Posted on March 29, 2022
Post categories: Uncategorized
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we take time to learn more about Professor Carrie Sturts Dossick and her experiences working as a woman in construction.
Carrie Sturts Dossick didn’t set out to break new ground when she decided to pursue civil engineering in college. “It never dawned on me that I shouldn’t do it and I came in a bit oblivious to the fact that I was joining a male-dominated field. I just thought that it was an interesting subject and I wanted to try it.” Undeterred by the gender disparity, she continued her studies. She enjoyed it. She was skilled at it. So, she stayed.
With her bachelor’s in civil engineering, Carrie went on to pursue a master’s and then PhD at Columbia University, where she received guidance and support from a retired Army Corps engineer, Dr. F. H. (Bud) Griffis, who served as her advisor. Recognizing the need for women in the field, he actively recruited and championed the women in his lab. With his mentorship, Carrie attended national conferences, connected with others in the industry, and contributed to consulting work. “He told me I could do this, that I was smart and capable, and welcome. I wouldn’t be doing this today if it wasn’t for him inviting me into the profession.”