Kyle Doudrick, Civil Engineering Alum

Degree(s)
BSCE ('06), MSCE ('08)

Current Residence
South Bend, IN

Current Employer
The University of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?

My decision to attend the University of Memphis, and specifically enroll in Civil Engineering at Herff, was largely influenced by location and conversations with my brother, who was already a Civil Engineering student there. I grew up in the Memphis area and wanted to stay close to home, and I knew I wanted a career in STEM that involved problem-solving. Civil Engineering, especially the Environmental Engineering sub-discipline, aligned perfectly with my interests and passions.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?

Herff prepared me in many important ways. I developed a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals, but just as importantly, I gained practical, real-world skills. The program emphasized not just technical knowledge, but also communication, teamwork, and applied learning, all things that have been invaluable throughout my career.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?

While many accredited engineering programs teach similar core concepts, Herff stood out by also emphasizing essential professional skills. I’ve consistently found that I was better prepared than many of my peers when it came to writing technical reports, giving presentations, and collaborating on teams. These transferable skills were developed through project-based learning that was integrated throughout the Civil Engineering curriculum, and they’ve served me every day in my career.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?

It’s difficult to name just one professor as the most impactful - many of them had a strong influence on me in different ways. That said, one who really stands out, even outside of the Herff College, is Robert Marchini. I took his Physics II course, which is a class most students dread, but he made it enjoyable...even in the summer! Within Civil Engineering, every professor I had was impactful in their own way: Drs. Camp, Ivey, R. Meier, Waldron, Pezeshk, Anderson, Arellano, Palazolo, and Moore - thank you all.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?

Yes, I was heavily involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers and served as its president during the 2005–2006 academic
year.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?

My biggest support system was the tight-knit cohort of fellow Civil Engineering students. We helped each other stay focused and motivated, taking things one day at a time and supporting each other through the challenges.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?

Working at the Groundwater Institute every summer. It gave me practical experience and allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, which was incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?

My advice is to take full advantage of everything Herff has to offer...don’t just go to class and go home. Get involved in studentgroups, go to office hours, and seek out internships or research opportunities. The engineering field is more than equations, it’scommunication, collaboration, and hands-on experience. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and try new things, even outside your comfort zone. Your time in college is what you make of it, and Herff provides a lot of opportunities if you’re willing to pursue
them.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?

That I should have studied abroad! It’s such a unique opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally, and that’s hard to replicate later in life.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?

Absolutely, it was worth every penny. If I could do it over again, I’d be more disciplined with my time. I wouldn’t cram for exams, I’d go to every class, and I’d get my homework done before going out or having fun. Those habits make a big difference.