Beyond the Books: Engineering Physics and Dual Degree Engineering Major Bridges Concept and Application With SD DOT Internship

Augustana University student Patrick Adah '26, who hails from Lagos, Nigeria, is an engineering physics and dual-degree engineering double major. He is interning at the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SD-DOT) in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he reviews construction plans, conducts field tests and collaborates directly with contractors on highway and bridge projects.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

A: I am a member of the African Student Union (ASU), Serving and Learning Together (SALT) and Society of Physics Students (SPS).

Q: What are your career goals/aspirations?

A: To become an engineer who doesn't just get the job done, but makes an impact on the lives of people around me and the world at large by using technological tools and resources to create innovations that cause life-changing experiences.

Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to come to Augustana?

A: I never really considered coming to Augustana. I didn't even know that there was a place named Sioux Falls until I stumbled upon the application form. I filled out the application half way and abandoned it because I had already made my choice for the university I wanted to attend. But, I kept receiving emails from Suleman Dibba (former admission counselor) insisting that I should complete my application. I ignored the emails for a bit, and then Wade Gemar (former assistant director of international enrollment) came on board. The persistence of Mr. Wade's email then compelled me to finish up my application. After this, I decided to communicate with my admission counselor on how to go through the admission process, and even asked questions that weren't about Augustana. My admission counselor answered my questions and got back to me in a very timely manner compared to the other universities I had wanted to attend. For this reason, Augustana became one of my interests, and the decision to select Augustana became adamant because Augustana offered a really good financial aid (package).

Q: What do your job duties include?

A: As an engineering intern, I work collaboratively with contractors on highway and bridge projects to ensure what is being built is composed of materials that meet the specifications of the DOT, are done the right way (proper construction methods, dimensions, etc.) and in a manner that is safe for the traveling public.

I go over construction plans (both new and old) to ensure that elements entailed in them conform to the objectives of the desired project, show an accurate view of the finished product, and how the builders will construct it.

Also, I conduct surveys to establish locations of highways and bridges, stationing project sites, alongside conducting tests like gradation, density, moisture, etc., utilizing different tools and software.

Q: How did you get the internship? Did anyone help you?

A: The internship opening was forwarded to me by my CAP specialist (success specialist), Wendy Mamer.

Q: What do you like most about your internship?

A: Getting to work on different projects and not just concentrating on a specific one.

Q: What do you hope to learn/gain from the internship?

A: How the civil engineering world works, and figure out if it is a branch of engineering I would like to pursue going into the dual-degree engineering program.

Q: Why is experiential learning so important to you in your future endeavors?

A: It is so important because it gives one the opportunity to apply some of the in-class learning to real-life applications, and gain hands-on experience on how to go about some things which are essential in being successful in your vocation - like how to communicate well with others and make decisions. In addition, you learn a lot of things in the industry that are not taught in class.

Q: How important is building relationships/connections?

A: Building relationships and connections are very important as one pursues their vocation. You get exposed to opportunities you may never know existed coupled with the increase in knowledge and understanding about one's desired vocation.

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