College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

By honing skills during project-based learning opportunities, cultivating a strong support network on campus and giving back through leadership roles, graduating senior Carelynn Hartmann built a strong foundation for her future during her time at WKU.

Hartmann, a Civil Engineering major from Dry Ridge, realized a passion for her future major early in her life.

"I fell in love with the construction and design processes at a really young age while helping the men in my family renovate and construct homes. However, when I began engineering courses in high school, I quickly developed a love for mathematics. I knew that I wanted to couple both loves within a major. So, I chose Civil Engineering and have sort of focused my studies on Structural Engineering," Hartmann shared.

When deciding on a college to attend, Hartmann ultimately chose WKU for the strong academic and professional opportunities, close-knit community and the opportunity for personal development.

"I knew from my first visit to the Hill that this was exactly the place I needed to grow my mind, develop my thoughts and determine who I would be as an adult," Hartmann noted.

While Hartmann noted that every single class was crucial in preparing for her future career, she highlighted one class in particular – Engineering Mechanics (EM) 313.

"I think my favorite class here on the Hill was probably Dynamics. Most engineering students who read that would probably call me crazy due to its difficulty. It was certainly the most challenging course I took but it taught me the value of problem-solving and being okay with not knowing some things. I pushed myself really hard to learn what I didn't know and help those around me with things I did understand," Hartmann noted.

Hartmann's classwork provided her with valuable knowledge and confidence for the future, but applied learning opportunities outside of the classroom truly gave her the chance to shine.

As a freshman, Hartmann joined WKU's chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Members compete in regional and national competitions, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and network with professionals in the field. During her time in the organization, she served as the Junior Representative, Chapter President, and captain of the 2024 WKU ASCE Concrete Canoe team.

Jason Wilson, the Civil Engineering & Construction Management Program Coordinator in the WKU School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and co-advisor for the WKU ASCE student chapter, highlighted Hartmann's contributions to the organization.

"Two and a half years ago, Carelynn was voted by her peers to be the President of WKU's ASCE Student Chapter, and I am pretty sure she had no clue what the next two and a half years would entail for her personal growth. She immediately started guiding the WKU ASCE student chapter to new heights," shared Wilson.

Hartmann led the charge on planning a regional ASCE symposium held at WKU - an event with over 300 students in attendance and a surprise rainstorm that created unexpected challenges for some of the competitions. Additionally, Hartmann led the concrete canoe team in creating, testing and sailing a concrete canoe featuring motifs of the Kentucky Derby to a successful showing at the 2024 ASCE Indiana-Kentucky Student Regional Symposium. 

"With Carelynn as the team captain, the [2024] Concrete Canoe team won the Regional Symposium and will be advancing to the Society Wide Finals in Provo, Utah," shared Staff Engineer Tyler Baker, who serves as co-advisor for the WKU ASCE student chapter.

WKU’s ASCE chapter is also a finalist for the 2024 Robert Ridgway Award, which places the chapter among the top five ASCE chapters internationally. Throughout her tenure, Hartmann adapted to circumstances and encouraged fellow Hilltoppers to strive for even greater heights.

"[Hartmann] is a perfect example of what we want from our students at WKU. She took the opportunities that were laid out in front of her and ran with them. She gives me credit for cultivating her confidence and leadership abilities, but I don't want to take anything away from what this young lady had done during her time at WKU. She built herself," Wilson continued.

Hartmann continued building her path by pursuing multiple applied learning opportunities. Research projects and an internship helped her explore related fields that enriched her education, such as sustainability, weather and the behavior of car drivers. One experience that stood out was a summer internship with Procter & Gamble.

"At my internship, I did research on greenhouse gas emissions and helped navigate new regulations for national sustainability goals. I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity, and it provided me a deeper understanding of sustainability and the many ways that I could and should incorporate sustainability within my future of engineering," Hartmann shared.

She also highlighted the crucial role of WKU faculty and partners in facilitating these transformative experiences.

"Every internship and research opportunity I have pursued has been possible because of the career fairs held in EBS [the Engineering and Biological Sciences building] each semester. We have wonderful industrial partners who are constantly seeking WKU students. Similarly, there are numerous research opportunities available here too," Hartmann said.

When considering faculty members who shaped her Hilltopper journey, Hartmann highlighted two individuals within her academic college who serve as advisors for WKU's ASCE chapter.

"Coming into college, I was an incredibly self-conscious former foster child whose only goal was to add to the just 3% of foster children who graduate from college. A professor, Jason Wilson, saw an ability to lead in me that I did not see in myself. Because of his belief in me, I have flourished in more ways than I could ever imagine. I have gained strength, confidence and leadership abilities because of my time here on the Hill and the people surrounding me."

"Tyler Baker did much of the same for me. He spoke countless words of encouragement and often gave me life advice. He mentored me over the past four years, and I could not imagine the Hill without him," Hartmann noted.

Hartmann also cherishes the friendships she forged on the Hill.

"The Hill has brought me a friend group that has stuck by me through the good and bad. We call each other the squeegees and let me tell you, it doesn't get better than those girls. I will leave the Hill in a few short months, but the friends I have made and the memories shared will be with me always," Hartmann said.

Reflecting on those memories, Hartmann is most grateful for the little, daily moments.

"Every day on the Hill has been special because I wake up in an apartment that I share with my very best friend, go to class with professors and classmates who feel like family, get lunch where I am greeted by the happiest employees, and spend the evenings with the most incredible friends. I get to do this every single day," Hartmann reflected.

Hartmann passes that sentiment along to future Hilltoppers through her ambassador roles within the Ogden College of Science and Engineering (OCSE) and SEAS.

"I believe that giving so many tours and sharing the many reasons that I love WKU has only strengthened my experience on the Hill. It is easy to forget the luxuries of our beautiful campus or take advantage of the opportunities we have here. But when you constantly remind yourself of the joys of this place, it becomes abundantly clear just how special it is!" Hartmann shared.

When she graduates on May 2, Hartmann will become a first-generation college graduate and join the ranks of college graduates who are former foster children. She is grateful for the opportunity to show others a pathway to chase their dreams.

When considering advice to share with future Hilltoppers, Hartmann highlighted the power of hard work and drive in the college journey.

"It is important to me that people know that you don't have to be from a perfect home, have an abundance of money or be a standout athlete or student to succeed in college. If you have drive and a desire to chase your dreams, you can do this. This journey has been incredibly challenging, but it has also been the most insightful and rewarding experience of my life," Hartmann said.

Hartmann is excited to begin the next phase of her life in Lexington, where she has accepted a position with Stantec Engineering as a Structural Engineer.

"I met a few Stantec representatives at a career fair hosted by SEAS and have been looking forward to an opportunity with them since my junior year. I am very eager to begin working with them in June!" Hartmann shared.

Outside of the workplace, Hartmann is also looking forward to getting married in October and embarking on a goal to visit every national park.

In closing, Hartmann shares some parting words of advice for future Hilltoppers seeking to build their own dreams.

"Be kind, work hard and make yourself proud of the person you're becoming," shared Hartmann.

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For more information about earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, visit https://www.wku.edu/ce/.  

#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187