On the choppy waters of the Tennessee River, onlookers watched UTC rowers race a student-built concrete canoe against a traditional rowing shell. On Nov. 16, the “Athletes vs. Engineers” event showcased the skills of the UTC Department of Civil Engineering and UTC Rowing Team in a 500-meter race.
First-generation student breaking barriers in civil engineering
Arly Perez-Morales is navigating uncharted waters—and redefining what’s possible along the way. Perez-Morales, a junior at UTC, is a first-generation college student pursuing civil engineering—a field historically underrepresented among women and Hispanic/Latinx professionals. With a desire to make a difference, her first-gen story reflects the purpose and the importance of family support.