Mary Adams

Major: Architectural Engineering

Year in school: 5th-year Senior

Hometown and high school: Rolla, Mo., Rolla High School

What's great about your major?

It allows me to use many parts of my brain with both the architectural design and the engineering applications. Architectural engineering allows students learn about all parts of a building including structural systems, mechanical and electrical systems, acoustics, construction management, lighting design, architecture, and more!

Why was the KU School of Engineering the right choice for you?

The KU School of Engineering was right for me because it provides a small campus feel within a big campus. I enjoy walking through the School of Engineering halls knowing lots of my fellow classmates, but then walk through the rest of the KU campus and see such a diverse group of people and interests.

What do you like most about KU?

I like the diversity of people and amount of opportunities to get involved with awesome things. I love being involved, and KU provides so many opportunities from athletics to arts to academics to adventure. I have had wonderful experiences with study abroad, basketball games, and student organizations.

What do you want to do after graduation?

I want to reduce the impacts of buildings on the environment. I plan to start this by going to work as mechanical systems designer for facilities and integrate sustainable features and ideas.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Find what you like to do and get involved. At the same time, don’t let your academics fall. Find the right balance of school and extracurriculars to make you happy. University is the time to try all the things for which you have never had the time. Study abroad; organize an on-campus event; participate in a co-op; play a club sport. Have fun!