Eric Franco ‘26, a junior civil engineering major in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), knew at a young age that he wanted to be involved in constructing and designing infrastructure when he grew up. As an Eagle Scout, he designed, planned, attained permits, and organized the construction of a forty-foot long walkway for a trailhead, which in turn provided a crash course in civil engineering. “Civil engineers are involved every step of the way from designing, to planning and scheduling, to obtaining permits and approvals, and overseeing construction and inspection,” he says. “It covers all the bases.”
On campus, Eric is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). With ASCE, he helped build houses with Habitat for Humanity, giving him insight into operations on an active construction site. He also attends ASCE lectures whenever possible. “I really enjoy hearing from career professionals about their experiences,” he notes. In addition to the lectures, he has also taken advantage of various career fairs, where he met and spoke with many industry professionals.
Eric appreciates all of his professors, enjoys the small-class feel, and loves the friendly and agreeable atmosphere of the entire campus. Within CETA specifically, he says the college has prepared him well by providing building blocks that allow him and his fellow students to “take off running” upon graduation.
In particular, there are three CETA faculty members who have made a great impact on Eric’s time at UHart: Department Chair Clara Fang, who introduced him to many of the fundamental topics that highway designers use; Construction Management and Technology Program Director Ted Sussmann, whose class discussions always covered unique ideas; and Applied Professor of Engineering Todd Brown, who was instrumental in helping him secure his first-year summer internship.
Eric became an intern at the Connecticut Department of Transportation in May 2024, and currently works in the State Highway Design unit. The unit is involved in intersection safety and highway drainage improvements, roadway resurfacing, multi-use trails, and commuter parking facilities. “My favorite part of the internship is working with the people,” he says. “There are a lot of young employees and everyone views each other as equals.” He will continue the internship this summer, and hopes to subsequently secure a full-time role.
Outside of campus, Eric loves to attend car shows, and he enjoys landscape and architectural photography. He has even combined his two hobbies by taking photographs at many automobile races. He adds to that some astrophotography, as well, most notably the 2024 solar eclipse in Vermont.