Mikayla Britsch: Engineering and Beyond
April 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Introduction
Dive into the life of Mikayla Britsch, a spirited MIT student from Colorado Springs, who blends her passion for civil engineering with a deep commitment to societal improvement. From tackling public transportation issues to engaging in multicultural studies, Mikayla’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and community in engineering. Explore how her experiences at MIT and abroad shape her dreams of melding transportation engineering with public policy. Courtesy of MIT, this story is a beacon for aspiring engineers!
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Building Bridges in Civil Engineering
Imagine living in a world where every structure, from the towering skyscrapers to the sprawling bridges that connect cities, was designed by just one person. Sounds a bit risky, right? That's because civil engineering, like many other fields, thrives on collaboration. It's not just about using math and science to solve problems; it's about bringing people together to improve communities and environments. This is why understanding civil engineering matters—it shows you how combining diverse skills and perspectives can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone. For you, learning about this could inspire you to think about how teamwork and communication are vital not just in engineering, but in any career you might be interested in the future.
Speak like a Scholar

Civil Engineering
The branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.

Collaboration
Working together with others to achieve a common goal or complete a task.

Societal Problems
Issues that affect a large number of people within a society, often requiring collective efforts for solutions.

Interdisciplinary
Involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic areas of knowledge.

Stakeholders
Individuals or groups that have an interest in any decision or activity of an organization.

Public Policy
The principles, often unwritten, on which social laws are based. It is an approach taken by government to address a particular issue.
Independent Research Ideas

Exploring the Role of Public Participation in Civil Engineering Projects
Investigate how engaging the community can influence the outcomes of infrastructure projects. This could reveal the importance of public input in creating functional and accepted public spaces.

The Impact of Multilingual Abilities in International Engineering Projects
Study how knowledge of multiple languages, like Spanish, can enhance communication and effectiveness in global engineering projects. This could be fascinating to see how language barriers are overcome in professional settings.

Sustainability Practices in Urban Planning
Research the most innovative sustainable practices being integrated into modern urban development. This could lead to insights on how cities of the future are designed to be more environmentally friendly.

The Evolution of Transportation Systems in Response to Global Crises
Look into how different cities adapted their public transport systems in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This topic could highlight the resilience and adaptability of urban planning.

Comparative Analysis of Educational Approaches in Engineering Across Different Cultures
Examine how engineering is taught in various countries and what methods lead to the most innovative thinking. This could uncover potential improvements in educational strategies worldwide.
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