Meet Aissatou Diallo

My INDS Degree

My degree plan will integrate mechanical engineering, architecture, and environmental impact to enforce the development of creating more resilient building structures and how climate change is impacting structures. Mechanical engineering will provide the analytical tools necessary for evaluating materials, calculating structural stressors, and designing systems capable of withstanding forces such as wind, water, and seismic activity. A recent publication by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), emphasizes the importance of precision in material science and structural mechanics for ensuring durability in the face of environmental challenges. (Bažant, Z. P., 2006)

Everywhere we look, we’re surrounded by buildings, and I wanted to understand how we can design structures that are not only long-lasting, but also beneficial to both communities and the environment. INDS gave me the opportunity to focus on what I genuinely love, and it shifted my perspective on college from just getting through it to actually building a path that reflects my goals and interests.

Degree Mentors

• Dr. Jorge Almodovar| Associate Professor| UMBC Department of Chemical, Biochemical, & Environmental Engineering
• Stacy Brian| Project Manager, UMBC Facilities Management
• Steven McAlpine, Individualized Study

Post Graduation Plans

I been fortunate enough to have a lot of opportunities for post graduation. Either get my masters in Architecture, do an internship, or work full time but after long consideration, I plan on doing an internship in construction management over the summer and then move into a full-time role as a field engineer starting in the fall. Eventually, I want to go back to school and earn my master’s degree, since I’ve always had a goal of continuing my education.

My INDS degree has helped me stand out and played a big role in getting my opportunities. It shows that I took a unique path and am passionate about combining engineering, design, and sustainability. I’m proud to say I created my own major because it reflects who I am, and it’s also been a great conversation starter that’s opened doors for me.

Courses In My INDS Degree

✅Engineering: Understand the materials needed to build structures and understand the loads, forces, stress, and strain that are needed to build a stable structure.(ENME 204, 217, 220, 221, 301, 320, 332L)

✅Sustainable Design & Architecture: Developing a basic understanding of drawing skills and visual concepts in order to sketch and design as an architecture. (ART 210, 214, ARCH 303|Morgan State University)

✅Environmental Impact:  Assess the impact of buildings and people on the local environment and understand how structures are being redesigned to minimize the impact. (GES 305, 310, 320, 341, 350)

✅ Individualized Study: Integrate interdisciplinary approaches in order to find clarity in degree plan, vision, and direction. (INDS 330, 335, 410, 480, 490)