Grad Spotlight: Kassie Ramirez Paves the Way in STEM and Dance
Ramirez is graduating with a degree in civil and environmental engineering
On June 16 at Welsh-Ryan Arena, Kassie Ramirez will be one of the first members of her family to graduate from college.
“This is a huge accomplishment and to me, it means paving the way for other students and family members,” Ramirez said. “Specifically, when it comes to being a Latina in STEM, it means increasing our representation overall and showing other Latinas this is a path they can take as well.”
A civil and environmental engineering major who served as president of the Northwestern chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and participated in the Dale Duro dance group, Ramirez will work for HDR as a roadway coordinator after graduation. She reflected on her time at the McCormick School of Engineering in a Q&A
Why did you decide to pursue engineering at Northwestern?
As someone who didn't take many STEM classes in high school, such as an introduction to engineering class or physics, I really appreciated Northwestern's first-year curriculum. Being able to take math, physics, and the engineering sequence was very difficult, but it opened the opportunity to pursue an engineering degree without feeling like I was behind.
How did the McCormick curriculum help build a balanced, whole-brain ecosystem around your studies in your major? Any course highlights you'd like to share?
As an incoming student, you might have your major and career plans decided already, but that isn't the case for everyone. The curriculum gives you a bit of an idea of basic knowledge that is needed for different majors and classes you'll take throughout your time at Northwestern. Design Thinking and Communication really sets you up right away to learn how to work with others, along with teaching key skills in technical report writing.
How did your extracurricular activities such as SHPE and the cultural dance group impact your time at McCormick? What impact did they have on your development as a person and researcher?
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers definitely opened more doors for me in the professional setting. Being able to attend national conferences helped me get more comfortable pitching myself to companies and creating my network of people that I could go to for support and mentorship. Furthermore, I've also held leadership positions in the organization that helped me develop my communication and organization skills differently than what is taught in the classroom setting. Together, SHPE and Dale Duro created a welcoming community for me.
What skills or knowledge did you learn in the undergraduate program that you think will stay with you for a lifetime?
A lesson I learned in my Designing Your Life class was to be open to new opportunities even if they seem scary and being OK with pivoting the plan you made for yourself. We're always going to be changing and getting new opportunities knocking on our door, and it would be a shame if we decline these opportunities just because we are afraid of the change and discomfort it could bring at first.
What advice do you have for current and future Northwestern Engineering students?
Your academics and class work are very important and should be your priority; however, don't get lost in the books and forget to join clubs and find what interests you outside of engineering. What I'll remember the most about college is the late nights I spent prepping for my Dale Duro shows or the fun social events I went to so I didn't have to eat dining hall food again. In short, find a good balance between the two because you wouldn't want to look back at your college experience and regret what you didn't do. Just do it.
Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of Q&As with graduating Northwestern Engineering students. Stay tuned for more reflections leading up to the June 16 Undergraduate Convocation.