At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference, we sit down with ACEC Scholarship recipient Evan Lopez, whose journey from Rutgers University to Clemson University reflects both determination and a deepening passion for solving real-world engineering challenges. In this episode, Evan opens up about how he discovered industrial engineering, why the discipline’s blend of systems thinking and practical problem-solving resonated with him, and the professors, mentors, and academic programs that pushed him to grow beyond the classroom.

Evan also shares his emerging career focus on geothermal energy—a field he believes will play a transformative role in the nation’s clean-energy transition. He talks about the increasing need for engineers who can integrate technical expertise with sustainability goals, and why hands-on experience in labs, co-ops, and fieldwork is essential for the next generation of engineering professionals.

We discuss how the ACEC scholarship is not just financial support but a catalyst for Evan’s long-term ambitions: securing competitive internships, pursuing his master’s degree, and ultimately earning his Professional Engineer license. His story highlights how early investment in young engineers fuels innovation, broadens the talent pipeline, and strengthens the future of the industry.

Tune in for a conversation about mentorship, emerging energy technologies, and the opportunities that shape tomorrow’s engineering leaders.