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Environmental engineers use basic engineering principles to ensure certain projects and processes are safe and environmentally sound. They might work in water or air pollution control, public health, waste disposal, and mining. Environmental engineering degrees with specialty tracks and subsequent professional certification offer targeted training in one’s area of interest.
Water and wastewater engineers manage major water projects like potable water provisioning, flood damage prevention, and sewage disposal. Their work can be highly technical as they might be tasked with designing pumping stations or water treatment plants; overseeing environmental documentation; and ensuring regulatory compliance. Water and wastewater engineers also perform hydraulic modeling, conduct feasibility studies, complete field work, and analyze data. In some cases, environmental engineers create plans to prevent erosion, build bridges, or stabilize earth surrounding waterways.
Marine engineers—also known as marine design engineers or marine mechanical engineers—can assume a variety of roles, from naval architecture and maintenance to internal systems design. Marine engineers with an environmental engineering background typically approach these tasks with a mind for safety and the protection of wildlife and the environment. They might, for example, design naval systems that use fewer resources and produce less pollution. Some environmental work in oil or alternative energy (i.e., offshore wind turbines and tidal power).
Environmental scientists use natural and engineering science to protect human health and the environment. In practical terms, these professionals lead efforts to clean up pollution; work to reduce waste and its effect on the environment; and inform industry and policymakers. Though some environmental scientists conduct regular fieldwork, most environmental scientists stick to laboratories and offices.
Mining or geological engineers guide mining and other resource-extraction efforts to ensure safety and reduce waste. One might design or oversee the construction and inspection of mine shafts and tunnels, for instance. Mining engineers also conduct statistical analyses and create computer-aided design plans. Again, those with an environmental engineering background typically focus on the environmental impacts of these initiatives.
Hydrologists study water in all forms, including its movement in and across the earth and its impact on the environment, waterways, and groundwater stores. They may measure water levels; research or prevent water erosion and pollution; forecast water supplies; or design hydroelectric plants, water treatment facilities, and irrigation systems. Some hydrologists specialize in ground or surface water or focus more broadly on the conservation of waterways.
Geoscientists study physical aspects of the Earth, including its internal composition, magnetic fields, gravitational forces, atmospheres, and oceans. While some specialize in areas like seismology or paleontology, many geoscientists focus on pollution, waste disposal, mining pollution, and other environmental threats.
Environmental engineering professors are tasked with preparing the next generation of professionals—a job that demands thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the field’s principles, technologies, and best practices. Instructors may work in classroom, laboratory, or research settings, depending on the subjects they teach. Experienced, full-time professors may eventually earn special job protections (i.e., tenure).
After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepresented groups in STEM fields and published a piece on Women in Engineering. When Jocelyn isn’t writing about college programs and professors, she satirizes global politics and other absurdities at Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor).
By reading a select number of engineering blogs, university students can gain access to the thoughts of some of the best engineers in the world, and get on the path to becoming one themselves.
The concepts of civil engineering are particularly well-suited for the game environment, emphasizing the proper distribution of resources, the management of supply chains, and how the built environment interacts with the lived environment.
Engineers might be the only group of people where you can give them a problem—and they can consider it a gift. The engineering mind thrives on hunting for elegant solutions to complex tasks. That doesn’t mean you should give an engineering student a homework assignment for the holidays, but it does mean you can have some fun with the gift you eventually select.
A drought is a year with a below-average water supply, and it’s a natural part of the climate cycle. But climate change has made droughts more frequent, severe, and pervasive. Europe is currently experiencing its worst drought in 500 years, while parts of the Western US are experiencing a “megadrought” that’s been called the worst in 1,200 years.
Engineering internships are an increasingly important part of the transition from student to engineer. Internships provide an opportunity to put theoretical skills to work in hands-on environments. They also give engineering students valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and future career options.
