Caren Cardenas

I am a first-generation college student; I was a part of the 2023-24 CAMP Cohort and am now currently a part of TRIO. I am a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the treasurer for Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) chapter at OSU, and the Vice President to the newly chartered Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Eta Phi Chapter.

This summer, I completed an internship with the West Extension Irrigation District, where I contributed to local water conservation initiatives and supported the implementation of ArcGIS Online to map and manage the district’s infrastructure assets. I have also recently completed a study abroad program with Semester at Sea, where I was able to visit 10 countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe.

In my free time I enjoy reading, playing card games with friends, seeking out new food locations, and exploring nature/embarking on hikes.

I have recently added a Water Resources minor to my degree, with the intention of pursuing a master's degree in civil and environmental engineering after graduating. Upon earning my master's degree, I plan to build industry experience before pursuing opportunities abroad in humanitarian aid. To incoming students, I strongly recommend exploring study abroad opportunities. With careful planning and dedication, it's achievable regardless of your major. Additionally, be sure to apply for all available financial aid options, as they can make your experience more accessible and affordable.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the COE Printing website. It’s a fantastic resource for every engineering student with 500 pages of free printing per academic term.