behind the blog

how it all began

When I started college, I didn’t know anyone in engineering. My parents weren’t engineers, and I had no idea who to ask for guidance. But early on, one of my professors took me under his wing and became a mentor. That mentorship opened doors I never imagined — from presenting at advanced geotechnical engineering and national conferences, to publishing my first paper, to ultimately becoming a geotechnical engineer.

I share this because I’ve been fortunate to have incredible people pour into my journey. Civil Edge is my way of giving back. Through this blog, I hope my experiences, lessons learned, and research-based topics offer insights, inspiration, and practical tools to help you along your own engineering path.

About Me

Hi, I’m Melinda

— your go-to girl for all things engineering!

Welcome to Civil Edge, a space where engineering knowledge meets real-world impact. Here, I share practical lessons from life as an engineer, from the field to the office, along with insider tips on winning scholarships, advancing your career, and finding your path in STEM. You’ll also find STEM outreach stories, ideas for giving back, and insights on building resilient, sustainable infrastructure that serves communities.
 
Whether you’re a student navigating school and scholarships, a young professional eager to grow, or a seasoned engineer looking for fresh perspectives, this blog offers the tools, inspiration, and guidance to help you level up.
 
This is your space to gain the edge you need — where engineering meets opportunity, innovation, and impact. Let’s build it together!

Melinda at a glance

TEA order

Chai tea latte

favorite destination

Fiji

Star sign

Virgo, all day everyday

Sneakers or Sandals?

sandals always!

Can’t live without…

My audio books

Guilty pleasure

Brownies, yum!

On my bucket list

The Maldives!

FAVORITE HOBBY

Attending technical conferences

explore the blog

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  • SHOP

frequently asked q’s

Wondering how I got into engineering?
Or what it’s like balancing life as a geotechnical engineer, PhD student, and STEM mentor? You’re not alone! Here are some questions I get asked and my most honest answers!

I’m very competitive when it comes to scholarships! My process starts with creating a list of scholarships I’m eligible for, along with their submission deadlines, because missing a deadline means you’re out, no exceptions. Once I have my list, I carefully review the criteria for each scholarship and note what materials are needed. If recommendation letters are required, I reach out to my advisors early to give them plenty of time. Then I focus on crafting strong, personalized essays that align with each application. Once everything is ready, I submit and wait… and trust the effort will pay off!

I’m inspired by the constant drive and grit I bring to each day. I am a very self-motivated person who strives to grow, challenge myself, and achieve my goals. I intentionally take on hard things because I believe that pushing through tough moments makes everything else feel more manageable. This mindset keeps me focused and grounded. Whether it’s school, work, or life in general, I find strength in knowing that each step forward, especially the difficult ones, brings me closer to the impact I want to make.

Mentorship has played a significant role in my own development, and I wanted to give back by offering others the same encouragement and opportunities I was fortunate to receive. As a mentor, I am driven by my passion for guiding and supporting others as they navigate their educational and career journeys. I am especially motivated by the opportunity to help students discover their strengths, build confidence, and reach their goals while fostering a positive and inspiring learning environment.

My advice is to stay curious and open to learning. In engineering, things are constantly evolving with new challenges, tools, and innovations emerging all the time. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and seek out mentorship and networking opportunities early on. Connecting with experienced professionals can give you valuable insight and help ease the transition from the classroom to the workplace. Most importantly, stay persistent. Every challenge is a chance to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact.

I love collaborating with individuals, organizations, and companies who are passionate about engineering, STEM education, outreach, or professional development. Whether you’re interested in partnering for a project, sponsoring a blog post, inviting me to speak, or brainstorming ways to support future engineers, I’d love to hear from you! Just head over to my contact page or email me directly — let’s connect and create something meaningful together.