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#ILookLikeAnEngineer

Why did you choose engineering at CU Boulder?

As an environmental engineer, I desired to earn my degree at the hub of innovation and environmental conservation. Boulder is an amazing community that fosters a passion for new ideas and sustainability - two things I love very deeply. Also, I am an active member of the Engineering Honors Program, the Society of Women Engineers, and BOLD Scholars. These communities help support and guide me to truly thrive as a woman engineer.

What does the #iLookLikeAnEngineer hashtag mean to you?

As a woman in STEM, I have inevitably encountered doubt and disbelief. Nevertheless, as being just a junior in college, I can say with absolute certainty that I have prospered in my engineering courses, have started a club from the ground up, have stayed committed to a rigorous internship, and have never faltered when it comes to progressing women and environmental rights. I have no doubts that I will continue to keep moving, progressing, and challenging myself both for the greater good of myself and for humanity.

#ILookLikeAnEngineer because I am an active sorority member.

#ILookLikeAnEngineer because I am a feminist and environmental advocate.

#ILookLikeAnEngineer because I am the CU Chapter President of the Colorado Ocean Coalition.

#ILookLikeAnEngineer because I will never be placed in a box or doubted for my unwavering abilities.

 #ILookLikeAnEngineer because I will move mountains one day, and I won't let anyone tell me otherwise.

What are three things that make you unique?

I have deep infatuation for ocean conservation and exploration. As a result, I have several scuba diving certifications and plan to be an instructor one day! I am a certified Advanced Diver with specialties in research, coral reef ecology and underwater photography. I'm also a certified underwater naturalist and a night, deep, drift, and wreck diver.

What are your career goals?

My interests include environmental science and sustainability, policy work, environmental engineering, and ocean conservation. I aspire to have a career that meets at the intersection between engineering, research science, and environmental policy. As a dream career, I would like to serve as an International Marine/Environmental Policy Analyst or a Natural Resource Lawyer.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

"Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them."

- Hillary Rodham Clinton

What are your hobbies?

Aside from being a scuba diver, I'm an avid hiker and skier. I love traveling, environmental activism, and female empowerment.

What do you enjoy most about engineering?

I love the challenge.

What is your favorite engineering experience?

Two years ago, my team and I worked with a client who had Cerebral Palsy with limited motor and communication skills. By rewiring his school's circuits, we were able to create a button that helped him open and close the doors to his classroom. Although this change may seem minimal, it positively affected his self-confidence and independence. Currently, I am working on a team to fabricate an adaptive tricycle for a client with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Movement Disorder.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do not compare yourself to others. It's tough to measure your own success and your own worth when you're constantly comparing yourself to other people's grades, accomplishments, and aspirations. Focus on yourself and your own goals. Everyone is on a different journey. Live your own life and don't change for others.

It IS possible to find a healthy balance in college! As an engineer, I found it was important to separate my academic and social lives. As a result, I joined a sorority in order to make friends outside of my major. Although it can be difficult, it is so healthy to balance your life and make sure that your life consists of much more than differential equations and thermodynamics.

Brooke Lynn Elzweig, Class of 2020, American Heritage High School Graduate, Environmental Engineering