Top 5 Under 25ish: Rising Stars in Civil and Environmental Engineering Class of 2024

The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department hosted our Graduate Award Reception on December 12th. We proudly celebrate five exceptional graduates who were nominated by their peers and confirmed by the faculty: Julissa Badillo, Luke Bender, Jessica Draffen, Austin Larner, and Jarrod Vonkchalee. These students have excelled in academics, leadership, and innovative projects, showcasing the department’s commitment to building a sustainable future. Each of these remarkable individuals will be graduating this year with a bright future ahead, having already made significant strides toward their professional goals.  

What is next for each of these standout students after graduation? Julissa Badillo will be working at Stability Engineering as a Structural Engineer. Luke Bender has accepted a position and will work at the NCDOT as a Transportation Engineering Associate. Jessica Draffen will join Kimley Horn in Charlotte as a Civil Analyst, focusing on sustainable design. Austin Larner will start as a Project Engineer with Harper General Contractors. Jarrod Vonkchalee is still in the interview process and pursuing opportunities in water resources with local municipalities and corporations. As they embark on their professional journeys, the department celebrates their success and looks forward to seeing how their work shapes the future of the industry.

Congratulations to all of our Class of 2024 graduates and these rising stars!