CEE Spotlight: Jacobo Kirsch Tornell

Hometown/County: Monterrey, Mexico 

What drew you to Civil and Environmental Engineering? 

While researching engineering disciplines, I was drawn to civil and environmental engineering because the program focuses on solving sustainability-focused challenges. My career goals include working on projects that have a positive environmental impact, and this field seemed like the perfect fit. Plus, I find the analytical and design challenges in civil and environmental engineering interesting. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this field, and am grateful to be a part of it. 

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

As someone who comes from multiple marginalized groups, I understand the importance of intersectionality when addressing big challenges. My identity has influenced my decision to pursue engineering and STEM because I want to create a more sustainable future for everyone, especially from an equity and inclusion standpoint. I believe that by using my skills in these fields, I can make a real difference in the environmental and social sustainability of our world.

However, I also recognize that these fields have historically been dominated by privilege. I plan to use my platform to inspire other people to pursue their passions in engineering and STEM, and to proactively create a better support system so everyone can have an equal opportunity to succeed. We need more voices from diverse perspectives in this field to better inform a future that is sustainable for all. 

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

As I grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, I was constantly surrounded by people from different backgrounds and cultures. This gave me a unique perspective of the world and allowed me to better approach sustainability challenges. I was also constantly exposed to environmental issues, which further shaped my view on sustainability. As I entered adulthood and academia, I continued to develop my view on sustainability, taking into account different stakeholder perspectives while creating solutions to issues that affect people differently. 

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

I have found that CMU provides an environment for breakthrough research to flourish. The faculty, staff, and students are passionate about issues affecting the civil and environmental engineering disciplines and are constantly looking for ways to improve the campus and the world. I have also found that CMU provides opportunities to challenge myself and others with creative thinking. 

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

I advocate for inclusion by serving on the department and college-wide DEI Student Advisory Committees. In these roles, I work to ensure that equity and inclusion are at the forefront of decision-making. I also work to be a voice for students within the engineering field. I truly enjoy being able to use my voice to raise concerns and issues with those capable of creating change. 

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

If you're an incoming student, faculty member, or staff member, don't be afraid to lead and support others in striving for equity, diversity and inclusion. You can make a difference. We all have a voice, and we must use it to stand up for ourselves and others.