222 Palisades Creek Drive
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 972-952-9393
Fax: 972-952-9435
Email: [email protected]
Penn State University
Civil Engineering
Emma McGowan
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to become a licensed professional engineer and work as a structural engineer. I hope to design safe, innovative structures while continuing to grow my technical skills and experience throughout my career.
Do you have any research areas of interest specific to your discipline?
I am currently interested in research involving modular structures and the use of mobile, relocatable modular units in taller buildings. My research focuses on the host structure and how it can be designed to support modular units that can be connected, disconnected, and relocated as needed. I am particularly interested in the structural challenges and design considerations involved in creating a system that allows these units to be moved and reused in different locations.
What is one piece of advice you have for fellow engineering students?
Take the FE exam between your junior and senior years! Speaking from my experience as a civil engineering student, many of the courses we take during our third year cover material that appears on the FE exam, so it is still relatively fresh. I also encourage students to get involved in engineering organizations because they are a great way to meet people in your classes, build a support system, and start networking before entering the profession.
What has been your favorite engineering course and why?
My favorite engineering course has been Concrete Design. Although it was one of the most challenging courses I have taken, I learned a lot from it and really enjoyed working through the problems and design challenges. It also gave me a better idea of what I hope to do in my career as a structural engineer
Which clubs, campus organizations, and activities do you participate in?
I am the FE Review Chair for the ASCE Penn State Student Chapter and am also a member of the Schreyer Honors College. Through Schreyer, I have had the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research. Some of my most memorable college experiences have also been through opportunities provided by Penn State, including studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea for a semester and participating in a five-week mission trip to Thailand.
What are you most looking forward to gaining from being an FE ambassador?
I am most looking forward to connecting with other engineering students and helping make the FE exam and licensure process more approachable. As a woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, I am also excited to connect with and encourage other women in STEM. I hope to build connections through hosting events and help establish a tradition of having a Penn State FE Ambassador each year.