CEE Spotlight: Ritika Chopra

Hometown/County: United Arab Emirates and India

What drew you to Civil and Environmental Engineering? 

My interest in environmental engineering sparked during my high school days. I was amazed by science and innovation and the impact it had on making Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Being born and raised in the Middle East, I was fascinated to see the fast rate at which innovations and technology transformed a desert, and on driving deep I learned how important it was to take the environment with you while you grow. The impact of the environment on innovation was what sparked my interest and made me more curious about how innovation and sustainability need to work hand in hand. 

Through this enriching master’s degree program, I would be able to acquire the skillset to fulfill my mission to make a small impact in this big world and help the world change faster with the environment and technology working hand in hand.

How did/does your identity influence your decision to pursue engineering/STEM? 

Imagining a world in which people would not see trees and a blue sky when they go outside; or a world in which people couldn’t walk a few feet without getting winded because of the amount of pollution in the air. This might become a reality if our society as a whole does not start to think about the consequences of our actions. To change this reality, I believe that engineering holds a great role. Through engineering, we can advance in an environmentally friendly manner. The science and math that goes into this field would create a perfect sustainable life.

How did your lens on diversity, equity, and inclusion take shape both as you grew up and as you entered adulthood and academia? 

Being an Indian in Dubai helped me get exposure to people with diverse cultures, backgrounds and ideas; people from whom I learned a lot. Diversity gives you different and unique perspectives on any topic, which I find super interesting and fun.

Earlier in my life, I interacted with diverse people, and this just enhanced during my internships in U.A.E, where I worked in the international market. I had the unique opportunity to connect with diverse people during my internship in Dubai, this was where I was able to truly understand what value diversity, equity, and inclusion hold in life as this taught me how to be adaptive. It is always a unique experience being a woman engineer in the Middle East and through my passion and dedication, I was able to create a mark wherever I went.

What positive experiences have you had at CMU that you would hope others would have? 

I have had a wonderful experience at CMU. Through my 1.5 years, I was able to grow personally and professionally toward my goal of an aspiring environmental engineer. It gave me the perfect platform to explore my areas of interest and expertise at the same, whether it be in the practical or the theoretical arena. It is a place that always keeps you curious and on your feet.

The people at CMU always have inspired me to build and explore the field of sustainability. Everyone at CMU is so encouraging and dedicated, I am proud to soon be an honored alum of the CMU family. The whole experience was truly enriching. I hope others have the same insightful and exciting journey.

In your position as a graduate student, how do you advocate for inclusion? 

I would advocate inclusion by first identifying what your interests are and then learning what are resources available to enhance them. At CMU, there are tons of activities in different arenas of sustainability and a great number of subject matter experts in different fields you can talk to.

With such an amazing learning platform, I believe taking the initiative and being a part of these events or talking to people earlier would be the advice I would give. Outside the university, there is end number of resources that would help you connect with diverse people and help you enhance your skillset. I would definitely like to encourage and support more incoming students with diverse backgrounds. Even as an alum, I would like to be readily available to more incoming students just like my alums were.

Do you have any advice for incoming (students, faculty, or staff)? 

Connect, Connect, and Connect.

Whether it be alums, people in the same field, professors, existing CMU Students or anyone you know, interactions always are a great way to learn. Life is full of opportunities to grow and connecting with people just makes this an easier process. I had wonderful experiences even with just quick chats, also these connections go a long way.