Purdue University SEE

Boost your professional record while gaining real-world experience.

Students completing engineering internships can enroll in EEE 39699 to document their work experience on their Purdue transcript. Learn more:
🔗 https://www.opp.purdue.edu/our-programs/academic-internships

What does engineering look like in action?

For Purdue SEE student Valentina Saenz, it means working directly with community partners to design solutions that improve environmental health and support long-term sustainability. Through EEE 47200: Community-Engaged Engineering and Design, Saenz and her team are collaborating with local organizations, learning how to balance technical design with real-world needs, and building skills that will shape their future careers.

Read more about Valentina’s experience and the impact of EEE 47200:
🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/from-classroom-to-community-valentina-saenz-advances-sustainable-solutions-through-eee-47200

Francis Early Learning Academy

One year ago today, Purdue University announced the launch of the School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (Purdue University SEE), a bold new leap to meet urgent industry demand for technically skilled talent.

SEE is rooted in decades of leadership, innovation, impact and interdisciplinary collaboration, building upon the strong foundation laid by Environmental and Ecological Engineering.

More: https://bit.ly/4uaN6Ad

🌍 June 5 is World Environment Day

Our environment impacts every part of our lives—from the air we breathe to the water we rely on. Today is a reminder that protecting it is a shared responsibility.
At Purdue’s School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE), students and researchers are working to solve real-world challenges like water quality, pollution, and sustainable systems. Through an integrated, systems-based approach, they are developing solutions that protect both human and environmental health.

Together, we can build a more sustainable future—for our communities and for generations to come. 💚

From classroom projects to real-world impact, Purdue SEE students are making a difference in their communities.

Senior Lillian Slack is part of a team designing a rain garden with St. Francis Early Learning Academy—combining engineering, sustainability, and education to create a space that benefits both the environment and young learners.

This hands-on experience is preparing her for what’s next: serving in the Peace Corps to support coastal resource management efforts.

Learn more about how SEE students are building community through engineering:
🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/from-classroom-to-community-lillian-slack-cultivates-sustainable-impact-through-communityengaged-engineering

Francis Early Learning Academy

Dr. Zhi (George) Zhou, associate professor in Purdue’s School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)—one of the highest honors in the field.

This recognition celebrates his impactful work addressing major global challenges like water quality, public health, and sustainable energy.
A well-deserved honor for a leader in engineering innovation! 🎉

🔗 Learn more: https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/article/2026/04/24/zhou-recognized-as-new-asce-fellow

What inspires a student to become part of the solution to global environmental challenges?

For Purdue SEE student Rajan Joshi, it’s a passion for creating lasting change. From researching sustainable electronics to leading projects and student organizations, Rajan is building the skills and experience needed to make an impact on renewable energy and environmental health.

Through SEE, he’s turning that passion into action—working toward a future focused on sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

Read more about Rajan’s story:
🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/see-student-spotlight-rajan-joshi-takes-spring-leaps-toward-a-sustainable-future

What does it mean to design solutions that truly serve a community?

For Purdue SEE student Advita Rayarikar, it means working closely with local partners, understanding real needs, and developing sustainable designs that can make a lasting impact. Through EEE 47200: Community-Engaged Engineering and Design, Advita and her team are collaborating with Lafayette Parks to improve environmental health while building the skills needed for future engineering careers.

From communication with stakeholders to applying technical knowledge in the field, this course is preparing students to make a difference.

Read more about Advita’s journey and the impact of EEE 47200:
🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/from-classroom-to-community-advita-rayarikar-advances-sustainable-impact-through-eee-47200

Active learning is more than a concept—it’s happening right now at Purdue SEE.

Through EEE 47200: Community-Engaged Engineering and Design, student Jane Schroeder is working with local partners to create sustainable solutions that improve community health and wellness. From designing a rain garden to collaborating with teammates and stakeholders, she’s applying what she’s learned in the classroom to real-world challenges.

Read more about how SEE students are making an impact:
🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/active-learning-in-action-jane-schroeder-designs-community-solutions-through-eee-47200

St. Francis Early Learning Academy

Purdue SEE students are turning ideas into impact. 🌍

In this video, you’ll see just a few examples of how our students are applying engineering to real-world challenges:
• Shrithik Sekar, EEE graduating senior, reflecting on his journey (:17-:26, 1:55- 2:08)
• The Celery Bog senior design team (Robyn DeJoan and Liz Hutzel), working to support local ecosystems (:35-:37)
• Keira Keegan, part of the Engineers Without Borders Rubona Water Distribution Project team, which earned the Silver People’s Choice Award (2:32- 2:34)

From local sustainability efforts to global water access, SEE students are making a difference where it matters most.

🎥 Watch their work in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QzqvK5iRI4