From Interns to Graduates - Palmer’s Class of 2026
At Palmer Engineering, internships are designed to give students hands-on experience, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities to grow professionally. This year, we’re proud to celebrate several interns who recently graduated as they continue building their futures in engineering and surveying.
Developing young professionals is an important part of Palmer Engineering’s culture. Through internship and co-op opportunities, students are able to gain real-world experience before graduation by working alongside experienced engineers, contributing to projects, and gaining exposure to different areas of the profession.
Palmer Engineering also emphasizes mentorship throughout the company, encouraging experienced engineers and surveyors to guide younger professionals and involve them in all phases of project work. The goal is to provide students and young professionals with a variety of experiences that help them grow into well-rounded members of the industry.
For many of Palmer’s recent graduates, that mentorship made a lasting impact during their internship experience. Clay Smith credited Jamie Fielder with helping him learn OpenRoads roadway design software and making him feel welcomed at Palmer from day one. Clay, a University of Kentucky graduate, completed his internship in the Winchester office and has now joined the transportation team in Palmer Engineering’s Louisville office full-time.
Matthew Erickson, EIT shared that David Rust, PE and Jon Murrin, PE helped him grow by creating an environment where he felt comfortable asking questions and taking on meaningful work. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Matthew recently passed the FE exam and will join the structures team in Palmer Engineering’s Northern Kentucky office.
During her time at Palmer, Ella Ward, a surveyor intern who attended Cincinnati State, said working under James Mayo has had a tremendous impact on both her professional and personal growth.
“He has taught me so much when it comes to being a great surveyor,” she said. “Not only has he taught me about surveying, but about becoming a better person and possessing the good qualities a great surveyor should have.”
Photo: James Mayo and Ella Ward head out for a surveying project — snow and all — allowing her to gain hands-on field experience along the way.
Zach Price, a recent graduate of George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, Kentucky, said Josh Coburn, PE and Nick Ward played an important role in his internship experience by helping teach him about the engineering field while always being patient and encouraging throughout the process.
Josh Coburn, who also began his career through an internship at Palmer Engineering, understands firsthand the impact those opportunities can have on students entering the industry. A Winchester native, Coburn first became interested in civil engineering after enjoying math and science in school and later discovered his interest in transportation design during his internship at Palmer. He said the company’s welcoming environment and mentorship culture are what have kept him at Palmer throughout his career
From construction sites to sampling locations, Palmer Engineering interns have opportunities to experience engineering beyond the classroom and office. Natalie Willett, EIT (pictured left), a University of Kentucky graduate, said some of her favorite internship experiences involved collecting soil and water samples in the field.
Matthew said he enjoyed gaining exposure to both bridge inspections and bridge design work, while Ella — whose passion for land surveying began with her father at a young age — said she is excited to continue spending time in the field.
Many of the interns also shared accomplishments they were especially proud of during their time at Palmer. Clay highlighted learning roadway design software and contributing to projects in Eastern Kentucky near his hometown. Natalie, who joined the civil team in Palmer Engineering’s Lexington office full-time in June, said she was especially proud of learning grading work during her internship.
As these students begin the next chapter of their careers, they are excited to continue learning, gaining experience, and making an impact within the engineering and surveying industries.
Supporting young professionals is an important part of Palmer Engineering’s culture and future. We’re proud of these graduates and thankful for the contributions they’ve already made during their time with our team. We’re excited to see where their careers take them and all they accomplish in the years ahead.
We’re proud to recognize all of our interns and recent graduates who have contributed to Palmer Engineering’s continued success.
