kid, so I have also lived in Japan, Guam, Virginia, and born in Connecticut)
1. Which area are you more focused on--civil or environmental engineering?
I would say I am focused on both. With a concentration in Hydrology and Water Resources, I can explore the topic in both areas through things like flood resilience infrastructure and environmental restoration. Within my concentration, I am most interested in exploring the development of models that can quantify the impact green infrastructure applications can have on flood and coastal resiliency.
2. Are you studying anything else at Rice?
Nope.
3. Did you want to do civil and environmental engineering in high school/early years at Rice?
I figured out I wanted to do Civil Engineering during my senior year of high school. The summer before, I was in two opportunities ALA Girls State and Brown University’s engineering summer school. I knew I wanted to work to better the environment, but I didn't know from which angle, policy or innovation. That summer made me realize engineering would be a better fit for me. Looking back, there were a lot of signs that Civil Engineering was for me. My favorite part of vacation growing up was when I dragged my family to visit some cool bridge or dam. Also, there were a lot of history projects on ancient roads, walls and sewer systems.
4. What has helped you figure out what you want to study?
Working as a research assistant at the SSPEED Center has had a huge positive impact on my career. I started working there in the fall of my freshmen year, and I have never left. This job exposed me to a new side of Civil Engineering that I didn't even know existed. I very quickly realized that concentrating on hydrology and water resources was the right move for me. Working there also exposed me to the world of academia and helped me realize that I want to go to grad school. I find the job interesting primarily because of the broad scope of work opportunities. I have done work for consulting, lawsuits, and research, which has boosted my confidence in my choice of concentration. I have been able to see and experience hydrology's various applications.
5. Are you involved in any organizations/clubs/groups?
The three most important extracurriculars I participate in are Rice Wind Energy, Autry House, and being a Beer Bike Coordinator. I joined Rice Wind Energy (RWE) last year, and I'm about the start my 2nd year as a lead for the project development team. We competed in the collegiate wind competition and placed 10th in the nation last spring. This club has allowed me to make friends, apply what I learned in class, acquire new skills, and open my eyes to how I could use my degree in a nontraditional way after graduation. I have been a member of Autry House, an Episcopalian campus ministry, since my freshmen year. I participate in weekly service and lunch, along with the occasional volunteer days and other social events. Autry House has given me a warm and friendly space to make friends and continue my journey with my faith which is really important to my mental health. Lastly, I am going into my third year as a beer bike coordinator for my residential college, and I couldn't be more excited. With two alumni as parents, I have been hearing stories of beer bike for a very long time. I love that I get to give back to my community by putting on beer bikes that people will have lots of stories to tell about. I also really enjoy the distraction it provides me from my day-to-day class grind.
6. Outside of studying and being a student, what is an ideal day for you?
An ideal day for me would include going on a long run, reading a book on my couch for a few hours, trying out a new restaurant with my roommate and hanging out with my friends playing board games. Also, I would get to cuddle my brother's dogs, Gumbo and Mac, and see him, I guess.
7. What advice or insights do you have for anyone wondering if civil and environmental engineering is a good choice for them?
This field of engineering is very broad and has a lot of opportunities that are very different. I suggest talking to as many people as you can from the various parts of the field. Also, research the jobs you can do with the different degrees offered by the CEVE department.
8. Rice engineering students often shoulder busy schedules--what or who helps keep you motivated during difficult days? Do you have any practical advice for incoming students on striking a school-life balance?
I would say the main thing that keeps me motivated are my family and friends. During difficult weeks, I love going to my aunt and uncle's house for Sunday dinner, sending my brother and sister-in-law snap chats, and making long phone calls with my parents. After difficult weeks or exams, you'll find me hanging out with my friends to decompress. My biggest piece of advice for finding school-life balance is to constantly experiment. What works for your friend may not work for you, and what worked in high school may not work now. Trying new things until something sticks is a good way to avoid getting frustrated over it.
9. Ideally, what is your life like after graduation?
I am still exploring after-graduation opportunities. Grad school is definitely something I want to do, I just don't know when or where. That being said, I have really enjoyed learning about renewable energy project development through RWE, so I could also see myself working for a company doing that.
10. Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
I read a book a week, I love hiking/running, I love animals, specifically cows, and I once did donuts with a US Coast Guard ship.
Thank you for allowing us to learn more about you, Liana! We’re so glad you are a part of the civil and environmental engineering community.
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