OSU Voices

A firm believer in the beauty of the outdoors, environmental engineering student Logan Smesrud can be found adventuring in and around Corvallis, as well as participating in undergraduate research and IM soccer. She is a member of Phi Sigma Rho and also involved in the College of Engineering’s program for women in engineering. She shares a few of her favorite things about Oregon State and why she is a true Beaver Believer.

Q.  What are three random facts about you?
I went to preschool at OSU at Beaver Beginnings.
I went to a Grateful Dead concert when I was two years old (and Jerry Garcia was still alive).
In high school, I did speed golf tournaments.

Q.  Why did you choose your major?
I chose to pursue environmental engineering because I want to work on projects that benefit humanity and the environment. I foresee environmental engineers having a permanent role in our society’s future. Wherever there are people, there will be a need for water treatment, sustainable water management, pollution control and containment remediation.

Q.  What class have you enjoyed most?
I really loved microbiology. I could see its applications in my major and that was neat, but mostly I just thought the labs were super fun (one week we made yogurt). I was also incredibly amazed with the professor’s energy level at 8 a.m. in the morning — wow!

Q.  What is your favorite memory at OSU?
My sorority participates in Relay for Life at OSU. The relay involves someone from your team walking around the MU Quad with a baton for all hours of the night at the event because “cancer doesn’t sleep, neither should we.” It was great to walk for hours and hours in good company, raise money for the American Cancer Association and feel the community of Beaver Nation.

Q.  What is the best way for you to de-stress?
Definitely running! I like to run solo and without music or a phone to de-stress. I love running around the Timber Hill area and Chip Ross Park. There are so many beautiful places to escape to in Corvallis.

Q.  What activities have you been involved in at OSU?
As a College of Engineering student ambassador, I’ve been able to get involved with a lot of really neat events and programs. For the past two years, during Welcome Week I’ve been a mentor for the Women in Engineering Orientation Program. It is such a fun way to kick off the school year by going rafting on the McKenzie River with a bunch of excited first-year students.

Q.  How have your experiences outside of the classroom impacted you?
My experiences outside of the classroom are what keep me motivated and excited about where I am and what I’m doing. OSU has so many resources for students to get involved. I’ve gotten a lot out of internships because once you see how your coursework applies to the “real world,” classes are so much more exciting. In addition to academics, college at OSU wouldn’t be complete without going to the sporting events, getting involved in student clubs and exploring the outdoors on the weekends.

Q.  What advice would you give to a new OSU student?
When you get here try everything! I recommend engaging in clubs, sports and everything in between so that you can get a feel for everything that’s out there before deciding what you really like.

Q.  What Oregon State experience took you by surprise and why?
Probably the Snowpocalypse in 2013 … that was crazy! First of all, I couldn’t believe it snowed that much in one night. And secondly, I couldn’t believe that finals were actually moved. I was pretty excited about getting a few more days to study for organic chemistry!

Q.  What makes OSU special?
In our 10 minute passing periods between classes, I always run into at least one person that I know, and I love that! For being such a big state school, OSU has a pretty connected community.