By David A. F. Sweet
Nellyka (Nelly) Dennis is an Engineering Assistant for the City of Lake Forest. She works with engineers and project managers within the engineering area and collaborates with other departments within Public Works to keep infrastructure safe and functioning. She also manages capital improvement projects and performs inspections for various permits around the city. Lake Forest Love caught up with the Marquette University graduate recently. How did you become interested in engineering?
As a child, I was imaginative and had a lot of toys. But I didn’t just play with my toys, I liked to take them apart and put them back together as a way of playing with them. I was taking apart my dolls, pens, and even computers and putting them back together for as long as I can remember.
"The most important reason I chose Lake Forest was because of the department's senior leadership. I admire their intelligence and their willingness to teach me," said Nelly Dennis.
Growing up, I really enjoyed math and science classes and felt a deep passion to help others. Initially I thought becoming a medical doctor was the only way I could do this, but my interest with constructing and reconstructing things combined with my passion to help others led me to civil engineering. I don’t think many people realize how important infrastructure is to maintaining a healthy and functioning society, but I knew this from an early age.
What classes in college motivated you to pursue the profession and why?
While studying at Marquette, there were a lot of times when I wanted to give up due to the difficulty. Just when those hard times hit, I would have aha moments in the classes I really enjoyed that let me know I was on the right track. The classes that motivated me the most while in college were Structural Engineering, Earth and Environmental Physics, Differential Equations, Law for Engineers, Feminist Theology, Reinforced Concrete Design, Fluid Mechanics and Air Quality Engineering.
What appealed to you about the Lake Forest job?
The Bluff Restoration Project put Lake Forest on my radar because I was really impressed with the work. I like that Lake Forest implements climate-resilient infrastructure into the city. From the functionality of the water treatment plant to the new underground storm sewer improvements and the protection and awareness of the importance of trees all drew me to Lake Forest. I also really enjoy the architecture and gorgeous landscaping throughout the city. Finally, the most important reason I chose Lake Forest was because of the department's senior leadership. I admire their intelligence and their willingness to teach me.
What projects are you working on? What are your favorite parts about them?
I just finished the Elawa Farm Parking Lot Improvement Project, and I am working on the 2024 Street Resurfacing Project. Next I will be working on crack sealing with pollution control around the city. After that I will begin the planning for the 2025 Street Resurfacing Project. My favorite parts about all of these projects are how much I’m learning, and all of the wonderful people I get to meet while on the job. Interacting with the community and improving the infrastructure makes me smile.
What stories can you share about challenges you've overcome on projects in the past?
Sometimes I got ignored on job sites before coming here or was not taken seriously. This can be challenging, and I have a lot of stories I could tell but what is important I what I’ve learned from these challenging experiences. From these challenges I’ve learned to tread loudly, remain true to yourself and to not be afraid to ask for help. There have been times when I have been confused and full of doubt, but seeking inner wisdom and asking my teachers for help has made all the difference when facing difficultly.
How can you and others persuade more women to get involved with engineering?
I’d tell women and girls to follow their hearts. Engineering is truly a creative field, and there aren’t a lot of women in engineering because I think we can be overly critical toward ourselves in all endeavors of our lives. It is hard to be a good daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mom, and the pressure of engineering on top of that can be intense and uncomfortable at times. I want women and girls to know that it’s worth it. Whatever you put your mind to, you can do.
Comments