About Me.
Finding Myself
My name is Rachel Helm. I am a recent graduate of Auburn University holding a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Biological Systems Engineering. I was born in a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana. However, when I was three, my father accepted a job in Kuala Kencana, Indonesia, and my young family was quickly uprooted. In Indonesia, my father, mother, older brother, and I quite literally lived in the middle of a rainforest. I spent my days capturing insects to watch them grow, planting my own pineapple and bananas, and splitting rocks in my driveway to examine their intricate insides. Life was an adventure, an endless game, and it was in Indonesia that I fell in love with the beauty, simplicity, and complexity of the life. After moving back to the United States following five years in Indonesia, I settled back into American culture in a suburb of New Orleans. However, it was here that I saw another side of Mother Nature. Year after year, my family was temporarily displaced in the wrath of hurricanes. I quickly learned that as beautiful as nature is, it can be equally destructive. Oddly enough, this further intrigued my interest in the environment and human health. Making Progress I have always pursued a challenging and fast-paced lifestyle; so, after graduating from high school, I chose to leave all of my friends and break a strong chain of legacies to Louisiana State University in order to attend Auburn University. I easily chose a major that complimented both my talents and my passions: Biological Systems Engineering. Biological Systems Engineering allows me to showcase my aptitude for mathematics and science while also allowing me to gain knowledge that I can use to properly utilize the environment and conserve human health. Starting in 2014, I worked as a Cooperative Education student for Weston Solutions in Auburn, Alabama. As a Co-Op student, I rotated working as a full-time employee and working as a full-time student for six consecutive terms. At Weston, I was responsible for testing air emissions at various processing plants nationwide. I also worked under the Chemistry Laboratory in assisting to analyze and process samples. In 2017, I was honored to win Auburn University's and the State of Alabama's award for the Most Outstanding Cooperative Education Student for my work with Weston. Most recently, I was able serve as an environmental engineering intern for HDR, Inc. in Pensacola, FL. At HDR, I applied the technical skills I have learned in my classes to complete environmental assessment reports on a variety of transportation projects, including permitting and surveying. Additionally, I gained exposure and knowledge of water supply systems and drainage design. While in school, I maintained a spot on the Dean’s List every semester; while I also enjoyed getting involved in various on-campus organizations including the Cupola Engineering Ambassadors, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Epsilon, Cardinal Key Honorary, Lambda Sigma Honorary, and the Freshman Leadership Program. I also proudly served the Auburn University Chapter of the American Society of Biological and Agricultural Engineers as Vice President. For the Future After completing my Bachelor of Engineering degree, I accepted a job with Geosyntec Consultants in Kennesaw, Georgia. I am eager to continue to grow as an engineer and a leader in a challenging Biological Systems-related discipline. I hope to continue to be challenged in a way that will allow me to develop my leadership and technical skill. I feel that by gaining these skills, I will be better able to succeed as a leader as I continue in my professional career, With aspirations to attain my Professional Engineer license, I thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy work environment. I believe my eagerness to learn, my strong interpersonal skills, and my positive outlook make me a true asset to any team. |
My brother and I in traditional Indonesian dress (1997)
My classmates and I exploring the Indonesian rainforest (1997)
My Freshman Leadership Program participating in the annual Mud Run (2013)
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