Alexis Countryman has always cared about the environment. From a young age she was curious—exploring nature, looking for worms under rocks, finding snakes in fields and hiking. Majoring in civil engineering at MSOE allowed her to pursue an emphasis in environmental and water resources engineering and stay true to her passion for the environment.

“I have always felt that STEM is the most logical way to make lasting solutions to benefit the world around you,” said Countryman.

During her time at MSOE, Countryman has been able to demonstrate this zeal for STEM and the environment through her course work and involvement in extracurriculars. She was a recipient of the Future Water Leaders Fund Student Pilot Project award for her work with her master's capstone project, which she finished data collection for earlier this October.

“This fund made it possible for me to afford the sampling and data costs for my capstone project. It brought me a sense of pride that I was selected and described as a Future Water Leader.”

She has also enjoyed working with students at MSOE as an RCAS (Raider Center for Academic Success) Success Ally and a COVE Student Scholar. As a COVE Student Scholar, she helps students with their personal and class projects inside the COVE, a creative collaborative space located in Viets Tower. She teaches them how to use the equipment inside the space (3D printers, Cricut Cutter machines, hand tools) and is also responsible for creating programming to draw students into the space.

“I could not be happier to be in the first cohort of COVE Student Scholars. I love working with students and helping them to grow and learn. It’s a huge plus that I get to do two of my favorite things: teach students and craft!”

Additionally, while at MSOE she has been involved with Engineers Without Boarders getting the opportunity to travel and make an impact in other countries using her skills as an engineer.

“I love the fact that as a student, my knowledge can make a difference in people’s lives. My experience with CSWEA’s GWS competition and with Engineers Without Borders has brought me to Costa Rica once and Guatemala twice, where I was able to use both my engineering experience and my Spanish to help improve health and sanitation in Latin America.”

Upon her graduation this spring, Countryman accepted a position as a Consultant for Wastewater Systems at MSA. Outside school and work, she enjoys spending nights at home with her fiancé knitting, playing with their dog Pebbles and watching movies.