Meet the Future of AEC: Our 2025 Summer Cohort Students

I am a rising Junior at the University of Virginia, School of Architecture, majoring in Urban + Environmental Studies with a minor in Real Estate and Architecture.

2nd Year Intern for Hensel Phelps studying at Virginia Tech

I am a senior Civil engineering Student at morgan state university. Prior to attending morgan state, I went to a tech school where I studied environmental engineering/ technology for 7 years. I have developed leadership skills and teamwork skills through hands-on experience in collaborative projects and leadership roles. During my junior year in college, I served as president for the American Society of Civil Engineers and a representative for the Society of Women Engineers.

Orion Douglas is a senior at the University of Chicago, double majoring in Environment, Geography & Urbanization and Global Studies, with a minor in GIS. As a Global Health & Social Development Scholar, he is passionate about using urban design to address social determinants of health in marginalized communities. Orion’s design perspective blends urban ecology, cultural memory, and history, rooted in the belief that the built environment can tell stories and support more equitable futures. This summer, he is excited to collaborate with the Global Inclusion Studio, contributing to efforts that advance the 5 Strategies to Build a Just and Inclusive Future.

Driven construction management student with hands-on experience in field operations, virtual design, and project coordination. Skilled in Building Information Modeling, site safety, and quality control with a strong ability to adapt in fast-paced environments. Committed to collaboration, continuous learning, and contributing to efficient, high-quality project outcomes. Actively involved in student leadership and cultural organizations, with a strong dedication to equity, sustainability, and innovation in the built environment.

My name is Alexis Mitchell. I am 21 years old and I reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I was also born and raised. I am a Marketing assistant at Barr & Barr in the Mid-Atlantic office, where I’ve been for a year now. My long-term professional goals are to someday run a marketing department built on strong communication, reach, and graphic skills. I hope to learn more about the construction industry as I continue to grow as a young professional woman in a male-driven field.

Ava is an aspiring Civil Engineer going into her sophomore year of college at Kennesaw state University. Originally from Conyers GA. She is eager to expand her knowledge and contribute to the forefront of the industry. Upon her completion of college, Ava plans on focusing on residential planning with hopes to work under a construction firm.

Autumn Rose is a dual-degree undergraduate at Prairie View A&M University, pursuing Architecture and Construction Science with an expected graduation in 2026. As President of the ABC PVAMU Student Chapter and Historian for AGC, Autumn leads student engagement, industry partnerships, and professional development initiatives. She has interned with top general contractors and currently supports the DFW Airport ARFF design-build project as a Project Management Intern with JE Dunn Construction. Autumn brings hands-on experience across general contracting, electrical distribution, and architectural design. Passionate about equity-driven development, she has designed affordable housing solutions for Houston Community Land Trust and remains committed to shaping sustainable, community-centered spaces. Her long-term vision is to lead the development of master-planned communities that prioritize access, culture, and resilience.

I’m a sophomore electrical engineering major at Prairie View A&M University, originally from Colorado. I chose electrical engineering for its rigor and the opportunity it gives me to apply my problem-solving mindset. I’m focused on gaining hands-on experience while maintaining a strong GPA. I’ve completed two internships, conducted research at the University of Denver, and currently serve as a project engineer co-op at USG. With so much more to learn, I’m eager to take on any challenge that comes my way.

Alanna Steals is an emerging professional with cross-functional internship experience in operations, systems engineering, and marketing across the construction, manufacturing, and life sciences industries. Most recently, she served as an Operations Intern at Hensel Phelps in both field and office environments, gaining hands-on exposure to project coordination and construction management. Her prior roles include a marketing internship with Trane Technologies’ Thermo King division, where she contributed to product positioning strategies, and a systems engineering internship at Bayer, where she supported process optimization initiatives.

Alanna brings a versatile skill set that bridges technical problem-solving with strategic communication, making her well-suited for roles at the intersection of engineering, business, and innovation.

Alanna will graduate from Purdue University in December 2025 with a dual degree in Civil Engineer and Criminology.