“There is a tremendous sense of community here. I know I have the support of professors and staff who want to see me succeed.”
After graduating as valedictorian from Eastmont High School in East Wenatchee, Wash., Madison Broers came to Washington State University. She was a quiet freshman, but she knew that joining campus student organizations would give her exciting experiences and create lasting bonds and friendships.
Majoring in civil engineering and a student in the Honors College, Broers first became involved with the WSU American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), working her way up to president of the organization. ASCE helps connect civil engineers and enhance their development as students and future industry leaders, improving professional skills with résumé workshops and helping the Pullman community with highway and stream cleanups. Broers founded a peer-to-peer mentoring program that matches freshman and sophomore civil engineering students with an ASCE officer.
“The goal of the mentoring program is to increase the retention rate of women in civil engineering, as well as increase the number of WSU students with national ASCE membership,” she said.
Broers also leads the WSU Steel Bridge Club, helping grow participation to more than 40 students while serving as the captain for the past two years. The club members build a 20-foot-long steel bridge that is judged in categories such as lightness, efficiency, and stiffness at annual regional competitions. Broers is also involved with the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, and WSU’s Society of Women Engineers. She received Voiland College’s Outstanding Junior Award in 2018 and Sophomore Award in 2017.
Her club experience has helped her grow as a leader and communicator, but there are a lot of resources and organizations on campus to give students support and help develop their skills, too.
“Don’t be afraid to ask– you’ll be surprised by how many doors will open. Everyone is welcoming and always willing to help students grow,” she said.
Broers has interned at DCI Engineers, Lund Opsahl, and Pacific Engineering & Design, where she gained real-world engineering experience and learned what her career will really be like.
After graduation, she will continue studying at WSU to get her master’s degree in structural engineering.
“There are a lot of great opportunities here for research. I love Pullman and WSU, so it made sense to be here for another few semesters. I am excited to see what my future holds!” she said.
Get Involved
Learn more about Voiland College’s many student clubs and professional societies which provide a supportive community, opportunities for growth, and hands-on experience.