Jesse Ekanya is part of JEPA’s Climate and Sustainability Desk with a firm background in civil and structural engineering and a dedication to sustainable development. He is an incoming Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (MS CEE) student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), bringing with him invaluable experience from his internships at Michael Baker International and Crawford, Murphy & Tilly. 

During his internships, Jesse honed his skills in structural analysis, design, and project management, demonstrating his ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. His academic journey is distinguished by multiple honors, including the Charles E Deleuw Scholarship and the Richard Jaccoud Scholarship, awarded for his exceptional leadership and academic excellence. Jesse’s research experience at the Real-Time Automated Monitoring and Control Lab (RAAMAC) under Professor Mani Golpavar further underscores his innovative approach to engineering solutions. 

Jesse’s analytical prowess is underscored by his remarkable achievements in mathematics competitions, including a second-place finish in the Uganda National Mathematics Contest and national representation at the International Mathematics Olympiad.

In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Jesse has played a significant role in the Structural Engineering Association student chapter at his university, serving as Vice President. He also excelled as the Junior Corporate Director for the Engineering Open House Committee, the largest university STEM event in the United States, attracting over 40,000 attendees. Jesse and his team successfully secured $35,000 in funding from major corporations such as Caterpillar, John Deere, and Chevron to support the event’s organization.