Christie Assadollahi, Civil Engineering Alum

Degree(s) 

MSCE (2019),  PhD (2023)

Current Residence 

Southaven, MS

Current Employer

Fowler Engineering

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering? 

I wanted to pursue a terminal degree in my field, but also live close to friends and family.

How did Herff prepare you for your career? 

Attending HCoE as a graduate student prepared me for my career by challenging me in numerous ways. I worked as a teaching assistant and instructor of record most semesters, enrolled full-time in graduate courses, and I was engaged in research. Additionally,  I was involved in student organizations that typically required travel during the academic year. As you can imagine, I was constantly shifting gears. As challenging as my time in graduate school was, I found it enjoyable.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career? 

The ability to teach myself new concepts is really helpful as a practicing engineer. All of your clients and projects have unique needs, and the building codes and standards change as well.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why? 

Dr. Pezeshk had the greatest impact on my graduate school career. As my Co-Advisor for my Master's Degree and Advisor for my PhD, we worked together a lot. He has always been calm under pressure, and teaches his students to be as well. He kept us on-task, but also knows how to have fun. He would always tell the graduate students if there was an event with free food nearby, which we all appreciated.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)? 

I was involved with EERI and SSA, both of which gave me the opportunity to travel, present my research, and attend lectures.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal? 

My mom has always been my #1 fan and greatest supporter. She has her high school diploma and general contractor's license. She has always wanted my brother and I to go to college, and me attending graduate school was the cherry on top for her. She attended both my Master Thesis and Dissertation Defenses, and even travelled with me to research sites for my Master's Degree. She would take me out to lunch multiple times a week. Her constant encouragement kept me going when the work was tough.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff? 

I loved attending lectures and meetings hosted by EERI. My favorite Annual Meeting was hosted in San Francisco, and we were able to see the Golden Gate Bridge, learn about earthquake reconnaissance, and tour Alcatraz all within one week. We had a wonderful time.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?  

I often say to myself "Challenging work is good for me." Keep this mindset throughout your college years and beyond.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff? 

Time passes by really quickly.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? 

Fortunately, I was able to attend HCoE with an assistantship and fellowship, so I did not have to pay for my graduate school experience. I wouldn't change a thing.