From job sites and blueprints to the basketball court and national engineering competitions, Lincoln Memorial University School of Engineering student Aubree Laney is building her future one challenge at a time. As Lincoln Memorial University recognizes the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, Laney’s journey as a civil engineering major highlights the impact women continue to make in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Established by the United Nations, International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrates women’s contributions to scientific advancement while encouraging greater gender equity in STEM fields. At LMU, Laney represents a new generation of women helping shape the future of engineering through hands-on learning, collaboration, and perseverance.
Laney’s interest in civil engineering began early through exposure to her family’s construction business.
“My dad used to (and still does) bring me to different project sites to see what goes into construction,” she said. “I got to meet several different engineers and architects and loved the versatility and creativity in these different jobs.”
That early experience helped solidify her career path long before she arrived at LMU. After visiting campus and learning more about the civil engineering program, Laney knew she had found the right fit.
“I knew for the last couple years that I was in high school that I wanted to pursue civil engineering. After meeting Dr. [Ryan] Overton, [Dean of the School of Engineering], on my visit and listening to his practical approach, I knew I had made the right choice,” she explained. “There are so many different aspects of civil [engineering] that I can one day decide to specialize in, but for now I enjoy learning about all of them.”
As a student, Laney has applied classroom concepts through her involvement with LMU’s Steel Bridge
Team, a competitive organization where students design, fabricate, and test a steel bridge for regional and national competitions. The team placed second at the 2024 regional competition and advanced to nationals. The experience underscored the value of experiential learning while providing opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and professional growth.
“I learned a lot of practical things in building the bridge which encourages me to continue doing well and learning in my schoolwork. I also made new friends and more connections within our program as one of the few women studying engineering at LMU.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Laney balances a demanding engineering curriculum with collegiate 
basketball which she said helps her develop time management, communication, and leadership skills that translate across both disciplines. She is currently on track to graduate in spring 2028 and plans to pursue a career in civil engineering, with the long-term goal of earning her Professional Engineering license.
Through students like Laney, LMU continues to support the mission of International Day of Women and Girls in Science by empowering women to pursue scientific careers, fostering inclusive learning environments, and preparing future leaders in engineering and beyond.
For more information about the LMU School of Engineering, visit lmunet.edu/school-of-engineering/ or contact Overton at Ryan.Overton@LMUnet.edu.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The university’s main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email admissions@lmunet.edu.
