Meet Gabriella Adams, P.E., a Project Engineer whose passion for construction runs deep in her family roots. Inspired by generations of builders and designers, she chose civil engineering to forge her own path while staying connected to the industry she grew up around. Today, she thrives on turning plans into reality and finding innovative solutions to challenges on every project.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Construction Engineering?

I come from a family with deep roots in the construction industry. It started with my grandfather, who built his own construction company from the ground up. That legacy was carried forward by several of my uncles, who also went on to build their own construction company. My dad took a slightly different path, pursuing a career in architecture and eventually opening his own firm, which added another layer of creativity and design to the family’s construction-focused background.

Growing up, I had a front row seat to the ups and downs of the industry. I saw the pride that came with completing a project and watching a business grow, but also the tough moments like setbacks, long hours, and the challenges that tested their determination. Those experiences gave me a real appreciation for the work, but also made it clear that I wanted to carve out a path of my own. That’s what led me to choose a degree in civil engineering. It felt like a natural extension of what I grew up around, still rooted in construction and infrastructure, but with enough distinction to build a career that was uniquely mine. Civil engineering allows me to stay connected to the practical and technical side of construction while also solving problems and working at a broader scale. What continues to draw me in is the process of watching a project take shape from the ground up, whether it’s new construction or a major reconstruction project. Something is fascinating about the transformation that happens, from bare soil and structural planning to a fully functional, finished product. Being part of that process never gets old.

What do you enjoy most about working in Construction Engineering?

It is incredibly rewarding to watch a project come to life from the ground up, starting from the initial geotechnical investigation all the way to the final lift of asphalt on a finished parking lot. Being part of the full construction process offers a unique perspective that many people don’t often see or understand. To the outside eye, it might just look like concrete and steel, but behind every structure is a massive amount of planning, testing, coordinating, and problem-solving.

What’s particularly fascinating is gaining a deep understanding of the behavior of different materials, the importance of soil conditions, and how those variables influence design and construction decisions. Our industry is constantly evolving. No two projects are the same, and that’s what keeps it exciting. Each new job brings its own set of challenges, requiring creative thinking and innovative solutions. Whether it’s adapting to unexpected site conditions or incorporating new materials and technologies, construction is all about problem-solving in real time, and being part of that process is both fulfilling and inspiring.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in Construction Engineering?

Advice I would give someone starting in construction is to talk to everyone, be friendly, and be adaptable. Our industry is constantly changing, so you must be willing to learn and adapt to the changes. Whether it is learning about new materials or technology, there is something new every day. No job site is the same; each site has its own set of challenges, so you want to be approachable when things go wrong.