Hello! My name is Drew Poling, and I am freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, originally from Columbus, Ohio. I am studying civil engineering in the Swanson School of Engineering, and I hope to pursue an Engineering for Humanity certificate and possibly a minor in architecture. Outside of my academic pursuits at the university, I am also involved in multiple clubs and student organizations. I am a member of the University of Pittsburgh chapter of Engineers Without Borders, the University of Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and B.O.N.D.S at the University of Pittsburgh — a STEM education and outreach program for middle and high school students.

When back at home in Columbus, I keep myself busy through many different activities. I work at my former High School as a stage technician where I do lighting design and help to operate the fly and rigging system. When I’m not there, I’m usually outside — hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, or climbing. I recently got my SDI Scuba Diving Certification, which I’m hoping to put to good use soon. With any reaming time, I love to learn about architectural history, and I have a particular passion for Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art Deco style. I am also an adult leader with Scouting America Troop 96 where I help scouts work towards their Eagle ranks, which I earned in 2025.

My chosen Plus 3 program is taking place in the Netherlands where I will spend two weeks studying sustainability using the knowledge, experiences, and innovations of the Dutch to guide my learning. In my future career, I hope to help design and construct infrastructure that prioritizes sustainability by integrating new technology into the existing landscape of communities, improving quality of life while also preserving the historical and cultural aspects of a community. The Netherlands is one of the best places in the world to see exactly that balance in action. The cities and towns that we will be visiting are centuries old, yet they have been reimagined through some of the most forward-thinking sustainable infrastructure on the planet.

I also hope to use this trip as an opportunity to make connections and start building a network in the Netherlands and Europe as a whole, as I believe that international cooperation and partnership is critical to creating a more sustainable and just world