Meet the grads: Inspired by family roots, WVU senior applies skills to community project in Belize

Civil engineering major Reilly Rollman, traveled to Belize to design and implement a rainwater harvesting and filtration system for a conservation-focused organization with the Engineers without Borders team. (WVU photo supplied)

For Reilly Rollman, a senior civil engineering major with a minor in applied mathematics at West Virginia University, an early exposure to construction helped shape a long-term academic and professional path in engineering. Rollman had the opportunity to apply her academic skills and personal interests through a spring break trip to Belize with Engineers Without Borders.

Story by Sloane Heagerty, storyteller/writer
Photos supplied

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.-

Rollman said her interest in civil engineering was influenced by her father's work as a carpenter.

"Growing up, he was always in the construction industry, and I would always go to work with him," she said. "It kind of influenced my whole career path. I've always wanted to be some type of builder," she said.

Encouraged to pursue a STEM-focused career that aligned with her strengths in math and science, Rollman enrolled in engineering programs during high school before ultimately choosing WVU's Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources . She noted that a teacher's recommendation and a campus visit played a key role in her decision, adding that she felt WVU was a place where she could succeed.

During her time at Statler, Rollman has combined coursework, research and student involvement to develop her academic interests, particularly in structural engineering. She currently conducts undergraduate research in Hung-Liang Chen 's lab, where she focuses on concrete strength testing and material performance.

Her academic experiences have also helped refine her career goals. Rollman plans to pursue both a master's and Ph.D. in structural engineering, with the long-term goal of working in industry before returning to academia as a professor. She expressed interest in sustainability in infrastructure and hopes to contribute to research that improves those systems.

"I want to integrate sustainable and environmentally friendly ways" into structural design, she said, emphasizing an interest in understanding how environmental factors such as climate change, wind and seismic activity affect the safety and longevity of structures. "I want to blend the environmental and structural engineering field together," she said.

Outside the classroom, Rollman has been actively involved in several student organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers , the Association of Energy Engineers and Engineers Without Borders. She currently serves as vice president of the Association of Energy Engineers, where she helped revitalize the organization after a period of inactivity.

"It's a lot of responsibility, but it's really cool knowing that you're helping build up attendance, networking and connections," she said.

Through Engineers Without Borders, Rollman will participate in an international service project in Belize, where students are designing and implementing a rainwater harvesting and filtration system for a conservation-focused organization. The project includes installing tanks, filtration systems and piping to improve water access and distribution.

"It's beyond calculations and problems and homework," she said. "Our work directly impacts a community," she said.

Rollman added that the project reflects a broader understanding of engineering as a discipline centered on public safety and service. "We're meant to hold public safety to our highest standards," she said.

Reflecting on her time at WVU, Rollman emphasized the role of faculty support and campus community in shaping her experience. She identified professor Hung-Liang Chen and assistant professor Onur Avci as particularly influential mentors who helped guide her academic interests and professional development.

"My favorite thing about Statler is the faculty here," she said. "They will just be more than happy to sit down with you and give you advice and point you in the right direction."

Rollman also noted that her perspective evolved significantly over time, particularly as she adjusted to college life and explored new opportunities. She said her experiences at WVU helped her become more independent and confident in her abilities.

"WVU has fostered this energy and given me an amazing education and many opportunities for growth," she said.

As she prepares for graduation and the next phase of her academic career, Rollman said she hopes to continue building on the foundation she developed at Statler while contributing to research and practice in structural engineering.

"I want to be a meaningful contributor to the research and scientific community," she said.

Explore the WVU civil and environmental engineering program , and the exciting opportunities available to students through involvement in Statler student organizations .