Kristina Milaj, a fourth-year student at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Ore., was recently named as one of 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering – College Edition by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This recognition program promotes the achievement of young civil engineers by highlighting their academic success, volunteerism, and dedication to making a positive impact on society through their chosen profession.

Milaj, who grew up in Shkoder, Albania, originally became interested in civil engineering while studying in the United States during high school.

“Realizing that engineering combined knowledge with experience and passion in a way that is essential to solving new problems intrigued me,” Milaj said.

While in college, Milaj has been an active member of ASCE, the steel bridge team, Society of Women Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders (EWB). This involvement included leadership positions and a trip to Lela, Kenya, with EWB. On the trip, Milaj helped supervise the drilling and installation of a hand-pumped well for the community, and rainwater catchment system design implementation for the primary school.

Milaj also interned for the city of Vancouver, Wash., where she inspected and coordinated projects between the city and private contractors. She is also a research assistant at Green Building Materials Laboratory, which focuses on using natural resources wisely and sustaining the quality of the environment.

–Content provided by the American Society of Civil Engineers