In the Spotlight - Jillian Borghardt '20
Spring 2020
Tell us little about yourself and why civil engineering? 
When I was a senior in high school, I became familiar with what a civil engineer was and what they did. Before that, I was at a loss for what career would fit me best and all the different interests I had. Civil engineering seemed to be the perfect culmination of what I liked: building designs and the stories behind them. However, I certainly would not be here today if it wasn’t for my parents and their guidance. Most of us would say that, but I truly had a unique childhood. When I was just eight years old, my parents decided to renovate our entire house themselves. To date, all of the renovations have been done by my mom, dad, myself, and occasionally my sister. Our original house was demolished and we rebuilt it the way we envisioned it. So summers that are usually filled with playdates and television became filled with putting up walls, siding the house, and building a wrap-around deck. That was more than twelve years ago and the renovations still continue to this day. It is because of this experience that I found myself more and more intrigued as to what went into designing and building a structure. I would notice aspects of buildings that most people would have no interest. So when it came time to choose a major and apply to colleges, my parents were the ones to suggest a future in civil engineering and for that I am beyond grateful.
I am currently a senior student in the Civil Engineering department. I was lucky enough to land an internship at an architectural firm in Manhattan called Vidaris, Inc. between my sophomore and junior year. Vidaris Inc. is distinctive from other companies because it is a consulting firm that specializes in facades and sustainability. During my first summer, I was a part of the New Construction team where I had the privilege of shadowing inspectors for new skyscrapers throughout the city. I would assist with checking anchors, watching the installation of curtain wall, and inspecting the durability and sustainability of glass windows. When I wasn’t out in the field, I was creating a data sheet on fire-rated windows that the New Construction group could use to discuss with clients. I also became familiar with the NYC Building Codes and learned how to read drawing plans. With all of this new information that I had learned from Vidaris, I came back last summer wanting to learn more. This time I asked to be placed in the Existing Buildings department where they conducted inspections for older structures within the city. I was lucky enough to see and inspect so many amazing structures such as The Waldorf Astoria, The Hearst Tower, and The Apthorp. I learned about older materials that were used, the restoration processes common to each of the buildings, and for some, even the sustainability aspects behind restorations. After gaining more experience, I was trusted to help conduct FISP inspections and supervise inspections on my own. My second summer with Vidaris confirmed my desire to be in the field and working with older buildings.
After I graduate from Stony Brook with my bachelors degree, I plan on pursuing a Masters degree in historic preservation. The program I am applying to is an Advanced Masters in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions that is a double degree from the University of Minho in Portugal and the Czech Technical University in Prague. This is a one year program in which I learn conservation techniques and perform structural analysis for historic structures. After completing this program my dream is to work preserving older structures either working back in the United States or staying abroad!
What advice do you have for younger CIV students?
Over the four years you spend at Stony Brook, there are going to be many struggles, but also many successes. Learn from your failures and use them to motivate you to do better and grasp as much knowledge that you can. For me, everything that I learned will just help me so much after college and beyond.
What are you involved in on campus?
Over the years, I have become increasingly more involved on campus, but my main involvement it with ASCE’s Concrete Canoe Team. This is my second year on the team and I was elected to be this year’s mix design captain. I really enjoy being involved with this program not only because I am learning a lot more about what goes into making concrete and how all of its components work, but I am also learning what goes into making a long term project be successful. To be a part of this group, you need to be a team player. That means learning how to adjust your schedule, communicate effectively, and interact positively with those you work with. I am pleased that I have grown in my technical skills, but also my soft skills. Through ASCE, I will be more prepared for my professional life after I graduate.
What is it like to be a part of WISE?
This is my first year being a part of the WISE program on campus and so far it has been a wonderful experience. Every week a group of high school girls come to campus for two hours and I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with them. I explain what professional civil engineers do, how they inmpact society, and how the profession changes. Together with the students, we conduct experiments and do other activities so they get first-hand experience. This program is really important to me because I want to help women gain a better understanding of what opportunities are out there for them. I know how stressful it can be feeling like you need to have your future planned out at such a young age and be still so unaware of all the possibilities. Every week when I get to share with these girls, I feel like I am helping them get one step closer to finding what they are passionate about. It means a lot to me seeing them engaged in activities like making concrete or designing bridges because I know that they will be more knowledgeable and prepared than I was when they graduate high school and go on to college.
Do you have any hobbies outside of Civil Engineering?
I have several hobbies outside of Civil Engineering. I’ve always loved to bake and I have worked at a bakery for the past three years of my college career. When I’m not baking for my friends and family, I like to go on long distance runs. I love to participate in 5ks and am hoping to sign up for another half marathon soon! I am also an avid photographer and love to take shots around the city or go on hikes in the woods. I also enjoy taking long rides on my motorcycle in my spare time!