#PROFSpective: Civil and Environmental Engineering Major Muhammad Akhtar

Muhammad standing in front of a pond.

Today we feature first-generation college student Muhammad Akhtar, a senior Civil and Environmental Engineering major. Muhammad is involved in the Rowan American Society of Civil Engineers (Mentorship Chair), Rowan Muslim Student Association (Secretary), Rowan Racquetball (Active Member) and outside of school works as a Structural Engineering intern at HNTB and is a Big Brother with […]

Beyond The Classroom: Senior Liam Cutri-French On Engineering Opportunities

Liam sitting outside on the Engineering steps.

Today we feature Liam Cutri-French, a senior Civil and Environmental major with an Honors concentration. Liam is from Glen Gardner, NJ (Hunterdon County). He is the local project lead for Engineers Without Borders, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of the Engineering Honors Society. He also stays active on […]

Seniors Share How They Have Grown From Their Freshman Year Mistakes

Rowan Prof outside of Savitz Hall

Rowan seniors Stephania Bocanegra, Alexander Brown and Aaron Lee reveal how their freshmen year mistakes helped them grow into the student leaders they are today.  

Stephania Bocanegra, a Civil and Environmental Engineering major from Cape May, NJ (Cape May County), currently lives on campus as a Resident Assistant at Victoria Apartments. Stephania started off at a community college and transferred to Rowan.

“I wish I kept the work ethic I had as an honors student in high school to my first year of college,” she says. “By the time I transferred, I didn’t feel as prepared because I slacked off a bit in community college. My grades were good, but I didn’t need to work as hard. When I got to Rowan, I needed to start working harder because the classes were very different.”

Stephania quickly got into a groove at Rowan and began to flourish in the college environment. She is the Student Government Association officer for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the United Latinos Association.

Stephania poses with flowers in background.
Stephania Bocanegra

Alexander Brown is a Music Industry Business Major with minors in  Africana Studies, Music, and a Vocal Concentration. He is originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica and currently lives on campus as a Resident Assistant in Chestnut Hall. He shared that as a freshman, he didn’t take advantage of all of the extracurricular options that are available at Rowan. “I was more focused on adjusting myself to college life, so I was nervous to try too many new things. As I continued to grow, I tried to join organizations and clubs to put myself out there and get involved to meet new people,” he says.

As a senior, Alex is now the President of Profecy Acapella Club and the Treasurer of music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha.

Alexander Brown stands near Wilson Hall.
Alexander Brown

Aaron Lee is a Chemistry and Public Relations double major from Portsmouth, Virginia. “A mistake I made my freshman year was not tapping into the resources around me,” he says. “Coming out of high school, I thought I had everything figured out, so I didn’t take advantage of a lot of things. Whether that was the tutoring services or even just sitting in the library to do my work instead of my room, I assumed that I could handle things the same way I always did. But college is very different. As I got older, I grew a lot by using what’s available on campus.” 

Aaron is now the Assistant Resident Director of Evergreen and Magnolia Halls, an Orientation Leader and the President of both the Anime and Improv Clubs.

Aaron Lee in front of library columns.
Aaron Lee

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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major

Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major 

Meet #Rowan2024: Civil and Environmental Engineering Major Bridget McDevitt

Photo of Bridget.

Today we feature Civil and Environmental Engineering major Bridget McDevitt. She is from Logan Township, NJ (Gloucester County) and will be commuting to Rowan in the fall.   

Photo of Bridget on the beach at sunset.

What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?

Something that I’m looking forward to next year at Rowan is finally beginning to trek forward on developing my career. I’m beyond excited to be taught by incredibly educated professors, and to dive headfirst into knowledge, as cliche as it sounds. I’m also excited to be learning in a new environment that’s more tailored to the individual student as opposed to high school.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?  

I didn’t participate too much in high school, and it really wasn’t until my junior or senior year where I came out of my shell and developed my hobby of gardening! It’s so rewarding giving back to the planet meanwhile channeling your creativity in the aesthetics of landscaping. So, I’d like to join some gardening and environmental clubs. Also, writing and fashion are secret diversions of mine, so I would join some clubs geared towards that as well. 

How or why did you choose your major?​                                                            

I chose my major because growing up, my dad used gardening as his release from the world and as I got older, I really recognized the significance in that. Plus, through his gardening lessons, we created a bond. I want to protect the land and the soil that he cultivates, and on a broader scheme I would like to preserve the ecosystems within various communities. So, I thought environmental engineering would fit right in. Also, I intended on double majoring in community health and perhaps minoring in English. 

How did you get to know campus?                                                                  

Living in Logan Township, I’ve had family members who attended Rowan and the university is pretty much a household name. I’ve driven by the campus plenty of times, but it wasn’t until I went on a tour where it really struck me as a place where I’d want to further my education. It’s quaint, but still a vibrant little campus. 

What music do you like?                                                                                            

I love all types of music! But to name a few genres, I prefer indie, rock, alternative, and punk. My diverse concert list ranges from Taylor Swift, to KISS (not by choice), all the way to Warped Tour.  

Night owl or morning person?                                                                         

Most certainly I am a night owl. My creativity seems to ignite anytime past 11 p.m., which was a good excuse to hand in assignments late 🙂 mornings are only attractive when you’re at the beach. 

Why Rowan?​​                                                                                                                 

I was attracted to the proximity of Rowan, and of course the affordability. I plan on furthering my education for a long time coming, hopefully eventually getting my doctorates. That being said, cost efficacy was a big factor. Not only is it affordable, but you also acquire a quality education, which of course is my number one priority. Plus, my mom is my best friend. Leaving her is a thought I cannot handle!!

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Pandemic Profs: Bonding with My Dog

Riley the golden retriever stands in the middle of large yard.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Jason Russack, a sophomore isolating in his house in Warren County, NJ. Jason is a civil and environmental engineering major who normally lives in Whitney Apartments during the school year. 

Jason and Riley pose for a selfie. Hello Rowan Profs! Normally I’d be in Whitney Apartments, hanging out with friends and going through my engineering homework. However, being stuck at home, I have decided to take some extra time to bond with my beloved golden retriever, Riley!

Riley is 10 years old and doesn’t like the cold much, so she definitely needs to get outside more than ever this spring. I have made it my duty to play with her on every sunny day for at least an hour, even if that means we are just sitting and catching rays in the lawn!  It has proven to be very rewarding being that I love nature. Not only has it helped my boredom, it is definitely healthy to soak up vitamin D and breathe fresh air, while physically distancing myself from others. Stay healthy and get outside when possible, it can make your day.

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Story and photography by: 
Jason Russack, sophomore civil & environmental engineering major

#PROFspective: Philosophy & Religion, Biological Sciences Major Mahaa Ahmed

Mahaa stands in a dress, with arms outstretched

Today, we speak with Mahaa Ahmed, a junior philosophy and religion studies and biological sciences double major from Washington Township (Gloucester County), NJ, who resides on campus in 220 Rowan Boulevard. Mahaa will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out […]