Environmental Science senior Emerson Smith never imagined that she would work in the construction industry, but that is exactly where she is headed for a full-time role after graduation.
Smith’s journey has been anything but linear. She changed her major six times and transferred to Taylor halfway through her college career. Upon discovering the Environmental Science major at Taylor, she knew she had finally found where she belonged. Not only did she love the content, but she was impressed with how seriously the department dealt with environmental issues.
“It was the first time I genuinely enjoyed what I was learning in all of my classes,” she said. Smith loves her major because she can study the processes of the earth and keep God and biblical faith at the center of it all.
Smith has found the integration of faith and learning at Taylor extremely valuable in her preparation for life after college. “I have a solid foundation for my faith and my studies, and I know I can use Environmental Science to serve and glorify God,” she said.
In March 2024, Smith began working as an Environmental Intern for Kiewit Corporation. Kiewit is one of the largest construction and engineering organizations in North America and was ranked number 243 on the Fortune 500 in 2021. Smith's internship continued throughout the summer. “I was very drawn to Kiewit because of their culture and investment in their employees,” she said.
Smith assisted Kiewit’s home office with managing environmental compliance. She worked on vendor review programs and monitored vendors who transport or handle waste.
Over the course of her internship, Smith had the opportunity to travel to several of the company’s locations, including coal power plants in Tennessee and Kentucky, a road construction project in Tennessee, and the Kiewit headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.
During her internship, Smith felt very valued and recognized the many opportunities the company had to offer. Her favorite part of her internship was sitting in on environmental training. She observed how training is conducted for stormwater, wetlands, and more. Smith has continued as a part-time intern during the 2024-2025 school year.
In November 2024, Smith attended the Future Women in Kiewit Summit held at the company’s Omaha headquarters. The event was attended by 104 collegiate women representing 69 universities. Attendees were either looking for an internship or a full-time position at the company.
Smith, however, wasn’t in need of either. In October, she accepted a full-time position with Kiewit as an Environmental Specialist, a remarkable role for a new graduate. Upon graduation from Taylor in May 2025, she will begin working at a project site in her home state of Tennessee.
Her responsibilities will include managing the environmental risks in the company’s field operations. She will be responsible for ensuring legal and policy compliance of the projects at her construction site. This will involve permit reading as well as communication with on-site workers and the Kiewit environmental department.
Smith’s Environmental Science classes at Taylor have consistently explored how the content area relates to Christian theology and stewardship of the earth. Stepping into this position with Kiewit, Smith looks forward to making a direct impact on creation. She shared, “For me, protecting the environment, keeping it healthy, is a way to worship and serve God.”
Smith admits her situation is an uncommon route for those studying Environmental Science. Now knowing all the detours it took to get to her destination, Smith offered sage advice to her younger self: “Don’t rush the phrase of life you’re in. Take advantage of the moment.” Now, in her senior year Taylor, she is excited to make a direct, immediate impact on the environment after graduation.