This summer, Degenkolb Engineers and Ruby+Associates, a Degenkolb Company, welcomed 22 structural engineering interns to offices across the firm, bringing fresh perspectives, curiosity, and a shared interest in learning more about the profession.
Throughout the summer, our interns worked alongside project teams on active work spanning seismic evaluation and retrofit, structural analysis and design, drafting, construction engineering, and tool development. In the process, they put classroom knowledge into practice, learned directly from practicing engineers, and gained a firsthand look at the many paths a career in structural engineering can take.
Read on to meet our 2026 summer interns, discover what drew them to Degenkolb and Ruby, and hear about the projects, lessons, and experiences that shaped their summer with us.
Interns are listed alphabetically by last name.
Noah Beyer
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Office: San Diego
Where are you in your educational journey?
I received my bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In the fall, I will begin my master’s degree at the University of California, San Diego.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
Degenkolb first appeared on my radar when I spoke with professors about my interest in earthquake engineering and reconnaissance. Later, I had the opportunity to tour the San Francisco office on a SEAOC school trip, where the people I met and the work I learned about confirmed that Degenkolb was the right place for me to intern.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have been working on a range of projects, from the retrofit of a hospital foundation to the new design of an outpatient facility. Through these projects, I have gained exposure to construction engineering and focused on the analysis and design of lateral force-resisting elements.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I was initially interested in structural engineering because it combined my appreciation for architecture with my academic strengths in math and science. My passion for the field continues to grow as my problem-solving and creativity skills are put to the test. I have also developed a sense of pride in contributing to the world around me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
When you have a question, don’t be afraid to suggest a solution along with it. Even if your idea isn’t correct, showing that you’ve thought through the problem demonstrates initiative and provides a starting point for discussion. You might even learn more from understanding why a solution works or doesn’t work than from simply receiving a direct answer to the original question.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Beyond engineering, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and surfing. I have also developed a passion for traveling and trying new foods.
Erica Bieber
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Office: Seattle
Where are you in your educational journey?
I’m returning to Oregon State this fall to finish my undergraduate degree. Go Beavs!
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I heard great things about the people and culture here from OSU professor and former Degenkolber Erica Fischer. Many of the types of projects I saw Degenkolb involved in—including education, healthcare, and seismic preparedness—also seemed interesting and meaningful to me.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve been working on the Port Townsend High School remodel, specifically the seismic retrofit for the gym building. I’ve also been building two internal spreadsheet tools—one focused on special concentrically braced frame gusset plates and another on reinforcing screws for notched glulam beams.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
Structural engineering feels like a practical application of my enjoyment of geometry and math in general. I like how the knowledge available to us is always expanding and improving, and I enjoy working at a tangible scale on projects that matter to the public.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
There’s a lot to learn, but you’ll learn fast—trust yourself and keep asking questions.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy cooking, hiking, and going on little adventures around town.
Sierra Camarena
Hometown: Castro Valley, CA
Office: Oakland
Where are you in your educational journey?
I just graduated from UC San Diego, where I majored in Structural Engineering. Next year, I’ll be getting my master’s in Structural Engineering and Mechanics from UC Berkeley.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I was introduced to Degenkolb through career fairs, and the company has been very involved in organizations I was a part of in school. One of my professors also suggested that I apply because of my interest in seismic retrofitting!
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve worked on nonstructural component anchorage and partition wall designs for new and existing hospitals. I’ve also had the opportunity to evaluate the effects of additional loading on structures and work on nonconstrained footing design.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I decided to go into engineering because I’ve always liked problem-solving, and I thought it would be rewarding to apply my technical strengths to designing something tangible. Knowing that I’m making a difference, especially in important areas like healthcare and education, is what continues to drive my passion.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Connect with and get to know as many people as possible, even if you’re not working with them on a project. Talking to people at all different stages of their careers is super helpful when you’re still figuring things out.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I like working out, especially taking cycling classes. I’m also into cooking and doing different kinds of puzzles.
Ethan Ceccarelli
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
Office: Sacramento
Where are you in your educational journey?
I recently graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and will be returning this fall to pursue my master’s degree.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I applied to Degenkolb to gain exposure to different areas of structural engineering and discover which aspects of the field I’m most passionate about. I was most drawn to Degenkolb’s strong reputation in the industry, particularly for taking on interesting and challenging projects while creating an environment that supports learning and professional growth.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve been designing and checking wall studs and roof joists, modeling canopies in RISA 3D, detailing connections, verifying window framing sizes, and taking on various other tasks for the Ethel Baker HS education project. Additionally, I’ve performed a lateral analysis of a light-framed wood reconstruction project and have recently been tasked with the full design of a reinforced masonry concession stand for an EGUSD HS/MS project.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
My interest in structural engineering initially grew from my love of math and problem-solving, combined with my interest in building design. What continues to drive my passion for the field is knowing that the work I do can have a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities these structures serve.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Sometimes, project managers will be busy with their own responsibilities and may not be immediately available to answer your questions. In those situations, I found it important to take a step back, evaluate the problem independently, and develop a solution on my own. Then, when someone is available, I can ask my question while sharing the approach I considered. This allows you to communicate the problem effectively and demonstrate your ability to work independently.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Outside of engineering and academics, I really enjoy playing pickleball, working out, and playing video games. I also enjoy competing with my friends in whatever card game, board game, or sport we happen to be interested in at the time.
Katelyn Collins
Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan
Office: Detroit
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am entering the graduate year of my five-year master’s program at Lawrence Technological University. I am studying Architectural Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
At school, I’ve always heard great things about working for Ruby+Associates/Degenkolb. I was looking for an internship that would mostly focus on steel design. These factors, plus Degenkolb’s project diversity, really drew me to apply.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have worked extensively this summer in our construction services area, including heavy lift and erection engineering projects. These projects have required me to work frequently in RISA, Revit, and Excel.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I really enjoy the level of detail and technicality that goes into structural engineering. I also like the fact that many of these projects require creative, innovative solutions to meet client needs. I think this combination of creativity and technical thinking is what really motivates me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Learn to ask a lot of questions early on in a project. This will help make sure you’re on the right track and help you learn. Also remember that you are learning something new every day, so be excited about that.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Outside of school and work, I enjoy hiking and traveling, especially in national parks. I also like baking and thrifting.
Budhaditya (Bradlee) De
Hometown: Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Office: Los Angeles
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Structural Engineering at UCLA. I am wrapping up my third year and have one more year before graduation.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I have always been interested in understanding how a professional engineering firm operates on a day-to-day basis, especially since my previous experience had primarily been through research internships. Gaining exposure to industry practice and learning how engineering principles are applied in real-world project settings was therefore my primary motivation for pursuing this opportunity.
Additionally, my doctoral advisor previously worked at Degenkolb for six years before entering academia and has always spoken very highly of the firm. His positive experience and strong regard for Degenkolb further motivated me to apply for this internship.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I am currently involved in three seismic evaluation and retrofit projects, including two hospital buildings and UC Irvine’s Student Services Building. My work has included developing new structural models, modifying existing models, performing both linear and nonlinear analyses, and evaluating the performance of various structural components.
In addition, I developed a fully automated spreadsheet tool for DCR evaluation and visualization of reinforced concrete beams that can be readily applied across SPC projects.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by geometry and the way shapes and objects come together to form meaningful patterns. I have also developed a strong appreciation for architecture, particularly Neoclassical and Gothic styles, and have always been drawn to mathematics.
Structural engineering brings these interests together by combining artistic creativity with the technical knowledge required to transform architectural ideas into safe and functional built environments. What continues to inspire me about this field is its broader purpose: contributing to a more sustainable future while protecting communities from the forces of nature.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
I would encourage future interns to be open and inquisitive about both the way the firm operates and the technical aspects of the work. The employees and managers are very supportive and always happy to answer questions and hear suggestions.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Outside of academics and work, I enjoy watching movies, playing chess and pool (billiards), and lifting heavy weights. Recently, I’ve also developed a passion for cooking and try to prepare a signature dish from a different cuisine every weekend.
Utsav Garg
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Office: Los Angeles
Where are you in your educational journey?
I have completed a year of my M.S. in Structural Engineering at Stanford University and will be graduating next June.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
A couple of seminars delivered by Degenkolb engineers at Stanford demonstrated that the company approaches earthquake engineering in a way that allows you to utilize the theoretical knowledge gained in structural engineering classes at university, making the work technically challenging in the best way. I knew I would get to do a lot of fun work and learn an incredible amount, so I had to apply to intern here!
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have been performing an ASCE 41 Tier 1 and Tier 2 analysis of a very architecturally unique building, which has involved building an ETABS model and analyzing the structural components, as well as participating in a site visit to inspect the building.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I saw the impact of poor infrastructure in society growing up, and after experiencing the harm caused by a major earthquake in Nepal in 2015, I knew I had to help make the world more resilient to these disasters.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Asking people for help when you get stuck on something might be the most efficient and effective way to figure it out. You will be surrounded by truly brilliant engineers who have likely been in your position before, are very helpful, and will gladly explain things to you instead of just telling you the answer!
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I love listening to and playing music, cooking, and going to the gym.
Mateo Gomez Montoya
Hometown: Medellin, Colombia
Office: Oakland
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am currently a second-year master’s student in Structural Engineering at Stanford.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I wanted to know what it was like working on a Risk Category IV building, and a presentation that Degenkolb gave at Stanford really impressed me.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I am currently working on establishing a baseline for CO2 emissions at El Camino Hospital. I am also working on the design of pump houses for different projects and have done some anchorage and shop drawing checks.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
My initial interest in engineering came from learning physics because I could understand and predict the world. I became interested in civil engineering because I loved playing with LEGO and building structures, so I wanted to know more about how they worked. What continues to drive my motivation is being able to proudly state that I designed a building that has changed people’s lives.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Don’t dwell on a problem without asking for help because you fear that people will think you don’t know something basic.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy basketball, guitar, biking, traveling, logic puzzles such as Nonograms and KenKen, board games, video games, and reading.
Devon Harris-Hall
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Office: Los Angeles
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am a first-year master’s student at UC Berkeley.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I’ve previously worked on the construction and project management side of the industry and wanted to see what it was like to work on the design side before pursuing a master’s in Structural Engineering.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve worked on an SPC 4D feasibility study, built an ETABS model, performed hand calculations, and helped with linear analysis of various hospitals.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I’ve always liked buildings and wanted to do something involving math. I find it fascinating how buildings behave.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Ask a lot of questions and try to get involved in as much as possible.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I like playing volleyball and hanging out with friends and family.
Matt Herold
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Office: Sacramento
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am starting my master’s degree in Structural Engineering at the University of California, San Diego, after recently graduating with my bachelor’s from UCSD.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
During my undergraduate education at UCSD, seismic activity was a major focus, both in terms of its effects and how to design against them. I wanted to find a company that was similarly concerned with earthquakes. Degenkolb also has an excellent reputation, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have been working primarily in healthcare, doing NPC work and equipment anchorage. I have also helped with education work, including designing a concession building on a new project. Additionally, I have done reconstruction work, sizing beams for a home.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I have always had an interest in math and engineering. As a kid, I would set up pulley systems with string in my room to open and close the door. I had a knack for math and knew that I wanted to apply it to something tangible. I found myself gravitating toward structures and became fascinated with bridges, complex buildings, and the “why” behind every decision.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
I would tell any intern to have an open mind, be curious, and be ready to learn. There’s a lot of new work that will seem completely unfamiliar, but be persistent and try to develop an engineering intuition through the process.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Outside of the office, I am a huge basketball fan—Go Kings! I play guitar and enjoy discovering new music. I also like exploring cities with friends by trying new restaurants and foods.
Ezequiel Imbern
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Office: San Francisco
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Structural Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. I have completed one year of the program and am expected to graduate in December 2026.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
Degenkolb’s reputation for technical depth was the main draw. The firm has been at the forefront of seismic engineering, and the chance to learn from engineers with that level of experience wasn’t something I could pass up. I was also drawn to the type of work Degenkolb takes on—projects where engineering has a direct impact on public safety and community resilience.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have worked across a wide range of projects this summer. I designed seismic anchorage for various pieces of technology equipment, which introduced me to nonstructural component design and the relevant code provisions. I also analyzed an existing post-tensioned slab to evaluate its capacity for additional construction loading, which was my first real exposure to construction engineering.
Most recently, I completed a Tier 1 and Tier 2 seismic evaluation of an existing VA facility in Fresno, working through the ASCE 41 procedures on an occupied building. Each project has pushed me to think about existing structures differently than I would a new design.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
My interest in structural engineering started with travel—seeing how different regions are built and how those buildings hold up under different conditions. Several professors during my undergraduate studies turned that curiosity into a genuine interest by showing me the analytical side of the field.
What drives me now is the pursuit of deeper knowledge and understanding. The more I learn, the more effectively I can contribute to the communities I work in, and my goal is to become the kind of engineer who leaves a lasting impact.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Ask a lot of questions. There is an enormous amount of knowledge within this firm, and people are genuinely willing to share it, but you have to be willing to ask. The questions you think are too basic are usually the ones worth asking.
Just as important, don’t hesitate to speak up about the type of work you want to do. In my experience, the teams here make a real effort to accommodate those interests.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Outside of work, I am usually behind a camera, on a trail, or planning my next trip. Photography and hiking pair well together, and traveling has been a consistent thread in my life—it’s part of what got me interested in engineering in the first place.
Ethan King
Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA
Office: Orange County
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am a master’s student at UC San Diego.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I was drawn to Degenkolb’s practice-area model because it offers flexibility and lets engineers work on projects they enjoy. I was especially interested in healthcare, but I also wanted the opportunity to explore other types of projects. Degenkolb’s strong reputation and industry recognition were also major motivators for me.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I designed a CMU enclosure for an NPC-5 tank, designed foundations and equipment pads, designed shoring towers for a seismic truss retrofit, and reviewed shop drawings.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I’ve always been fascinated by buildings and how they work. I initially wanted to become an architect because I loved buildings, but once I discovered structural engineering, I knew it was the right path for me. Learning continues to fuel my passion, and I want to keep building my knowledge as much as possible.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is really nice and willing to help.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy watching baseball, taking photos, running, trying new restaurants, reading, and playing video games.
Connor Kong
Hometown: Kahului, Hawaii
Office: San Diego
Where are you in your educational journey?
I will be a second-year master’s student at UC San Diego.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I was inspired by the complex projects Degenkolb has successfully completed and the way the firm executes them. There are not many companies that place such a strong emphasis on their employees and their development without sacrificing technical excellence.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have worked on a variety of tasks and projects, including an ASCE 41 Tier 2 linear dynamic analysis of an existing masonry and concrete office building. I’ve also assisted with a steel rooftop screen wall design and the medical equipment schedule for a new outpatient pavilion.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
The architecture of structures first sparked my interest and curiosity in structural engineering, while the field’s numerous challenges and the opportunity to benefit the community continue to drive my passion for the profession.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Always strive for improvement through curiosity. Do not hesitate to ask thoughtful questions, whether you’re seeking help or simply trying to better understand something. Many times, you will not be the first person to run into trouble in that scenario.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy bodysurfing, playing Spikeball and pickleball, watching and playing soccer, hiking, and trying new foods.
Leilani Lau
Hometown: Dublin, CA
Office: San Francisco
Where are you in your educational journey?
I completed my B.S. in Architectural Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and will be starting my M.S. in Structural Engineering at the University of California, San Diego, in the fall.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I was motivated to apply to Degenkolb after learning about the firm’s reputation as a leader in the industry and its involvement in many professional organizations. I also met some Degenkolb representatives at a career fair at Cal Poly, and their positive energy and passion for structural engineering convinced me to apply.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have been working on designing a utility tunnel as well as equipment anchorage for various Science & Technology projects. I worked on a project in the Construction Engineering practice area, evaluating the structure for material and equipment loads during construction. I have also worked on an ASCE 41 Tier 1 seismic evaluation.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I became interested in structural engineering because it combined my logical and creative sides. I enjoy being able to apply my problem-solving skills to create physical products. I continue to be passionate about structural engineering because of the impact we make on communities and the environment.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is very friendly and happy to answer your questions, and this is a great way for you to learn from others.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy reading, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and dancing. I also love going to concerts and spending time with friends and family.
Sean Lee
Hometown: Union City, CA
Office: San Francisco
Where are you in your educational journey?
I just graduated from Cal Poly SLO—go Mustangs! This fall, I’ll be attending UC San Diego for my graduate degree in Structural Engineering.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I’ve heard from countless industry professionals and professors that Degenkolb is a highly technical and accomplished firm. After coming here, it’s clear why it’s so well regarded. Everyone is friendly and brilliant!
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
Throughout my internship, I’ve learned how to design new light-framed wood buildings, seismic anchorage for equipment, and steel moment frames. I’ve mainly been learning the ropes of the different codes and standards.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I’ve recently met many of the executives in Degenkolb’s San Francisco office, and I’ve felt inspired by their experiences in structural engineering, involvement in national organizations, and contributions to advancements in our field.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Ask tons of questions! There’s too much knowledge here not to be asking questions.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I love backpacking, hiking, and rock climbing. I’m excited to travel more in the future.
Yitong Liu
Hometown: China
Office: Los Angeles
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Structural and Earthquake Engineering at UCLA. I have completed my first year and will be entering my second year this fall.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I applied to Degenkolb because of the firm’s strong reputation in seismic engineering and its focus on improving the safety and resilience of existing buildings. I was also excited about the opportunity to learn from experienced engineers and gain hands-on experience working on real projects.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
During my internship, I have worked on a variety of tasks, including seismic weight calculations, reviewing structural drawings, checking beam and reinforcement information, organizing project data, and preparing markups. I also had the opportunity to participate in a site visit and learn more about how engineering work is carried out in the field.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I became interested in structural engineering because I like understanding how buildings work and how different design decisions affect their performance. I also find it meaningful that structural engineers help make buildings safer, especially in areas with earthquake risk.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or be afraid of making mistakes. Every task is a learning opportunity, and you can learn a lot by staying curious and being willing to try.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
Outside of engineering and academics, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, playing video games, trying new restaurants, and cooking.
Ramon Olgin
Hometown: Stockton, CA
Office: Sacramento
Where are you in your educational journey?
I’m starting my master’s program at Sacramento State this fall.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I had a great experience interning here last summer, and I wanted a chance to put what I’ve learned over the last year of coursework to use in a welcoming environment.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I started this summer by helping with an MTCARR, including analyzing site photos and as-built documents to verify measurements. Then I went on an RCN site visit to see the damage after a residential tree impact and ended up assisting with the drawings and calculations for that job afterward!
Lastly, I’ve been assisting with equipment anchorage for a couple of projects, which included putting together a mechanical equipment schedule and automating some of the data to easily export into AnchorPro—hands down one of the coolest things I’ve gotten to do in Excel.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I originally pursued a degree in engineering because of my deep love of LEGO as a kid. But I never knew what kind of engineer I wanted to be until I got deeper into my coursework. As I’ve started learning the complexities and nuances of structural design, my love and passion for structural engineering continues to grow.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Always be curious. There’s a lot to learn from everyone at Degenkolb, and they’re all more than willing to engage with you about whatever piques your interest. You never know what you may learn from asking these questions, and it could even lead you to work on a project you would have never had a chance to otherwise!
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy designing models to 3D print to solve various household problems. I’ve also just begun plotting out my second novel, a story about a mission to reach another star system and how the citizens of the ship go about developing their own society when they are cut off from Earth forever. I also dabble in model painting and making and playing music.
Henry Stamps
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Office: Detroit
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am a senior at Purdue University studying Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering through the BSCE/MSCE 4+1 program.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
Two Degenkolb engineers came to Purdue to give a class talk about constructability and the types of projects for which Degenkolb was able to provide both structural and construction engineering. I saw a firm where I would be able to experience both theoretical structural design and the practical side of how that design would be built.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve worked on industrial facilities, energy projects, and data centers, including connection design and pipe rack framing and bracing.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
The complexity, importance, and impact that structural engineers get to play a role in are why I chose this field. Our decision-making impacts both the safety and economic well-being of people. Having a job where you can point to what you’ve worked on is also very neat to experience.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Ask a lot of questions, and don’t be afraid to ask them. It’s better to ask than to get stuck on a task all day. Also, try to get involved with a variety of projects if you’re able so you can develop as many skills as possible.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy running and watching college basketball and football.
Matthew Thompson
Hometown: Livermore, CA
Office: Oakland
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am studying at UC Berkeley, where I am starting my master’s degree.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I knew I wanted to get more experience in the structural engineering profession and had heard great things about Degenkolb’s culture, so I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
So far, I have worked on a wide range of projects, primarily in the medical field. Some of my main projects include Sutter Emeryville, UC Davis Health, and Stanford Health Care. Some of my favorite tasks this summer have been calculating the entire anchorage for UC Davis tanks and accompanying systems, writing an MTCAP document for the Central Core Building, and designing an entire helipad.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
Ever since I was a kid, building things has been a passion of mine. I spent a lot of free time building with LEGO, and my favorite video game was one where you could design roller coasters. I chose the structural engineering field during college, in large part because of a great experience on the Cal Seismic Team.
Now, my passion continues to grow because I feel this is a profession where you can take great pride in your work, and every new challenge both engages and intrigues me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
One piece of advice I’d give future interns is to never be afraid to ask questions or volunteer to help. Some of my best experiences this summer have come from questions I asked or projects I volunteered for. Also, make the most of the social outings. Degenkolb is full of amazing people, and these are some of the best opportunities to get to know them.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I am a big sports guy outside of work and enjoy playing baseball, pickleball, and golf. When I’m not playing, I enjoy working out and watching football, basketball, and baseball. I also like to bake, and my favorite thing to make is peppermint brownies!
Dominic Tran
Hometown: San Gabriel Valley, California
Office: Orange County
Where are you in your educational journey?
I graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Structural Engineering and will begin my M.S. in Structural Engineering at Stanford in Fall 2026.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I was interested in exploring the varied practice areas that Degenkolb has to offer, and I had heard good things about Degenkolb since I was a freshman at UC San Diego because of the firm’s involvement with the community.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve been primarily working on the analysis of existing hospital structures. For example, I have checked existing steel beams against added loads from shoring structures, retaining walls against LEP and seismic increment, CFS ceiling systems against seismic loads, and Unistrut frames against seismic loads on water tanks.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
My interest was sparked by Jenga blocks, high satisfaction rates, and the ability to make a widespread impact through collaboration. My passion is driven by the fulfillment of solving problems and helping people.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
If you want to form deeper and longer-lasting connections with others, I’d recommend setting up one-on-one lunches with people.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I have a strong preference for activities that involve other people. If I were to pick the activity, it would be badminton, climbing, or just about any sport. When I’m by myself, I like to sing, draw, or play multiplayer video games.
Ethan Vuong
Hometown: Mercer Island, WA
Office: Seattle
Where are you in your educational journey?
I recently graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. This upcoming fall, I will be returning to the University of Washington to pursue my master’s in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I noticed Degenkolb’s involvement in the structural engineering community through different associations and clubs and was able to learn more about the work Degenkolb does at a career fair. I found the different practice areas and experience in retrofits interesting and knew that it would be a great opportunity to learn more about structural engineering.
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I have been involved with construction engineering, healthcare, and education projects. On the construction engineering projects, I worked on replacing headframe beams on ferry towers and checking whether existing roofs at a medical center could withstand loads from scaffold legs.
I am also working with the Oakland office on designing equipment anchorage and footings for a hospital. I have worked on a variety of other tasks this summer, from performing ELF calculations, reviewing shop drawings, and researching companies to track carbon footprints to internal tasks tracking steel quantities from previous projects to help develop better estimates for future projects and working on mass timber connections.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
I have always been interested in earthquakes, and looking at their effects on structures sparked my interest in structural engineering. Structural engineering often goes unnoticed until something collapses, and I am driven by the opportunity to contribute something that benefits everyone.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
By having the least experience, we have the most to learn. Make the most of your internship by asking questions and getting involved in all the events Degenkolb offers.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing volleyball, bouldering, and trying new things. This summer, I started playing baseball and pickleball!
Cynthia Zhan
Hometown: Fremont, California
Office: Oakland
Where are you in your educational journey?
I am starting my second year at Stanford University as a master’s student in Structural Engineering.
What motivated you to apply for this summer internship?
I interned at Degenkolb last summer and had a great time, met some amazing people, and worked on a variety of projects that helped me learn a lot more about the profession, so I decided to come back for another summer!
What types of projects or tasks have you been involved with during your internship so far?
I’ve mostly been working on nonstructural anchorage projects for a variety of units and structure types, gaining experience with the full calculation and drafting process.
What sparked your interest in structural engineering, and what continues to drive your passion for it?
Growing up, I enjoyed building and crafting different things and learned that I loved working on tangible projects. Combining that with my interest in math and physics led me to structural engineering. Being able to see a final, physical product of my work is what makes this field so exciting to me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with future interns joining the firm?
Really listen to and absorb the brainstorming process and insights from the engineers you work with. While it’s important to understand the final approach and result of an engineering problem, it’s also helpful to see the different ideas and possibilities that were considered along the way.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of engineering and academics?
I enjoy different kinds of arts and crafts, dancing and choreographing, and reading. I also like playing video games and going to escape rooms with friends.
