Building the Path Forward: Palmer Engineering Hosts Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Palmer Engineering recently welcomed local high school students to its Lexington office for its first-ever Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, offering a behind-the-scenes look at civil engineering in action during National Engineers Week.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Engineering
The morning began with introductions and an overview of Palmer Engineering’s work across Kentucky. Engineers shared examples of past and current transportation and site development projects, giving students insight into how ideas move from concept to construction.
Through real project discussions, students saw how collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving come together in the design process — and how engineers shape the communities around them.
Engineer Shadow Session: Real Projects, Real Experience
One of the highlights of the day was the Engineer Shadow Session, where students rotated and spent one-on-one time with a female Palmer engineer.
During each rotation, students explored real, active Palmer projects — reviewing plans, asking questions, and learning what a typical day looks like for a civil engineer. The rotating format exposed students to a variety of roles within the firm — from designing transportation systems and analyzing watersheds to planning water and sewer treatment plants, underground pipe networks, and bridge structures — all while maintaining meaningful personal interaction.
Reflecting on the experience, one student shared that she especially enjoyed learning about the different watersheds in Lexington, Kentucky. She was also fascinated by hearing from a Palmer structures engineer about bridge inspections and the requirements involved in climbing bridges.
By the end of the session, students had connected classroom concepts to real-world applications and gained a broader understanding of the many paths available within civil engineering.
Q & A Lunch with Palmer Engineers
Over lunch, students participated in a relaxed Q&A session with Palmer engineers, where the conversation shifted from projects to personal experiences and practical advice for the future.
Erin Remley, a University of Kentucky College of Engineering graduate and an Engineer in Training, reminded the students that “networking is so important once they’re in college.” She encouraged them to pursue as many internships as possible, emphasizing that hands-on experience and building relationships can open doors throughout their careers.
Megan Fister, also a University of Kentucky College of Engineering graduate and an Engineer in Training, urged the students to attend career fairs in college — even if they didn’t feel completely prepared. She encouraged them to talk to at least one company, reminding them that stepping outside their comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Why Events Like This Matter
Programs like Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day provide early exposure to the skills and mindset needed for success in engineering.
Stephanie Blain, PE, Vice President, Palmer Engineering, shared that when hiring engineers, she “wants to hire problem solvers.” The ability to approach a challenge, think critically, and work toward a solution is one of the most important traits she looks for in candidates.
Stephanie also reflected on her own career, sharing that she was fortunate to have a wonderful mentor when she was starting out. That experience shaped her professional journey and fueled her passion for mentoring female engineers today — something she views as both a responsibility and a privilege.
Events like this help students begin developing that mindset — building curiosity, resilience, and confidence long before they enter college or the workforce.
For Palmer Engineering, the event reflects a broader commitment to community engagement and long-term workforce development. By opening its doors to students, the firm hopes to inspire future engineers who are ready to tackle real-world challenges.
Looking Ahead
As its first year hosting the event, Palmer hopes to expand future National Engineers Week programming to additional offices and broaden participation in the years ahead, creating opportunities for both male and female students to explore careers in engineering.
By investing in young learners today, Palmer Engineering is helping build the path forward for tomorrow’s problem solvers — the engineers who will design and strengthen our communities for years to come.