Who are you in a few words?
My name is Luke Linn. I’m currently in my fourth year studying Structural Engineering at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). In addition to my studies, I serve as the Project Manager of the Steel Bridge team, where I oversee the planning, design, and construction of our competition bridge.
Why did you choose civil engineering at UCI?
I chose Civil Engineering because of my passion for building houses. From a young age, I was fascinated by the process of turning raw materials into a place someone could call home. As I progressed in my studies at UCI, I found myself drawn more towards Construction Management. I enjoy the dynamic nature of the construction site and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life right before my eyes. Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a career in this field.
What’s Steel Bridge?
Steel Bridge is a competition hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Teams from various universities design and construct a scale-model steel bridge, which is then judged on its weight, construction speed, aesthetics, and other factors. The competition provides a practical application of engineering principles and a valuable team-building experience.
What’s something valuable you have learned being in this club?
Being part of the Steel Bridge team has taught me invaluable skills, such as leadership, time management, and professional networking. However, the most important lesson I’ve learned is the art of task delegation. Understanding the strengths of each team member and assigning tasks accordingly is crucial for the success of any project.
What was your most memorable moment in Steel Bridge?
My most memorable moments are always from our annual ASCE conferences where we compete against other schools. These events provide an opportunity for our team to showcase our hard work and dedication. But more than the competition itself, it’s the bonding with my team during these trips that I cherish the most.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your underclassmen?
Balancing school and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but perseverance is key. It may seem overwhelming at times, but the skills and experiences you gain from pushing through and managing your commitments will pay off in the long run. Every effort you put in contributes to your personal and professional growth.
Luke Linn headshot
UCI Steel Bridge team during a practice build session
From left to right:
Andrew Lam, Joseph Tinney, Luke Linn, Alexandra Merrem, Isaiah Caleb Hernandez, Vinh Vu, Felobater Ibraham