The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) annually recognizes the best and brightest engineering students from campuses around the world with their New Faces of Civil Engineering–College program.   

Senior Erin Bereyso of the Missouri University of Science and Technology and Missouri State University cooperative engineering program was among the 2021 international honorees.  

She received a $1,000 scholarship award as an ASCE honoree. 

Serving as a student leader 

Bereyso serves as the president of Missouri State’s student chapter of ASCE.  

In the role, she has organized community service events for local food pantries and nearby stream cleanups. She has also attended national ASCE meetings on behalf of the university.  

Bereyso too participates in the Springfield, Missouri, chapter of Engineers Without Borders.  

 “I am just extremely honored and grateful for all the unique opportunities ASCE and the Cooperative Missouri State – S&T program have presented me over the last 3 years,” she said.  

Dr. Sanjay Tewari is an assistant teaching professor in the program. Tewari is also the advisor of the ASCE student chapter. He nominated Bereyso for the international award.   

“Erin is a great role model in many ways. She participates in undergraduate research and is active in her community as a volunteer despite taking on a full load of classes and working for an engineering firm,” Tewari said. “Our students are some of the best in the nation. I am really excited for her next chapter.” 

Explore the cooperative engineering program 

Building sustainability 

As a civil engineer, Bereyso strives to build a sustainable environment.  

“It feels like we are on the cusp of an environmental revolution,” she said. “Sustainability is becoming more central to business practices, and decreasing human impact on the environment is crucial to maintaining our current standard of living.”  

Bereyso works as an environmental engineering intern at Associated Electric Cooperative. The position has allowed her to gain experience in fueling sustainability. 

She also participated in the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) World Environmental and Water Resources Congress Conference of 2019. Her research presentation earned the second-place prize.  

“It’s exciting to know that my contributions to society as a civil engineer in the form of sustainable infrastructure will still be making a positive impact 100 years from now, ”Bereyso said.  

Dr. Joel Burken, CArEE department chair at Missouri S&T, is proud of the accomplishments Bereyso has reached during her time in the cooperative engineering program. 

“I could not be happier for Erin. She’s been a real leader in our program with Missouri State,” he said. “She’s helped demonstrate that all our students can make the most of the opportunities provided to them and endeavor to lofty goals.” 

Finding inspiration  

Bereyso’s late aunt Kate was the first woman to earn a doctorate in MSU’s physics department.  

After completing her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with an environmental emphasis this spring, Bereyso plans to pursue a doctorate of her own. 

“I feel very thankful and lucky to have such great advisors, mentors and professors to teach and guide me throughout my undergraduate education,” she said. 

Access the full list of ASCE honorees