From Engineering Dreams to Global Impact

What happens when your dream to save the world meets the reality of design spreadsheets and construction sites?

In this episode, Dr. Dennis Truax talks with civil engineer and nonprofit leader Laura Wilson, who shares how her early passion for environmental work turned into a career that spans consulting, hands-on international development, and leadership in Engineers Without Borders.

Laura opens up about:

• Choosing civil engineering over her parents’ chemical engineering legacy

• What it felt like to lead life-changing water projects in Zambia

• Why remote work didn’t fully replace office collaboration

• The leap of faith she took to leave consulting for the nonprofit world

• And what she wants her impact to be, long after the work is done.

Whether you're a student figuring out your path or a professional considering a pivot, this conversation is packed with clarity, honesty, and purpose.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

• Engineers Without Borders

• Mississippi State University

• Global water resource challenges

• Transitioning from design work to nonprofit infrastructure support

🎙️ Host: Dr. Dennis D. Truax
📍 Guest: Laura Wilson
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