Latinx Heritage Month:
Amplifying voices in civil and environmental engineering

October 9, 2025

By Jana Crouch

National Hispanic and Latinx/é Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the community. 

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering invited students, faculty, and staff to share their individual perspectives and experiences as members of both the engineering and Latinx communities.

The department embraces Colorado State University’s Principles of Community, and acknowledges the historic and ongoing underrepresentation for many populations within civil engineering. The department is committed to amplifying voices and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

"I carry my community with me into every space I enter, knowing that my achievements are a reflection of their sacrifice and hard work."
Kaylee Romero Garcia

Undergraduate: Civil Engineering

Kaylee Romero is a senior civil engineering major from Greeley, Colorado. Her curiosity for how and why things work drew her to engineering. She loves to see the tangible results of large-scale projects, and how engineers positively contribute to society.

“Studying engineering is like trying to solve a never-ending puzzle and I was interested in that challenge,” said Kaylee.

Kaylee’s takes pride in her ability to pursue opportunities and step into new roles while representing her heritage and those that came before her. 

“I am a seed of hardworking, humble, and loving people. My community has helped me believe in who I am and has supported me through every endeavor,” she said.

“I am beyond proud to represent them and to take up the space that I hold. I carry my community with me into every space I enter, knowing that my achievements are a reflection of their sacrifice and hard work.”

Samuel Carles Pedroza

Graduate: Environmental Engineering

"It is a wonderful privilege to showcase my Latin culture to my friends here in the states. Teaching them Spanish slang, cooking for them, and bringing Panamanian traditions to them is always so incredibly fun!"

Samuel Carles Pedroza earned his environmental engineering bachelor’s degree in May 2025, and stayed at CSU to continue his graduate studies in bioremediation and subsurface contaminant hydrology.

Samuel is proud of the impact he’s had on other students through his service on campus.

“I was the lead calculus tutor at TILT for 2 years and I saw both the triumphs and the defeats of many a people that passed through that hall. I feel most proud of being there to see it all and serve my community through peer mentoring.”

His hometown is Panama City in the Republic of Panama. He plans to return and contribute to the mine waste management and remediation efforts across Panama. But for now, he loves sharing pieces of home with his friends in the U.S.

“It is a wonderful privilege to showcase my Latin culture to my friends here in the states. Teaching them Spanish slang, cooking for them, and bringing Panamanian traditions to them is always so incredibly fun!”

"One thing I value in my Latinx heritage is the emphasis on family, I really appreciate how close we all are and how important our relationship is."

Carolyn Malkoc

Undergraduate: Environmental Engineering

Carolyn Malkoc is an environmental engineering senior from Littleton, Colorado. She is interested in solid waste management, water resources, and environmental education.

Carolyn plans to pursue graduate school out of state while continuing to gain professional experience.

She volunteers with the Triunfo Mentoring Program through CSU’s El Centro where she is proud of the academic and emotional support she’s provided to elementary school kids. She’s also proud of her heritage.

“One thing I value in my Latinx heritage is the emphasis on family, I really appreciate how close we all are and how important our relationship is. Also, in Honduras, there is a traditional dance called Punta that has beautiful dresses and fun music!”

Antônio Alves Meira Neto

Assistant Professor

"Knowing where I come from makes me always put those things in perspective and not get too caught up in the grind."

Assistant Professor Antônio Alves Meira Neto teaches courses and leads research in hydrologic science and engineering. He grew up in Salvador in the state of Bahia, Brazil and joined the CSU faculty two years ago.

While he may joke that he prefers being locked away in his office so he can code, Antônio is definitely a people-person.

“I like to yap. I enjoy interacting with our staff, colleagues, and students. We have a good atmosphere here, and I feel welcomed.”

He credits his Brazilian culture for helping him always keep balance and perspective in life.

“Brazilians tend to be a very warm, laid-back people and I feel respected for who I am here. American culture can complement the values I learned growing up and vice-versa. People here can be very focused on career and accomplishments. Growing up, those were our last concerns! Knowing where I come from makes me always put those things in perspective and not get too caught up in the grind.”

“Being a dad is where I learned the most in life. No professional accomplishment can compare to raising someone.”

“I struggled with feeling 'not enough' on either side of my identity. But over time, I learned that being mixed and navigating multiple cultures is a strength."

Susheela Mallipudi

Graduate Advisor

Susheela Mallipudi is the Graduate Advisor for civil and environmental engineering. Originally from central New Jersey, she has been at CSU for more than a decade, supporting students and earning her master’s degree in higher education. 

“Going back to school for a second master’s and completely switching careers felt a bit like jumping off a cliff, but it turned out to be a great move.”

Now, Susheela’s favorite part of her job is working with graduate students.

“I get totally jazzed about the research they’re doing- it’s creative, ambitious, and fun. But what really keeps me going is watching them grow—seeing someone go from wide-eyed new graduate student to confident scholar or professional is incredibly gratifying.”

Growing up, her parents did not emphasize their Indian and Mexican American cultures, so Susheela lacked a solid understanding of her own heritage. As an adult, she became curious and began asking questions.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate my heritage more and more. I struggled with feeling ‘not enough’ on either side of my identity. But over time, I learned that being mixed and navigating multiple cultures is a strength.”

“I often felt like I was straddling multiple worlds, caught between cultures and never fully accepted by any side. It took time to realize that I didn’t have to choose just one part of my identity.”

José Luis Chávez Egüez

Professor

"My heritage has greatly helped me value opportunities, life, relationships, family, and nature."

Professor José Luis Chávez Egüez is an irrigation expert and researches global agricultural water management and evapotranspiration. He uses remote sensing and other modern technology to improve irrigation systems.

Originally from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Chávez has now been at CSU for more than 16 years. The best part of his job is the connections he makes with others. 

“I enjoy interacting with students, faculty, and staff from different departments and centers, as well as irrigation management stakeholders and finding opportunities for international collaboration.”

Chávez is grateful for his upbringing in Bolivia and his faith, both central to who he is today.

“My heritage has greatly helped me value opportunities, life, relationships, family, and nature. I am very proud of my spiritual growth and my relationship with the Creator. I am very grateful to all who have contributed to who I am today.”

 

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National Latinx/é Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15

National Latinx/é Heritage Month is a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx communities. CSU's El Centro centers voices that can’t be erased, uplifts joy, and imagines new futures. This year’s theme, Joy, Resilience, Futurism, invites us to honor our ancestors, celebrate our present, and build toward collective freedom.

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