Sustainable Design Solutions welcomes student intern Gabriel Lipe to the Shreveport, Louisiana office to support the Clean Water Shreveport Program for the summer of 2022.
Gabriel is an undergraduate in Construction Engineering Technology at Louisiana Tech University, where he is also a communications intern, helping to run the College of Engineering’s website.
Since joining Sustainable, Gabriel earned his OSHA 10 certification and assists engineers with various tasks which includes ensuring construction schedules, pay apps, and quantities are up to date, plan reading, and supporting the led and copper rule initiative.
“The Clean Water Program involves three different engineering firms, not just Sustainable, so it’s cool to see how these companies work together for a common goal,” said Gabriel.
In addition to learning from a cross-functional team through shadowing representatives in the office and observing open-cut and trenchless projects in the field, he looks forward to learning more about the inner workings of an upcoming gravity sewer project to see the work process in real-time.
Gabriel’s path to engineering has been a journey to find what suits him best. In high school, he considered pre-med and had the opportunity to intern for residents, doctors, and surgeons at a hospital. Soon after, he realized this was not his path, and opted to study for another challenging undergraduate degree, Mechanical Engineering.
“I enjoyed my Mechanical Engineering classes but soon realized I was less interested in designing and more excited to bring designs to life in the real world, so I switched to Construction Engineering,” explained Gabriel.
Still wanting to be a part of the design process, he finds that Sustainable offers a good mix of seeing and applying designs.
He says one of the biggest challenges thus far is learning all the software required, like ArcGIS. The experience also challenges his critical thinking skills differently than the classroom.
Gabriel acknowledges that the professional setting allows him to figure out the best way to accomplish a task and supplements the structure and direction he receives in his curriculum.
Last summer, he interned for a contractor and assisted in various commercial construction projects, including demolitions and final inspections.
“This opportunity gave me first-hand experience with construction, showing me how a worksite runs and the terms used, which has been helpful in my new role at Sustainable, making me more familiar with the industry.”
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Gabriel and his family have lived in Monroe, Louisiana, for the past eight years. He enjoys playing and coaching tennis and hopes to continue living and working in South Louisiana after graduation.
Gabriel is a knowledgeable student intern and a quick learner. He has quickly added value to our team, and we are thrilled to have him this summer!