Purdue University SEE

What happens after a wildfire?

Andrew Whelton and the Whelton Group are working to answer that question through research focused on wildfire recovery, adaptation, and long-term health impacts. Their community-centered work was recently presented at meetings of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the National Hazards Center.

Discover how SEE researchers are helping communities recover, rebuild, and prepare for future challenges.

🔗 Read the full story: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/whelton-groups-research-on-wildfire-recovery-presented-at-national-academies-national-hazards-center

"Shoutout to Griff!"

Years after graduating from Purdue, SEE alumnus and 2023 Purdue Engineering Fellow Griffin Laihinen is still making an impact on the people around him.

From leading the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation to mentoring current students and building a career in sustainable infrastructure, Griffin's story is a reminder that small acts of leadership can create lasting waves of influence.

Read how his Purdue experiences continue to shape his career—and why he's encouraging students to consider the Engineering Fellows program.

🔗 Read the full story: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/see-alum-and-purdue-engineering-fellow-reflects-on-experiences-encourages-nominations

🏆 John W. Sutherland has been named a Fellow of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP).

The honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional long-term excellence in environmental research, teaching and service.

Throughout his career, Sutherland has pioneered innovations in sustainable manufacturing, life-cycle engineering and circular product systems, while mentoring more than 150 graduate students and scholars. His leadership has also helped Purdue develop one of the nation’s largest environmental engineering programs.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Sutherland on this well-deserved recognition!

📖 Read the full story: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/Awards/home/2026/john-w-sutherland-inducted-as-aeesp-fellow

Welcome to SEE, Minde Freischlag! 👏

The School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering is excited to welcome Minde as our new Graduate Program Administrator. With years of experience supporting students and graduate programs, she will play a key role in helping our graduate students succeed.

Read more about Freischlag and her new role at SEE: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/see-welcomes-new-graduate-program-administrator

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🎉 Congratulations to Hailey Benfield!

SEE has named Hailey as the 2026 Environmental and Ecological Engineering Outstanding Senior—an honor recognizing excellence in academics, leadership, service, and professional achievements.

From serving as an EEE Ambassador and SEEE vice president to supporting students as a peer teaching assistant, Hailey has made a lasting impact across the SEE community. She also completed two internships with LyondellBasell and will join the company full time after graduation.

Well deserved, Hailey! 👏

🔗 Read more: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/Awards/home/2026/benfield-named-2026-see-outstanding-senior

Congratulations Clarreese Greene on a successful dissertation defense from Purdue University’s School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering!
Greene’s defense is titled: Community Voices: Exploring Watershed Management Professionals’ Community Relations During Hydrological and Land Use Changes.

Today, we remember Hannah Rapp (BSEEE '22).

Hannah graduated from Purdue's Environmental and Ecological Engineering program in December 2022 and left a lasting impression on classmates, faculty, and friends. She was known for her positive spirit, determination, and willingness to pursue every opportunity with enthusiasm.

From athletics and academics to her career in environmental health and safety and professional boxing, Hannah approached life with courage and dedication.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.
https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/in-memoriam-remembering-hannah-rapp-bseee-22

Where can SEE take you? This summer, incoming SEE student Ava Mounce is studying Spanish in Madrid, Spain, while immersing herself in the culture, exploring historic cities, and viewing the world through a sustainability lens.

From Madrid’s public transportation system to the preservation of centuries-old buildings, Mounce is discovering how global experiences can shape her future as an engineer.

Read about her adventures in Spain and how study abroad is broadening her perspective before she even begins her first semester in SEE.

🔗 Read the full story: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/see-student-abroad-ava-mounce-explores-language-culture-and-sustainability-in-spain

✈️What can a study abroad experience teach you about the future of aviation?
For Purdue SEE student Jacob Nickel, a trip to France offered the opportunity to explore sustainable aviation, visit Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, and learn how countries around the world are approaching environmental challenges.

The experience expanded his perspective, introduced him to new career possibilities, and showed firsthand how engineering can help create a more sustainable future.

🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/see-student-explores-sustainable-aviation-in-france

💧🌎 Engineering solutions. Community partnerships. Lasting impact.

SEE students recently traveled to the Dominican Republic through Purdue's Water Supply for Developing Countries course, where they worked alongside local communities to address water quality challenges and support sustainable solutions.

From conducting water testing and educational outreach to building relationships with local partners, the experience demonstrated how engineering can make a meaningful difference far beyond the classroom.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCES. REAL-WORLD IMPACT.

Read the full story to learn how Purdue students are helping create a healthier, more sustainable future through global engagement.

🔗 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE/AboutUs/News/2026/purdue-see-students-bring-clean-water-solutions-and-global-perspectives-to-the-dominican-republic