Logan Sirbaugh, Civil Engineering Alum

Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering  (2021)
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (2023)
PhD in Engineering (Expected 2025) 

Current Residence
Memphis, TN

Current Employer
University of Memphis, Southeast Transportation Workforce Center

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
As a lifelong Memphian, I chose Herff College of Engineering to remain close to my family while pursuing higher education. The college's Civil Engineering program also appealed to me due to its diverse range of opportunities and concentrations within the field.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
Herff College of Engineering prepared me for my career through its intimate learning environment, featuring easy access to professors and smaller class sizes. The college also provided numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research in various areas of Civil Engineering, while student organizations like the Institute of Transportation Engineers offered leadership roles, professional development, and valuable connections with active Herff alumni.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Throughout my time at Herff College of Engineering, I gained several valuable skills and knowledge in a variety of areas. These include leadership skills, an understanding of the importance of active involvement in professional and student organizations, and proficiency in a variety of transportation engineering areas. I have also gained experience in conference planning and K-12 education and outreach.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. Stephanie Ivey has undoubtedly been the most impactful professor. Since beginning work with her in 2019 as an undergraduate researcher and continuing as her graduate research assistant, Dr. Ivey has provided me with numerous professional connections and opportunities across various fields, leading to scholarships, leadership positions, and awards. Her guidance has not only instilled confidence in my abilities but also continuously challenged me to grow professionally and personally.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, I have been actively involved in several student organizations at Herff College of Engineering. These include the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Tau Beta Pi, and Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI). I took on leadership roles within ITE, serving as the student chapter president and as the committee chair for the 2024 SDITE Student Leadership Summit.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
As a college student, I had a strong support system from my peers, professors, and family. This continuous support, combined with constantly reminding myself of my long-term career goals, helped me stay focused on my goals.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
One of my greatest memories at Herff is the late nights spent working on our senior design project. Despite the long hours and challenging work, these moments became incredibly special. The shared experiences have created friendships that have lasted well beyond our undergraduate years.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Jump into student organizations and research opportunities as soon as you can. The friendships and professional connections you'll develop there are invaluable and can shape your entire engineering journey.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
Get involved in as many engineering events and conferences as possible - they're more valuable than I realized. These experiences were some of my best times and led to many unexpected opportunities.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Every minute invested in Herff has been worthwhile, and my journey is not over yet! I do not think that I would change anything - it's brought me my closest friends and given me the tools to jumpstart my career.