Engineers in Action/
Bridges to Prosperity
I volunteered with EIA and B2P for 7 years. Our mission was to reduce the pain and suffering of rurally isolated people by helping them build pedestrian bridges. These bridges allowed them to access markets, hospitals, and schools during the rainy seasons. I worked on three construction sites in Nicaragua, and supported several other projects from the United States. I lead the Iowa chapter of EIA for two years, and acted as their advisor for two years after that.
Cleantech Open
At Cleantech Open, I was the Acceleration Program Chair for the US West division. We organized a program that helped advance startups in the clean technology area. There were tons of startups that showed promise. I was lucky enough to win the Volunteer of the Year Award!
Grand Challenges Scholars Program/
National Academy of Engineering
My experience with GCSP started with a desire to build my undergraduate degree around a specific set of ideas, and I wanted to do something about climate change. So I focused my classes, research, and future goals around this grand challenge. This led to me joining another group of students on a panel to discuss the GCSP with the NAE in Washington, D.C.
Iowa City Stormwater
Volunteer Opportunities
I started a regular event where myself and some friends would get big groups of people together to clean up trash and invasive plants along the Iowa City waterways. My best (worst?) find was a giant pile of broken toothbrushes on a dead-end street.
University of Iowa Student Government
For one semester, I served as an At-Large Senator for UISG. I represented my fellow students by lobbying state officials to reduce tuition increases, planning sustainability initiatives, and supporting other bills that improved the university.
Flood Prevention, City of Cedar Rapids
In 2016, my hometown of Cedar Rapids was faced with predictions of a huge incoming flood. After the effects of the 2008 Cedar Rapids flood, we responded with all of our energy to prevent a repeat of the previous disaster. With less than a 24 hour notice, I recruited and organized the transportation for over 50 University of Iowa students to help sandbag and prepare protective walls. Cedar Rapids saw minimal flood damage in 2016.
Nate Weger 