Shivani Pemaraj, a Purdue University engineering student, interned with Skanska to work on sustainable construction projects after being inspired by the Kendeda Building in Atlanta. She hopes to work on Living Building Challenge projects in the future and gained experience with LEED documentation and environmental inspections during her internship.

Pemaraj’s internship at Skanska involved learning software, handling subcontractor documentation, and working on project turnover processes. She aims to work on a Living Building Challenge project in the future. Pemaraj’s interest in sustainable design and her passion for karate parallel her work in construction.

Pemaraj is currently working on a mission-critical project in metro Atlanta, coordinating with subcontractors, tracking data for LEED certifications, and learning from a diverse group of colleagues. She values the enriching experiences in all phases of construction, from preconstruction to project turnover.

During her internship, Pemaraj had the opportunity to attend a client meeting at the Lifecycle Building Center, witnessing the material circularity process. She also toured the Kendeda Building, learning about energy-efficient systems and sustainable design features, which was an exciting experience for her.

In male-dominated fields like karate and construction, Pemaraj advises women to advocate for themselves, take up space, and pursue their interests. She encourages being curious about different projects, careers, and people to learn and grow. Confidence and assertiveness are key in standing out and succeeding in any field.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Skanska intern builds on her interest in sustainable construction