by Katherine Tattersall, Structural Engineer
I came to Fuss & O’Neill last summer after graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA. I started as a Mathematical Sciences major. After two years, I discovered that I wanted to apply my math skills to designing and renovating buildings. I switched majors to Architectural Engineering, and found that Structural Engineering was the best fit for me.
Structural Engineers design and analyze buildings, bridges, and other types of structures. I mainly focus on buildings, foundations, and equipment supports and platforms. As the newest engineer in my department, my job is a little bit of everything. I do drafting, modeling, calculations, and construction administration for multiple projects. The project managers bring their experience and intuition to the design, and I put it on paper. I’ve gained more independence and responsibility as I’ve gained experience, and I’ve been working on bringing the next generation into the engineering industry.
After graduation, I’ve continued to be involved with WPI to recruit for Fuss & O’Neill and talk about my career. In November, I attended the Civil & Environmental Engineering Networking Event on behalf of Fuss & O’Neill to recruit WPI students and talk to them about my experiences. Each company had a table so students could come to ask questions and learn more about our company. In February, I participated in a presentation and panel discussion about life after graduation along with an Electrical Engineer from Arup, also a WPI alum. We talked about what we do in our positions and the transition from college to the working world.
WPI has many programs to inspire the next generation to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Touch Tomorrow is probably the biggest one. I volunteered at it as a student, and am planning on volunteering for it again this year. Visitors, exhibitors, and robots swarm the campus once a year to explore the STEM fields. With activities ranging from making slime to extracting DNA from strawberries, it’s a fun day for kids of all ages. This year’s event is being held on Saturday, June 8. For more information, please visit https://wp.wpi.edu/touchtomorrow/.
I like that I get to work with the next generation of engineers and I am excited to see how they change the industry!
About the Author:
Katy Tattersall is a Structural Engineer in our Bridges & Structures Group in our Manchester, CT office. Katy is recent graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. In her spare time, Katy tutors and is a cross-fit champ!