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Old CCEE

Josie Gonzalez: Structuring a Degree

December 10, 2025
A young woman with glasses, wearing a bright red graduation cap and gown with a white stole, is standing outdoors next to a large, metallic, sculpted wolf statue. She is smiling and gently touching the statue with her right hand. The background features green trees, some brickwork, and pinkish-purple ornamental grass.

Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? When did you realize you wanted to study CCEE?

I grew up in Burlington, NC. Growing up I always knew I wanted to pursue engineering, as I was always drawn to math and solving complex puzzles. After being surrounded by construction my entire life through remodeling, I became drawn to Structural Engineering specifically.

What drew you to NC State for your undergraduate degree? Why did you decide to pursue the ABM program?

In high school, I had the opportunity to compete at state level Science Olympiad competitions held at NC State. The campus was always very lively. It seemed like a great place to pursue my structural engineering degree.

After taking the necessary courses in the CCEE department related to structures, I wanted to take more advanced courses within structures. I heard about the ABM program that offered these advanced courses in structural engineering and was excited to enroll. Taking these courses ignited a desire in me to pursue research, where I switched from the ABM program to the MSCE program to pursue interdisciplinary research in structural and nuclear engineering.

Is there anything that surprised you over your years at NC State?

I have been the most surprised by the connections that I have made throughout my time here at NC State, and how they are carried far beyond the classroom and into the field.

A selfie taken outdoors shows three young women smiling brightly at the camera. The woman in the foreground is wearing glasses and a black hoodie. The woman behind her on the right is wearing glasses and a bright neon pink/orange jacket. The woman behind her on the left is wearing a gray hoodie and a white shoulder strap. They are standing on a paved area, likely a parking lot or square, with several cars and colorful buildings in the background.
Gonzalez and her roommates on the CCEE Ireland Summer 2024 Study Abroad Trip

What activities outside of your classes did you get involved in at NC State/in the Raleigh area, and why did you choose those clubs/hobbies/etc.?

I have been involved in many student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

I joined these groups to grow my professional skills, connect with peers of similar interests and to find volunteering opportunities within my community. I was also part of NC State’s racquetball club and competed in tournaments against other universities.

What advice would you give to other students considering attending NC State’s CCEE program?

The advice I have for other students considering NC State’s CCEE program is that it’s okay to not know what you want to specialize in. NC State’s CCEE program is so broad; you can try anything but also specialize. When you find exactly what you want to do, there will be opportunities to pursue it.

What’s next for you?

After graduation, I am starting my master’s program at NC State, where I will be working on research with the Center for Nuclear Energy Facilities and Structures.

A young woman with long, dark, wavy hair and glasses is smiling directly at the camera. She is wearing a black, square-neck top. She is standing outdoors in front of a modern concrete staircase and a grassy embankment. In the background, there is a multi-story building with reddish-orange and white facades.

How do you plan to celebrate your graduation?

I am taking a graduation trip in May to celebrate my graduation as well as my sister’s with the rest of my family.