Christy Johnson, a senior in environmental engineering at Missouri S&T, plans to graduate in May 2026. She recently participated in a Q&A to share her experiences.

What do you find most exciting about environmental engineering?
I appreciate how I can feel like I’m making a difference in public health as an engineer. It’s also a space where lots of innovation is involved and celebrated, which makes it exciting and inspiring. 

What undergraduate research have you conducted while at S&T?
I work in Dr. Hunter Schroer’s lab as a Dean’s Undergraduate Research Scholar, focusing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) degradation. We’re trying to figure out how to biodegrade those compounds under realistic conditions. They are known more commonly as “forever chemicals,” so it’s cool to work on a project that can help protect public health. 

Can you describe your internship experiences and what you learned from them?
Both of my internships came from the career fair — so current students, make sure you go! After my first year at S&T, I completed an internship with the USDA in Hannibal, Missouri. I did lots of field work like surveying and site inspections and shadowed some design work on terraces and bank stabilization. It was agriculture-focused, and it was awesome to see that part of engineering. The following summer, I had an internship with Rocksmith Geoengineering in Maryland Heights, Missouri. I did lots of groundwater sampling in the field, data evaluation and reporting. It was a great experience.

What keeps you busy at S&T, and how do you find those activities fulfilling?
I have found that I tend to keep busy. I am the outgoing president of Chi Omega and the fundraising chair for Chi Epsilon. I’m also involved with the Society of Women Engineers, the Leadership and Innovation for Futures in Engineering (LIFE) program, Tau Beta Pi and Kummer Vanguard Scholars. I also conduct research, and I’m a grader for fluid mechanics. 

How do you think your experiences at S&T will translate to your success once you enter the job market?
I’ve been lucky to have some great mentors in my department and peers who have inspired me to become involved. I’ve also had a successful academic history thanks to lots of office hour visits and group study sessions. I have noticed this is quite an attractive combination to employers. Something else that I’ve picked up from my experiences on campus is the ability to make strong connections.

What’s next for you after finishing your bachelor’s degree?
I will start as a full-time environmental engineer in with Rocksmith Geoengineering in June. Next fall, I will start taking distance education classes part-time with S&T toward a master’s degree in environmental engineering.

What advice do you have for students interested in environmental engineering?
Just try it out! Environmental engineering is so rewarding. It’s like working on a puzzle every day, and when you do it right, you can make the world a safer and healthier place. I would recommend talking with faculty, upperclassmen, peers and alumni to figure out if a certain sector resonates with you.