Role: Civil Engineer
Team: Water/Wastewater
Years at Snyder: 4
For Amanda Rodell, EI, engineering is rooted in purpose. It is about protecting both the environment and the communities that depend on it. That motivation started early, sparked by a high school environmental science course and shaped by growing up near several Superfund sites in northern St. Louis, making her think about how to keep the environment and the people in it safe and healthy.
That perspective led her to pursue environmental engineering, guided in part by her mentor, Dr. Taylor, who helped point her toward the field. Today, that same sense of purpose shows up in the work she does every day at Snyder.
In her role on the Water/Wastewater team, no two weeks look exactly alike, and that is one of her favorite parts. She might be working on reports, running calculations, building models, developing designs, or preparing cost estimates. The variety keeps the work engaging and always evolving.
“Every project is a little different, so we are always changing things up.”
One of her most memorable milestones so far has been seeing her first project through construction. Watching something move from an idea to a set of drawings and eventually into a fully functioning system reinforced the impact of her work.
“Seeing it go from concept to reality was incredibly rewarding.”
While technical skills are essential, she is quick to point out that the strength of engineering lies in collaboration. Being open to feedback and different perspectives does not weaken a design. It strengthens it.
“If someone has another idea, it does not make you wrong. It can make the end result better.”
That mindset is something she values deeply about working at Snyder, where ideas can come from anyone and are genuinely heard, whether from an intern or a senior engineer. Strong communication, she says, is what ultimately makes a team successful.
Her approach also carries into the advice she shares with those just starting out in their careers.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions. Chances are, most of us had the same ones when we started.”
As a woman in engineering, she sees the profession as one that benefits from diverse perspectives and encourages others to pursue it with confidence.
“If it is something you are passionate about, do not let your fears or assumptions hold you back. STEM is for everyone, and different viewpoints make us better.”
Outside of work, she channels her creativity in a different way through crafting, especially embroidery. In fact, her work earned recognition at the Iowa State Fair. It reflects the same creativity she brings to problem-solving, where thinking beyond the obvious often leads to stronger outcomes.
At the core of everything she does is a desire to make a lasting and meaningful impact.
“I hope we are able to protect the built and natural environment and the people in surrounding communities, with clean water.”
It is that balance of technical expertise, creativity, and purpose that defines her work and continues to drive her forward.
