Kate Carpenter

 

For Kate Carpenter, a senior at Tennessee Tech University, the path to her future career began when she first looked down the list of possible engineering majors and found one that caught her eye. That decision has blossomed into a passion for civil engineering with a concentration in construction management.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity just to be here,” she said. "We learn really cool hands-on stuff every day in class."

One of the aspects Carpenter has appreciated most about her major is the sense of community it fosters, she says.

“From day one, freshman year, you’re with the same group of people you’re going to graduate with. The friends I met in freshman year graphics are in my senior design capstone project this semester.”

The impact of dedicated faculty members has also played a crucial role in Carpenter's education. She especially credits Eric James, a lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, for his support. Their shared experience with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has created a valuable mentorship.

"We're very like-minded, and he's helped me out a lot," Carpenter said, “Whether that’s having to miss classes for ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), working with a demanding schedule and even meeting me in office hours off the clock.”

Carpenter's involvement in the Air Force ROTC has added another dimension to her college experience. She splits her time between leadership labs and physical training in Cookeville and classes in Nashville, working closely with Air Force Cadre members. This commitment is preparing her to be stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California after graduating in December 2024, where she hopes to pursue a career in the Space Force.

Beyond her academic and ROTC commitments, Carpenter is also an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

“We have guest speakers come in and talk about their careers,” she said. “It’s a very valuable experience for us—learning from other professional engineers and passing off resumes.”

Carpenter encourages other students to make the most of their time at Tennessee Tech by getting out of their comfort zone and being involved.

"Be a demanding customer," she said. “That’s one of my biggest mottos. So, go to office hours, go to tutoring, go to any on campus events – just get the most of what your experience will be, because you’re only here for four years.”