Elizabeth Garcia is a rising senior at California State University Long Beach majoring in Civil Engineering. Civil engineers design and build structures like roadways and bridges, so this internship provides the perfect opportunity to see what her studies look like when implemented. Elizabeth assists with the organization of scheduling and submittals, as well as helping the foreman and crews by labeling electrical and railing embed layouts.
One of Elizabeth's most significant projects this summer has been assisting the engineer in charge of the helical (or spiral) pedestrian ramp leading from the viaduct to the street level below. This has involved coordinating with a paleontologist to observe the work site for potential findings, seeing the drill rig excavate the cast-in-drilled-holes (CIDH) piles, and keeping track of all the materials used along the way.
"Before I started working here," Elizabeth said, "I didn’t have any experience besides what school provides, which doesn’t always correlate with real-life work." Since starting in late May, she has learned a lot in a short amount of time. Keeping up with all of the terminology can be challenging. "It’s a good idea to get into the habit of asking questions when you need clarification."
“Everyone has been very helpful and eager to answer any questions I have.”
As a kid, Elizabeth enjoyed solving Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles, skills that would no doubt lay the foundation for a pursuit of engineering. At school, she enjoys structural and environmental projects, and was on a team that designed a treatment system to filter water. For anyone interested in becoming an engineer, Elizabeth suggests interning whenever possible to see how the things you study in school manifest in the real world.
Elizabeth is certainly making the most of this internship and can't wait to return to see the arches lit up when the Project is complete!
