Civil Engineering
Biography
My name is Carlisle Ballantine, and I am a sophomore civil engineering student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I would describe my greatest strength as connecting with people and encouraging those around me. I live by the philosophy that someone else’s success is not my loss; it is an opportunity to celebrate and uplift them. Whether in the classroom, on a job site, or through student leadership, I find that positivity and collaboration drive the best results.
Much of my personal growth has come from moments when I was told “no.” Initially denied admission to the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, I knew how much the program aligned with my goals. I advocated for myself, earned an interview, and ultimately secured my place in the program. That experience reinforced my belief in “go for no”—the idea that asking is always worth it because even rejection is part of moving forward.
I joined Heath IBEP to integrate my strong business foundation with my engineering studies. The program fosters a space where systems thinkers from diverse disciplines collaborate to solve problems together. I value how Heath IBEP transforms individual scholars into team-oriented project leaders who can communicate ideas effectively and adapt to challenges across industries.
Professionally, I am eager to explore as many opportunities as possible. Civil engineering offers countless pathways, and I am particularly drawn to heavy civil construction and aviation infrastructure. After my freshman year, I worked as a Field Engineering Intern with Ames Construction on a large airport project. This experience taught me the value of problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. A highlight of the summer was operating an excavator on-site. Additionally, I traveled with the Civil Engineering Department to Panama on a study trip with SOLEA Water, where we analyzed local water system implementations. As a fluent Spanish speaker, I engaged directly with community members—a meaningful experience that deepened my commitment to connecting people and strengthening engineering solutions through cultural understanding.
Looking ahead, I aspire to work internationally, using my skills in civil engineering and Spanish to make a significant impact. My ultimate goal is to pursue meaningful projects that connect communities and improve lives across the globe. At the heart of my journey is a simple ambition: to be proud not only of what I accomplish but also of who I accomplish it with.
