Emilee Kaupp, a 25-year-old civil engineering technologist from Lethbridge, Alta., is sharing her success story ahead of Father’s Day.
Throughout her younger years, Emilee enjoyed math and science and would often tag along with her father Doug to work. Although she was too young to contribute much, she saw the enjoyment her father got from his career in chemical engineering at Lethbridge’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“My passion for solving problems and doing technical work just seemed to rub off,” Doug said.
“I think the most important part is just seeing the pride that someone you look up to has for their job,” Emilee said.
In high school, her father arranged for a job shadowing opportunity with a female civil engineering technologist, which helped solidify her passion.
“She was a huge role model for me,” Emilee said. “Seeing another woman in the industry makes it real.”
After graduating with her CET diploma from Lethbridge College in 2014, Emilee became a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET). This past spring, she was elected to the ASET council, becoming one of the youngest members in its 60-year history.
Just 12 per cent of ASET’s members are women, and Emilee hopes her story can encourage other young women and girls to consider a career in civil engineering as a viable one.
“It’s just important to reach out. There’s lot of us in the industry and we’re all willing to support you,” she said.
Emilee has worked on a variety of projects throughout Lethbridge, including the Blackwolf and Southbrook subdivision projects. She is currently the on-site resident for the University Drive Twinning Project, which is expected to conclude in the fall.
Comments