With autumn still in the air, now is actually the perfect time to start your internship search for the summer or beyond. 

Securing an internship provides students with an invaluable hands-on experience, offering the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings or explore different fields they might not have previously considered. While internships enhance resumes, they also provide a chance to explore potential career paths and connect with professionals with a variety of experiences—invaluable benefits for any student. 

��ɫ��Ƶ’s chapter of the recently hosted companies across industries including aerospace, research & development, energy, radio frequency communication and sports equipment for their Industry Networking Night. 

The event was an opportunity for students to speak with professionals and learn about engineering and technical roles nationwide. Students also learned about the skills recruiters typically look for among interns. 

Looking for tips on landing an internship in any industry? Look no further! SWE’s leadership board members—many of whom have completed internships themselves—provided helpful tips to help you get started!

1. Craft a Strong Resume: Highlight your experiences and skills clearly and seek feedback from multiple people. Tailor your resume for different roles and companies that interest you.
2. Apply Widely: The internship search is often a numbers game. Apply to as many positions as possible to increase your chances of landing interviews.
3. Polish Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile has a professional photo and lists relevant skills and experiences. A strong online presence can attract recruiters.
4. Practice Interview Skills: Take the time to practice your interview techniques. Always research the company and role beforehand to prepare relevant questions and answers.
5. Utilize Career Services: Schedule meetings with ��ɫ��Ƶ Career Services early in your search. They can provide valuable insights and resources to support your job hunt.
6. Do Your Research: Before interviews, familiarize yourself with the companies you’re applying to. Mention specific projects or products to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
7. Highlight Challenges and Growth: Discuss specific areas of previous projects where you excelled and struggled and how you overcame those challenges. This illustrates your growth mindset and problem-solving abilities.
8. Market Yourself: Connect your skills and experiences to the company’s values and goals, emphasizing your overall fit beyond just technical qualifications. If you don’t see yourself aligning with company values, that’s good to know too.
9. Be Personable in Interviews: Employers appreciate candidates who fit well within their company culture. Don’t be afraid to show your personality with authenticity and eagerness to learn.
10. Believe in Yourself and Stay Persistent: Confidence is key! Trust in your abilities and remember that persistence is crucial in the internship search.

Companies that connected with 70 SWE student members included: BOA Fit System, BrightLine Group, CMTA, First RF, Lockheed Martin, Monolith, Pattern Labs, Qorvo, Quantinuum, Sandia National Laboratories, Spectrum and Ursa Major.

Ameenah Razi, a first-year computer science student, was excited about expanding their horizons with new companies they weren’t aware of. 

“I learned about a lot of opportunities and companies I wouldn’t have thought to look for, but now I’ll be applying to them,” said Razi.  

Students who have internship experiences already under their belt, like fourth-year mechanical engineering student Aubrey Ley, enjoyed providing tips to freshmen and sophomores about their own experiences. Ley was a space manufacturing intern at Lockheed Martin last summer. 

Since the event, Ley has connected with a number of companies for their job search and has been in touch with a recruiter about full-time roles after graduation. 

Sara Leschova, vice president for SWE who organized the event, was proud of attracting more companies than in previous semesters. 

“Several members who attended the event said they learned about new companies and have connected with recruiters,” said Leschova. 

“That’s exactly why we hold industry events like this.”

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College tops 1,100 PhDs with most diverse class

The College of Engineering and Applied Science at the ��ɫ��Ƶ is celebrating a milestone, welcoming its largest-ever cohort of doctoral students. With a 25% rise in PhD enrollment year-over-year, CU Engineering continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in graduate education, particularly among women and students from minoritized communities.

“CU Engineering is dedicated to becoming a top destination for the brightest minds across engineering fields, where novel research and innovation have the potential to impact everyday lives,” said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. “Our growth in PhD enrollment is a testament to the success of this strategy, and our strong enrollment of women and students from diverse backgrounds reflects the inclusive and supportive environment we seek to cultivate.”

The incoming class includes a record percentage of female doctoral students, with women making up 37% of new PhD enrollees, surpassing the national average of 29%, according to data from the. ��ɫ��Ƶ stands as the top large public institution for the percentage of women doctoral students enrolled—among institutions with more than 1,000 PhD students—holding a lead over peer institutions.

The overall PhD enrollment at CU Engineering now has 10% of its students from minoritized communities, higher than the national average of 7%. These gains are part of the college’s broader efforts to attract and support a more diverse student body through targeted recruitment and funding opportunities.

Among the incoming and continuing doctoral students, 18 have been awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, putting ��ɫ��Ƶ in the top 15 for NSF GRFP recipients nationwide across all disciplines and the College of Engineering and Applied Science at No. 7 nationwide in engineering disciplines. This recognition, which supports outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, further proves the academic excellence found within ��ɫ��Ƶ Engineering’s doctoral programs.

Doctoral Program Strengths and Expanding Opportunities

The college’s growth extends beyond traditional engineering fields, in line with its strategy to continuously innovate a portfolio of programs that address emergent needs and opportunities in climate, space, health and quantum.

Newer programs, such as engineering education, biomedical engineering and robotics, have attracted significant interest from prospective students. These interdisciplinary programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and offer doctoral students cutting-edge research opportunities in emerging fields.

"Exploring physics during my bachelor’s and master’s studies sparked a deep curiosity about how complex systems function and their potential to drive innovation, and encountering Kaushik Jayaram’s research at CU Engineering introduced me to the fascinating world of bio-inspired robotics," said Mija Jovchevska, incoming PhD student and ��ɫ��Ƶ Chancellor Scholar. "At first, I wasn't sure how my background would fit, but after meeting Jayaram and Nicole Xu, I knew ��ɫ��Ƶ was the right choice. Their pioneering work in bio-inspired robotics and biohybrid systems, along with CU’s interdisciplinary approach, supportive community, and Boulder lifestyle, made it the perfect place to bridge my physics background into this exciting, emerging field of research."

CU Engineering’s doctoral programs continue to gain national recognition, with recent rankings placing the college at No. 12 among public institutions and in the top 25 overall for graduate engineering education,.

Boulder: A Top Destination for Graduate Students

In addition to academic prestige, ��ɫ��Ƶ’s location in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, offers doctoral students an unparalleled quality of life. Boulder is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States, known for its access to outdoor recreation, vibrant cultural scene and innovative tech ecosystem.

The region’s proximity to national laboratories and leading technology companies also provides CU Engineering students opportunities to collaborate on research and internships, further enhancing their graduate experience.

As the College of Engineering and Applied Science continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing students with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to excel in their fields and become leaders in research and innovation. With a record-breaking doctoral class and strong enrollment gains in female students and students from historically underrepresented communities and minoritized identities, CU Engineering is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory.

Prospective students interested in joining CU Engineering’s growing doctoral programs can learn more and apply online.

For more information on the college and programs, visit our main engineering program page.

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Osamah Dehwah has called the BOLD Center home for the past five years. His passion in helping students academically succeed is a testament to his service for the BOLD community all while working on his PhD in civil engineering.

“When I started my PhD at ��ɫ��Ƶ in 2018, I was looking for a place where I could teach and hone in those skills,” said Dehwah, “and was introduced to BOLD. The diversity and welcoming manner of the Center impressed me from the beginning.” 

That environment immediately drew Dehwah and felt a strong affinity to give back to aspiring engineers through their learning. 

“Osamah has been an instrumental member of the BOLD community and supported hundreds of undergraduate engineering students in academic tutoring,” said Chantal Baca, Academic Services Program Manager. 

“His joy, passionate teaching and engineering intelligence has served the student and staff community greatly,” said Baca.  

Since 2019, he has tutored numerous courses in physics, calculus, differential equations, fluid mechanics, statics, structural analysis, construction management and more. 

“Osamah is such an important example of a student leader in BOLD and the commitment to our community,” said Amy Moreno-Sherwood, director of the BOLD Center.

Moreno-Sherwood added how pivotal Dehwah has been in ensuring high-quality tutoring for a number of years and sought new opportunities for undergraduate students. 

“We’re very grateful Osamah has been willing to lead exam preparation and study sessions for the BOLD community,” said Moreno-Sherwood. 

Dehwah earned his PhD this spring coming full circle with his academic journey. Later this year, he will work at NIST and while pursuing a postdoc in civil engineering at John Hopkins University regarding durability of concrete materials.

We sat down with Dehwah to reflect on his CU Engineering experience and service with the BOLD Center. 

How did your academic journey begin?
My interest in science and knowledge was nurtured by my family. My father is a professor and I have three siblings with PhDs. I was raised in the esteemed scientific and research environment of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I enjoyed the privilege of interacting with many world-class researchers throughout my life and this has played a major role in shaping my interests in research and academia.

How did you first get involved at the BOLD Center?
I asked my colleagues about programs or departments where I could share my experience and knowledge for STEM. So, I began my journey at the BOLD Center in January 2019, and more than five years later, I’ve been so grateful for the experience!

What aspects of the BOLD Center are meaningful to you?
Tutoring is the most important aspect for me, as I believe teaching is a noble profession. Despite the wealth of knowledge available online, the need for teachers and in-person instruction remains crucial. The experiences and outcomes of in-person teaching differ significantly from online methods and this varies across different fields. As a result of my passion for education, I served as a lead tutor for the Center and as a teaching assistant for a scholarship program. I was involved in the tutors’ hiring process, particularly in advancing interview processes to ensure high-quality tutoring. 

Moreover, the competitive scholarships provided for underrepresented students in engineering are both encouraging and greatly assist students in need. These scholarships open doors for students offering them opportunities in higher education and career advancement they might not have had otherwise.

What about civil engineering fascinates you?
Everywhere you go, you’re in the hands of civil engineers. From the houses we live in to the hospitals we rely on and the roads we travel to the bridges that connect our cities — civil engineering is an omnipresent and fascinating field. It demands critical thinking and a deep understanding of engineering principles. 

In your opinion, what is an important aspect with civil engineering? 
One of the most pressing global challenges in this field is the durability of concrete. Inadequate concrete rehabilitation can lead to severe issues like cracking and, consequently, structural failure. This significant problem sparked my interest in specializing in structures and materials with a particular focus on concrete durability. My goal is to contribute to longer-lasting structures that can withstand the test of time.

What are your research interests within civil engineering? 
My research interests lie at the intersection of science and engineering with a particular focus on concrete materials and computational mechanics. One of the primary objectives of my research is CO2 sequestration, an area where I have already made contributions through a published paper in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Journal of Engineering Mechanics. This work examines the long-term performance of cementitious materials in the context of CO2 sequestration, where a new approach was introduced to rehabilitate concrete by injecting nanoparticles using electric currents.

I am committed to advancing the development of durable construction materials. My research delves into understanding the long-term performance of concrete and the intricate interplay between humidity, temperature and transport properties. By identifying and implementing mitigation techniques, I aim to enhance the durability of concrete structures. In addition, I have authored scholarly articles in this field — concrete durability — and its implications for sustainable infrastructure.
 
How do you hope your research in concrete durability can impact society? 
The impact of my research extends beyond academia to society at large. Concrete is among the most widely used materials in construction and enhancing its durability can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. By reducing the need for frequent repair and rehabilitation, durable concrete not only conserves Earth’s resources, but also minimizes costs associated with infrastructure upkeep. My research endeavors strive to address critical challenges in construction materials and contribute to a safer, more sustainable built environment.

Who are some individuals who have supported you along the way?
My father, Professor Hamoud Dehwah, has always been my role model and source of inspiration. Following in his footsteps, I chose a career in the same field. Now, as I finished my PhD in civil engineering, I am profoundly grateful for this path. My gratitude also extends to my mother and siblings, who have always been encouraging, providing emotional support that buoyed me through challenging times. I owe thanks to my advisor, Professor Yunping Xi and the Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering for their consistent assistance. I am also grateful to my brother, Dr. Ammar Dehwah, my companion on this journey, as we pursued our PhDs together in the same department at ��ɫ��Ƶ. 

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The numerous heritages among the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community was on full display at the AAPI: All New Year Festival at ��ɫ��Ƶ in early April. 

More than 450 people attended the event, which featured important cultural aspects through art, music, dance, language and cuisine.  

“It was such an amazing experience,” said Emily Landingham, a graduating student in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. “This event brought students, family members, staff and all different cultures of the AAPI community together. I hope this strengthens the AAPI community on campus.” 

From taekwondo martial arts performances, South Asian fusion dance and Indian classical dancing to live music in Nepalese, the festival was an evening of cultural celebration showcasing the wide diversity of the AAPI identity. Plus, anyone who came hungry was treated to cuisines like dumplings, paneer, curry, eggs rolls, sushi and edamame. 

Cross campus culture collaboration

Hosted by ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), the student society was inspired by Chinese and Vietnamese New Year, which traditionally takes place in either January or February. 

“We realized that a lot of our members, despite being under the umbrella of being Asian, are diverse in many backgrounds,” said Helen Do, vice president of culture for SASE. “We wanted to create a festival that gave opportunities for organizations to share traditions of other AAPI identities in a space that everyone feels they belong and thrive in. ” 

SASE also partnered with other BOLD Center organizations, such as oSTEM, Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics (WOAA) and the American Association of Engineers of Indian Origin (AAEIO), as well as student groups from across campus. 

“Seeing all the different organizations from across campus bringing the event to life really made me happy,” said Landingham. “Especially when a lot of these organizations hadn’t really interacted before, it was great to see everyone learn from each other and bring their own members to this celebration.”  

Beyond wanting to create a fun and inviting event, the festival was an opportunity for learning and inclusivity. 

Do noted how collaborating with other student societies, Asian-identifying or not, was important to AAPI student groups space to share their cultures and also for non-AAPI student groups to learn about another culture in preparation for the event. 

“We were especially grateful to oSTEM and WOAA, who ran our calligraphy and henna stations,” said Do. “They took a lot of care and research about the art and cultures they were representing at the event.”  

Learning through culture and community 

Through the help of the festival collaborators, “student groups ran different booths representing countries,” said Kelly Clingan, public relations officer of SASE. “It was incredible seeing people learning about our traditions through joy and positivity.” 

“We wanted an event that was representative of those different cultures and that we would really do them justice, because even within an Asian organization, we definitely can overlook specific parts of each culture,” said Clingan. “We’re so happy this festival celebrated AAPI cultures throughout campus.” 

If you’re excited to learn more about AAPI cultures, you’re in luck. SASE plans to hold this festival next spring with the hopes of bringing community through more culture and celebration. 

Photo Credit: Marleigh Hill; Top Photo: CU Milana; Middle Photo: CU Abhinaya

Noteworthy

The Center for Student Involvement and Colorado Creed recognizes student organizations who exemplify leadership and engagement across campus and the Boulder community. 

Congratulations to SASE for receiving the following 2024 Campus Involvement Awards! 

• Cultural Event of the Year Award - AAPI: All New Year Festival
• Student Organization of the Year Award - Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
• Rising Star Award - Kelly Clingan (Public Relations Chair) 

Photo Credit: Center for Student Involvement; Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at the Campus Involvement Awards Ceremony 2024

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College of Engineering and Applied Science's fall 2023 class includes 41% female students, up 27 percentage points from two decades ago.

In an era where gender diversity in STEM is more critical than ever, the ��ɫ��Ƶ’s College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) isn't just paying lip service. In the past two decades, CEAS has transformed its engineering landscape, growing its female undergraduate class from 18% in 2003 to 30% in 2023. The estimates that, in 2023, the percentage of women professionals in architecture and engineering is 16.7%. And while up from 9% in the 1990s, women are still underrepresented in these fields compared to their male counterparts.

The spotlight shines bright on CEAS’ first-year cohorts as well, particularly the fall 2023 class, which includes 41% female students, up 27 percentage points from two decades ago. This achievement underscores ��ɫ��Ƶ's status as a leader among Association of American Universities (AAU) Public Institutions, clinching a top spot in 2022 for the highest percentage of first-year female engineering students from the .

Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, said initiatives spearheaded by both the college and the broader ��ɫ��Ƶ campus over the last 10-15 years have propelled the growth.

“This is not only about fairness and equity, but about driving innovation, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, and expanding our engineering workforce that is in such high demand,” said Molenaar. “By fostering a diverse engineering team, ��ɫ��Ƶ is preparing students for the workforce and shaping a future where technology reflects the diversity of its users.”

The has recognized ��ɫ��Ƶ as a Top 5 public university for women in its first-year class as well as a Top 50 institution for awarding bachelor's degrees to women, and leading in female tenured or tenure-track faculty.

“Addressing global challenges, from sustainable development and healthcare, to rapidly advancing computing subfields such as AI, quantum and semiconductors, will require a diverse set of perspectives and solutions,” said Lucy Sanders, founder and executive in residence, . “Those with different lived experiences such as those who identify as women are pivotal in designing infrastructure and technologies that cater to the needs of our broad population.”

Boulder's journey towards gender parity in engineering is a clear signal that diversity in STEM is achievable.

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When did you know you wanted to study mechanical engineering? 
I actually applied to and started in our biomedical engineering program. During my third semester, though, I realized that biology wasn’t for me, and learning about engineering through the lens of the human body made me queasy so I decided to change my major.

I think the reason I didn’t originally apply to mechanical engineering was that I only associated it with cars and the automotive industry. When I got to ��ɫ��Ƶ, I realized that mechanical engineering spans so many industries and is involved in the design of almost any technological component which is what convinced me to pursue it.

What challenges do you hope mechanical engineering can solve in the future? 
I hope that mechanical engineers can contribute to finding solutions to climate change. The energy, manufacturing and transportation sectors have been major contributors to global warming and I hope mechanical engineers can make advancements to our current technology and create new, clean and affordable solutions that will help mitigate its impacts.

What are some of your memorable experiences at CU Engineering? 
There are so many – but a majority of them come back to the community and friends I have here. My friends and I joke that when we get our degrees we should get them as a group because we wouldn’t have made it through college without each other’s help and support. No matter whether we are working on homework late into the night, studying for exams together or applying to internships, I know that my friends are there for me and are always willing to help me when I need it. I hope that’s what I’ll remember when I think back to college when I am a few years into my career.

What are your favorite aspects of being involved with SWE? 

My favorite part of SWE is the community. I have had the opportunity to interact with CU members, as well as members from the professional section of SWE and everyone I have met has been nothing short of friendly and kind. I have been to two SWE conferences which helped introduce me to SWE at the larger international organization and exposed me to so many professional and learning opportunities.

Why should someone consider joining SWE? 
It’s a fun way to meet new people, get industry contacts and give back to the community! You will learn a lot along the way. My only regret is not getting involved sooner.

Top Photo: Sara hiking Grizzly Peak and Cupid Peak with the CU Hiking Club. Bottom Photo: Celebrating birthdays with SWE friends on Pearl Street.

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We sat down with graduating fourth-year environmental engineering student Mia Lonergan to share about her CU Engineering experience! Mia has served as treasurer for the ��ɫ��Ƶ Society of Women Engineers (SWE) during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

What inspired you to pursue engineering or STEM in general? 

I always had a love for math and chemistry. I was always interested in understanding how things worked and why certain objects could function. This helped to align my interests in technology with STEM and pursue a career in engineering.

When did you know you wanted to study environmental engineering? 

I was heavily involved in 4H in elementary, middle and high school. Being part of the organization fostered my interest in sustainability and the needs of the future. I knew I wanted to study environmental engineering, as it offered a focus on energy conversion. Specifically, I wanted to pursue a career in the renewable energy sector, leading me to later pursue a minor in energy engineering in addition to my degree.

What challenges do you hope environmental engineering can solve in the future? 

I hope that environmental engineering can solve the energy crisis in the future, assisting in a clean transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Fossil fuels will always be used for transportation and electricity generation. However, incorporating a larger ratio of renewable energy like wind, solar, microgrids and hydrogen, will allow us to shift to a cleaner future.

What stood out to you about ��ɫ��Ƶ as you considered college options? 

��ɫ��Ƶ stood out to me when I considered college options, as it offered both beauty and brains. I was interested in attending a university with a top-ranked engineering program that offered networking opportunities, resources for students and active hands-on learning experiences. CU Engineering offered various opportunities to make connections with other students, professors and industry professionals. 

Specifically, the BOLD Center stuck out to me as it offers resources, tutoring, networking, professional development, student society involvement, and more to underrepresented students in engineering. Finally, Boulder offers plenty of outdoor activities including hiking and snowboarding nearby: two of my favorite hobbies. Not to mention, you can’t beat the view of the Flatirons every morning!

What are some of your memorable experiences at CU Engineering? 

Some of my memorable experiences at CU Engineering include participating in the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design project on the CU Buffwind Team. It has been an amazing experience contributing to a project that will be presented at the Department of Energy NREL Collegiate Wind Competition this May. Another memorable experience included participating in BuffProjects where I got to work with a group of students on an industry project. Finally, I have been heavily involved in the Society of Women Engineers where I unlocked countless experiences and connections. 

What are your favorite aspects of being involved with SWE? 

My favorite aspects of being involved with SWE include mentorships, networking opportunities, industry exposure and the opportunity to meet women and other minorities in both STEM and engineering fields here at CU. 

Our mentorship program has connected me with various undergraduate students as well as fostered connections with industry mentors. I have had the opportunity to network with 50+ companies here on campus and 200+ companies at both national and local conferences through the ��ɫ��Ƶ Society of Women Engineers. 

This is my second year serving on the executive board as treasurer. It has allowed me to partake in SWE on both a national and local level and assist the section in achieving our goals. SWE has truly transformed my experience at the ��ɫ��Ƶ. 

Why should someone consider joining SWE? 

Someone should consider joining SWE if they want to meet new people within the school of engineering; practice networking; partake in STEM-related activities with younger audiences including elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, and Girl Scouts; travel to national and local conferences where you can meet engineers of all ages in all industries; partake in professional development; or do a fun activity with other students at one of our weekly meetings! 

Are you involved with other student organizations on campus? 

During my time here at CU, I have participated in Engineers Without Borders Rwanda, the Society of Environmental Engineers, the CU Energy Club and currently the CU Wind Energy Club.

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan to take some time to travel during the summer before starting with Mortenson as a wind energy group field engineer on their wind team. I look forward to working on-site during the construction of wind farms.

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