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Gustavo Ferreira Costa

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am a junior at the University of California, Davis, pursuing a double bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering ,with a specialization in water and environmental fields. My academic journey began in Environmental Engineering in my home country in Brazil, where I developed a strong foundation in critical thinking, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental, Social, and Economic. My background shaped my ability to design creative, efficient and low-cost solutions to face the obstacles by emerging countries. My recent experience in the US provided me with innovative skills and expanded my technical and innovative skills. In my academic journey I could participate in administrative rules in clubs and make part of project teams which gave me important skills of leadership, group work and designer process. I believe that my experience in academic research has also given me the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and proactivity. Among the classes I have already taken, I have been able to develop skills in calculus, project planning, quality indicators, and software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and office suites, as well as having taken several courses related to infrastructure systems, and water systems. I am motivated to apply my skills to real-world water and environmental challenges while continuing to grow as an engineer.

Education

University of California-Davis

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Civil Engineering

Canada College

Associate's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Engineering, General

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Civil Engineering
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Civil Engineering

    • Dream career goals:

      Water engineering resources

    • Honors Student Ambassador

      San Mateo county Community College District
      2025 – 2025

    Sports

    Handball

    Junior Varsity
    2017 – 20192 years

    Research

    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

      Canada college — Honors student
      2022 – 2022
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research

      University of California, Davis — Undergraduate research
      2026 – 2026
    • Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services

      University of California, Davis — Undergraduate Research
      2026 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Zero Waste Student Ambassador at Canada College — Provide support and organize workshops and tabling
      2025 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      Engineers Without Borders — Sub-leader technical
      2025 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    David Ford / HDR College Scholarship
    link for essay https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tQxvKo1BXrLuLVHCzO5kAw9t_Pt0sNhi/view?usp=sharing
    FMA College Scholarship
    Winner
    link for the essay https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gMDNLxMLRA0dxBWPDxUNmy4LL8KBMLf-/view?usp=sharing
    James R. Schaaf Civil Engineering Scholarship