The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is hosting its third virtual event in the Engineering Seminar Series on Tuesday, Nov. 10, featuring alumna Lauren Ray, a 2001 civil engineering graduate, and Marc Ruden, both of IIW, P.C. Their presentation is titled Bee Branch Pumping Station: Solution to Aid the City of Dubuque’s Flooding Issues. Attendees will receive an inside look at what went into the planning and design of the project.
“I am looking forward to sharing information about one of the most complex and largest in scale structural projects I’ve worked on in my career so far,” said Ray, a structural engineer and project manager at IIW. “[We’ll discuss] the innovative ideas that created the project, why the project is needed, and how collaboration between various design disciplines resulted in the creation of visual tools that helped the client and design team visualize the project in each stage.”
Ray hopes current students will learn more about the industry through her topic and get an idea on what they could work on after graduation. She credits her nearly 20-year career to the education she received at UW-Platteville.
“It was most helpful in preparing me for my engineering career by teaching me how to teach myself,” she said. “You learn a lot in college, but you learn even more once you start your career, and future success is dependent on your ability to use the tools you gained in college and apply them to continued learning afterward.”
Throughout her career, Ray has had the opportunity to work on several different designs. Two of her favorite projects involved additions to the UW-Platteville campus. She was the structural engineer of record for Rountree Commons and Bridgeway Commons.
“It was fun to work on those fast-paced projects that did a lot to improve the student experience at UW-Platteville,” she said.
Although, Ray’s presentation will be virtual, she still recalls her favorite memories of being back on campus: participating in homework groups in Ottsenman Hall, learning from professors and receiving her degree. She notes those are only some of the reasons why she wanted to participate in the upcoming event.
“It’s important for us to share our experiences with other practicing engineers and engineering students. It’s an opportunity for personal and professional development for everyone involved, including the presenter(s),” she said. “The College of EMS is a big reason why I am where I am today. We should all find ways to give back when we can.”
To register and learn more about the EMS Engineering Seminar Series, visit www.uwplatt.edu/EMS-engineering-seminar-series.