In the Spotlight- Alexander Corpolongo, '17
Fall 2016
Alex Corpolongo, part of our second graduating class and also a top scorer for Stony Brook's men's lacrosse team, spared a few minutes to reflect on his time at Stony Brook and his future. We are grateful for his time and wish him a great senior year!
How did you spend your summer and what are you looking forward to the most your senior
year? In the Spotlight- Alexander Corpolongo '17
August, 2016
This summer I had an internship with Gilbane Building Company at White Plains Hospital in New York. I had a great time and learned a lot about the construction process, management, and many other things. This year I am, of course, looking forward to the lacrosse season; but I am also looking forward to connecting with different civil engineering and construction management companies, and figuring out what direction will be most suitable for me. Alex Corpolongo, part of our second graduating class and also a top scorer for Stony Brook's men's lacrosse team, spared a few minutes to reflect on his time at Stony Brook and his future. We are grateful for his time and wish him a great senior year!
Looking back between now and high school, which class or experience has helped you the most get where you are today?
As far as helping me determine a plan for my future, I would say my internship this summer has been the most influential experience for me since high school. I’ve had a ton of classes that have played a meaningful role helping me get to where I am today; however, I always found it difficult to imagine what a career would be like until my internship this summer.
What made you choose Civil Engineering at Stony Brook and now that you're getting ready to graduate, what is some advice you can give to students who are still working on 'foundation' courses to get them ready for CIV classes?
I was originally interested in Construction Management, which is not offered here at Stony Brook. So, I thought it would be best to choose something that would teach me a lot about structures and construction, and that’s why I decided on Civil Engineering. If I could give advice to students getting started on this path, it would be to build relationships with teachers and fellow students. During my first year I basically kept to myself, and I can definitely say my time has been more enjoyable since I became close with the other people in my classrooms.
What would you like to do after graduation? What would be your "dream job"?
This is still a difficult question for me. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to remain close to the game of lacrosse, since I’ve been playing my entire life. However, I had an awesome time with Gilbane this summer, so I think that could be a great place for me. Dream job, though? Heading out to Hollywood and starting an acting career would be pretty tough to beat.
You've just started CIV 342, Hydrology Lab. What are some things that have made the first two lab courses in this series (CIV 340, materials and CIV 341, geotech) especially interesting or fun? What do you like so far about your CIV 342 class?
The lab courses have certainly been classes that I appreciate, and that is because we gain real experience in learning the limits and capabilities of the materials we will be designing and working with in the future. The thing I like best about the CIV 342 class so far is the team-based aspect of it. I’m looking forward to working with others in creating reports, since projects are often times team-based in the professional world.
What is next for you and lacrosse? What can your classmates do to support you and how can we get tickets for home games?
What’s next is winning some championships this season! I’m really looking forward to working with the team, which is a predominantly young group of guys this year. It will be cool to watch us grow into a finished product come May. After this season I’d like to go on to play professionally. My classmates can support us by coming to games this season! The games are free to attend for students and staff, and I love when I see you guys there.
Editor's note: Alex will be playing on October 8 as the SeaWolves take on Notre Dame and Navy in a rare fall scrimmage. All games will be played in LaValle Stadium and tickets are $5 per person. Be sure to go out and support your fellow Civil Engineers! More info here.