Biography

Helen McDaniel, Catholic University '25, is a civil engineering and AFROTC student. After graduation, she will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant Civil Engineer in the United States Air Force and will begin her master's degree in General Engineering Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology. 

Briefly describe your new opportunity.

"I applied and was accepted into a competitive program where newly commissioned second lieutenant civil engineers go straight to the Air Force Institute of Technology, as their full-time job, to earn their master's degree in general engineering management." 

How did your School of Engineering and Catholic University education help you find this career path?

"Without Catholic University's great partnership with Howard University and their Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program, I would have been unable to achieve my career and academic goals."

What activities were you involved in during undergrad?

"I was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and competed in the ASCE Steel Bridge Competition, before my requirements with AFROTC increased. In addition, I attended Society of Women Engineers (SWE) events on campus. I was also on the E-Board of the Catholic University Swing Dance Club and even helped teach lessons on occasion. Finally, I was a lector and cantor for Student Ministry."

What were some highlights of your time at The Catholic University of America?

"I really enjoyed taking site tours of the construction of Garvey Hall and the new Conway School of Nursing building, and seeing those projects turn into usable buildings. I enjoyed helping Dr. Gunnar Lucko with research on game theory and the development of his Rome Institute class. I also enjoyed all my walks around this beautiful campus!"