Leanh Nguyen (he/him)
Senior, Class of 2025
Hometown: Houston
1. Which area are you more focused on: civil or environmental engineering?
I am primarily focused on civil engineering, particularly structural engineering. Currently, I am deeply interested in applying my structural focus to researching storm-related issues, specifically debris removal processes and the development of resiliency models. My goal is to continue this research at the doctoral level, contributing to advancements in how communities can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from storm impacts.
2. Are you studying anything else at Rice aside from civil and environmental engineering?
Aside from civil engineering, I am also pursuing a minor in Environmental Studies and a minor in Energy and Water Sustainability. These areas of study interest me because they provide a broader environmental perspective that complements my structural engineering knowledge. Specifically, these classes have deepened my understanding of how socioeconomic factors vary across different communities, enabling me to consider these nuances in every engineering solution. By diversifying my expertise, I can better address critical 21st-century issues that require an interdisciplinary viewpoint. The various assignments and projects in these fields allow me to develop a wide range of skills, enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to interdisciplinary solutions.
3. Did you want to do civil and environmental engineering in high school/early years at Rice?
Yes, I have been interested in civil and environmental engineering since high school. My interest was sparked due to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Harvey and learning about climate change from my science classes. Initially, my focus was on renewable energy and sustainable design like mass timber construction. However, as I attended classes like Climate Risk Analysis and participated in storm-related research, my interests shifted towards understanding storm impacts and developing models of a city’s resiliency and effective debris removal strategies. This shift was influenced by my growing awareness of the increasing need for resilient infrastructure and effective recovery plans in cities in the face of natural disasters. Witnessing the increasing frequency of severe weather events first-hand, I aim to learn how to make a tangible difference in how communities prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
4. What has helped you figure out what you want to study?
During my time with Dr. Padgett’s research group on storm damage and debris removal, I recognized the critical need for improved models and research on future storms to help cities and communities better prepare and recover. This experience solidified my desire to become a civil engineering graduate student focused on this area of study. Initially, I was interested in sustainable design research, such as cross-laminated timber, but my focus shifted due to the increasing impacts of climate change and my personal experiences with hurricanes. Just this year, in May of 2024, a storm and an EF-1 tornado with peak wind speeds of 110 mph hit near Cypress, severely damaging our house and knocking out the power and internet for days. This forced my family to seek refuge with relatives and apply for FEMA funding while we waited for CenterPoint to clear debris from roads and repair the damaged electrical infrastructure. About a month later, Hurricane Beryl rampaged across Texas and through my Cypress suburb, again leaving my family without power and internet for a week as we waited for CenterPoint. These experiences highlighted Houston's aging infrastructure and inadequate disaster recovery plans, underscoring the need for better models, plans, and collaborations between universities, federal agencies, businesses, and local governments, to name a few. Overall, my long-term goal is to expand methodology to other cities.
Additionally, my trip to El Paso during the NEWT Center Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) was an eye-opening experience of the difficulties and nuances within each engineering solution. Arriving at Hueco Tanks with the vision of creating an innovative engineering solution, my peers and I quickly realized the complexities involved. Political and socioeconomic factors, such as different cultural values and financial status, had to be carefully considered. Being a predominantly low-income Hispanic community, the city of El Paso had little incentive to build a pipeline for a community with such a small tax base. While ideas and decisions about developing a communal water well bounced around in our group, they often involved questions about funding, maintenance, and collaboration within a community to take care of it. Moreover, there was the added difficulty of not having enough funds and not being able to visit often, which would have given these families false hope that a group of students could solve their dilemma. All in all, this experience taught me that a true holistic engineering solution requires careful consideration of these factors and issues, beyond just a simple model of the city.
5. Are you involved in any organizations/clubs/groups?
Yes, I am currently involved in several on-campus and off-campus organizations. I am a member of Rice’s American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter, where I serve as the External Vice President. In this role, I contact companies and communicate with Rice’s CEVE Department for events and collaborations, providing resources and opportunities to connect with civil and environmental engineering companies for CEVE students. Previously, as the Treasurer, I managed the budget for our company lunch meetings and updated our chapter’s website. We are currently excited about revamping and starting our competition team for the Region 6 ASCE Symposium, with a particular focus on the concrete canoe competition.
Additionally, I am the Vice President of the Chi Epsilon Rice Chapter, where I help connect CEVE students with resources from the national Chi Epsilon society and plan events to facilitate interactions between companies and students.
I also serve as a Student Liaison for the Rice Global Forum (RGF), a premier consortium in the energy industry that provides ongoing opportunities for thought leadership, networking, and professional development. In this role, I connect students from Rice and other colleges with RGF.
Previously, I was an R&D intern at the NEWT Center, where I helped build and test equipment designed by grad students and tested components to set design parameters. Through an REU in El Paso, I explored the extent to which socioeconomic and political factors play a significant role in engineering solutions. Although I have paused this involvement for now, it greatly enhanced my understanding of the complexities involved in creating holistic engineering solutions.
Overall, these experiences have enriched my academic journey, providing me with valuable skills, industry connections, and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of engineering challenges.
6. Outside of studying and being a student, what is an ideal day for you?
On the weekend, an ideal day for me starts with going home to spend time with my family. In the morning, I would help my mom with house chores and gardening, enjoying the fresh morning air and quietness. In the afternoon, I would spend time with my little sister, helping her with her studies and playing some online games. As she attends school at UT Austin, I always try to be there for her and ensure she gets the support she needs while having fun together. Later in the day, my dad and I would work on some house repairs, tackling projects and improving our home while learning from each other. Afterward, we would go fishing, which is a great opportunity to catch up and share stories as we wait for a bite. Throughout the day, we would enjoy some delicious homemade Vietnamese meals, sharing the cooking and cleaning duties while savoring the food we have prepared together. All in all, this mix of productive activities, relaxation, and quality family time makes for a perfect day away from school.
7. What advice or insights do you have for anyone wondering if civil and environmental engineering is a good choice for them?
Civil and environmental engineering is an excellent choice for those who are passionate about solving real-world problems and making a positive impact on society. This field offers a unique blend of technical challenges and opportunities to improve community resilience and sustainability to name a few.
If you are curious about how infrastructure can be designed to withstand natural disasters or how to create sustainable solutions for pressing environmental issues, this field may be a perfect fit for you. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of civil and environmental engineering at Rice allows you to develop a diverse skill set and work on a variety of projects, from structural design and mechanics of materials to water purification and environmental protection. Because of this, you do not have to worry about immediately knowing what specific kind of civil or environmental engineer you want to be at Rice.
All in all, to determine if this field is right for you, seek out internships, engage in various coursework, and participate in clubs or research that align with your current interests. If you find some class subjects or projects do not work for you, do not be afraid to try new subjects. Even I changed from water treatment to structural engineering after realizing chemistry was not my passion nor strong suit. Overall, this hands-on experience and knowledge will provide valuable insights and help you decide if civil and environmental engineering is the path you want to pursue.
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?
My motivation during challenging times comes from my passion for the field and the support of my peers, professors, and family. Knowing that the work I am doing has the potential to make a significant impact on society keeps me focused and spirited. Additionally, staying connected with my peers who share similar goals provides a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. However, nothing beats coming home to my family after a long week of learning and working.
Striking a school-life balance can be challenging and differs from person to person, but it is crucial for long-term success and well-being. Here are a few pieces of advice:
- Prioritize and Plan: Use a planner, a digital calendar, or even a scrap of paper to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and personal commitments.
- Set Boundaries: Allocate general times for studying and personal activities. Make sure to take breaks and give yourself time to relax and recharge. Having a good sleep beats staying up all night trying to finish an assignment.
- Stay Organized: Keeping your study space and materials organized can reduce stress and increase productivity. Never throw away old assignments, especially if your field of study requires you to take a comprehensive test once you graduate (e.g., the MCAT, FE Exam, etc.)
- Seek Support: Do not hesitate to reach out to professors, advisors, counselors, or peers if you are feeling overwhelmed. They can provide valuable guidance and resources.
- Stay Connected: Maintaining relationships with friends or family can provide crucial emotional support and help you stay grounded.
Know that no one strategy works for everyone. Even I am still adjusting and adapting my school-life balance today. Finding the perfect balance is an ongoing process, and that is fine.
9. Ideally, what is your life like after graduation?
In the years after graduation, I hope to be a PhD graduate student at Rice University, studying civil engineering with a focus on storm recovery models and plans. My goal is to develop effective strategies that can help communities better prepare for and recover from severe weather events.
I envision myself actively contributing to research that addresses these critical issues while also giving back to the Rice and Houston communities. These communities have provided me with invaluable resources, support, and a sense of family throughout my educational journey, and I am eager to repay that by applying my knowledge and skills to benefit others.
Thank you for allowing us to learn more about you, Leanh! We’re so glad you are a part of the civil and environmental engineering community.
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